In the past, we only visited Fair Park to stop by the Texas State Fair or to catch a Broadway show at Dallas Music Hall (one of our favorite Dallas Fair Park Attractions). So, imagine our surprise when we learned Fair Park had soooooo much more to offer. We already knew about a few of these places, but we had no idea they were all in the same general area. Surprise, surprise!
The long and short of it: If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dallas, check out Fair Park — you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Here’s a shortlist of Dallas Fair Park Attractions:
- Visit the State Fair of Texas -The ultimate Texas experience! With thrilling rides, crazy food, and fun games, you’ll find plenty to enjoy at this annual event.
- Attend Seasonal Festivals and Events – Fair Park is buzzing all year long with cultural festivals, seasonal celebrations, and events that keep the excitement going.
- Experience Dallas Children’s Aquarium – Get up close and personal with marine life!
- Explore Texas Discovery Gardens – Wander through a stunning year-round botanical garden, butterfly house and Insectarium.
- Stroll Leonhardt Lagoon Nature Walk – A peaceful walk right through the heart of Fair Park.
- Immerse Yourself in Rainbow Vomit – Nope, that’s not a typo. Step into this wild, color-packed art installation and prepare to be amazed.
- Discover the African American Museum -Art, history, culture and African American legacy.
- Admire Art Deco Architecture – Take a walking tour of Fair Park’s iconic Art Deco buildings and step back in time.
- Visit the Hall of State and Esplanade Fountain – Soak up Texas history through fascinating exhibits, stunning architecture, and breathtaking water displays.
- Stop by Dallas Firefighters Museum – Explore the history of firefighting through antique fire trucks and fascinating exhibits that honor the bravery of Dallas firefighters.
- Catch a Broadway Show at Dallas Music Hall – Enjoy year-round, world-class performances.
- Rock Out at Dos Equis Pavilion – Grab your friends and catch a concert!
- Cheer at the Cotton Bowl Classic – Watch a thrilling sports game in this historic stadium.
- Check Out Fair Park Coliseum – Whether it’s rodeos, concerts, or special events, this venue has something for everyone.
Want details? Great! Keep reading, because we’re going to go over every single one of these Dallas Fair Park attractions and share what you need to know. We’ll also give you our big recommendation at the end of this post.
Here’s What’s Up Dallas!
Table of Contents:
- Seasonal Events
- Interactive Activities
- Museums and Culture
- Live Shows
- Recommendations
SEASONAL EVENTS
Visit the State Fair of Texas
If there’s one thing Fair Park is known for, it’s the legendary State Fair of Texas! From riding the 212-foot Texas Star Ferris wheel to indulging in crazy fried food concoctions, the Texas State Fair is iconic, dating all the way back to 1886. It’s funny because we are not fair people (Fairs are hot, crowded, expensive and have long lines) but even we can admit the State Fair of Texas is something special.
Basic Information
- Location: Parry Ave & Exposition Ave, Dallas TX 75210
- Dates and Hours: Late September to Mid-October, Generally 9am to 9pm
- Prices: General Admission $15-$25; Discounts available
- Official Website: State Fair of Texas
- Additional Information: Check out the daily schedule online for live performances and special events.
Experience Seasonal Festivals and Events
Most of these festivals are Dallas Fair Park attractions that we had no idea existed! And with food, music, and art that’ll make any day special, each festival is a unique way to experience the city of Dallas.
Fair Park Festival List:
SPRING
- North Texas Irish Festival
- Month: March
- Details: One of the largest Irish festivals in the country! Features live Irish music, dancers, traditional foods, arts and crafts, and storytelling celebrating Celtic culture
- EarthX
- Month: April
- Details: Largest environmental expo in the world, showcasing sustainable technologies and environmental solutions
- Festival of Joy
- Month: April
Details: Honors Indian culture and includes a parade, dancing, food, and more!
- Month: April
- Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival
- Month: Early May
- Details: Mexican heritage celebration, also with a vibrant parade, traditional music, and delicious Mexican cuisine
SUMMER
- Dog Bowl
- Month: May
- Details: Annual event that turns the Cotton Bowl into a dog-friendly play area, with agility courses, frisbee shows, etc.
- Asian Festival
- Month: May
- Details: Celebrate the diverse cultures of Asia with performances, food, art exhibits, and demonstrations
- Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games
- Month: Early June
- Details: Scottish heritage with pipe bands, Highland games (like caber tossing), Scottish dancing, Celtic music, and plenty of Scottish food
- Fair Park Fourth
- Month: Early July (July 4th)
- Details: Massive Independence Day event with fireworks, live music, food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
AUTUMN AND WINTER
- Festivals within the State Fair of Texas
- Month: Late September to mid-October
- Details:
- Texas Wine Garden: hosts tastings and highlights local wine production
- Food & Fiber Pavilion: farm food + culinary showcases with samples
- Chevrolet Main Stage Concert Series: daily music festival with performances
- Culinary Arts Competitions: features wide range of cooking contests
- Livestock Competitions: livestock shows, exhibits, auctions, etc.
- Oktoberfest at the State Fair: Last but not least, a special themed weekend featuring German beer, food, and music
- Diwali Mela
- Month: November
- Details: Huge Diwali celebration with Indian food, dance performances, exhibits, and a grand fireworks display to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights.
- Holiday Wonder
- Month: December
- Details: Holiday light show with themed lantern displays, seasonal food, and winter wonderland type entertainment
Basic Information
- Location: Typically at Fair Park
- Dates: Year-round
- Prices: Varies by event; some are free
- Official Website: Visit Dallas
- Additional Information: Plan ahead—some events require tickets or reservations.
INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES
Children’s Aquarium Dallas
Our memories of this place are epic! Ranked 5th in the U.S. and 7th globally, the Children’s Aquarium Dallas offers interactive exhibits and up-close encounters with marine life. From brightly colored tropical fish to fearsome sharks, this place seems to have all the wonders of the ocean, not to mention touch tanks where you can pet stingrays and starfish!
Its size may be more intimate than some larger aquariums, but it packs a punch with its dynamic displays and hands-on learning opportunities. We haven’t been in years, and yet we still think of this place with a smile. One of the world’s best aquariums? Yeah, we can believe it!
Basic Information
- Location: Fair Park
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
- Prices: Adults: $13.95, Children (3-12) $9.95, 2 and Under Free
- Official Website: Children’s Aquarium Dallas
- Additional Information: Don’t forget to check out the daily feedings and special educational programs for a more immersive experience!
Explore Texas Discovery Gardens
With butterflies, blooming flowers, and lush greenery, this is the perfect spot for nature lovers to take a peaceful stroll. One of the main attractions is the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House, which features a two-story tropical conservatory that houses over 500 species of butterflies from all around the world! We’ve only been here once, but we recall being pretty impressed. You can observe butterflies from caterpillar to adult, all while enjoying a 7.5-acre garden. And it’s a Good Time on Dime too! What’s not to love?
Basic Information
- Location: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Dallas, TX
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Prices: Adults $12, Children (4-12) $6, Seniors, Students, Etc. $10
- Official Website: Texas Discovery Gardens
- Additional Information: Special events and educational programs are offered throughout the year.
Stroll Along Leonhardt Lagoon Nature Walk
Leonhardt Lagoon Nature Walk is a tranquil escape right in the middle of Dallas!
Originally built in 1936 by the Work Progress Administration (WPA), the lagoon was named after local philanthropist Dorothea Leonhardt, and in the 1980s, the lagoon received a major facelift. It was cleaned out, replanted with native Texas greenery, and transformed into a vibrant habitat for wildlife. One of the coolest additions? Two snake-like sculptures designed by artist Pat Johanson which form a walking bridge straight through the lagoon.
There are even swan boat rides! And for those who want to explore more, the Nature Walk offers 25 scenic stops. Ooh la la.
Basic Information
- Location: 1318 S 2nd Ave, Dallas, TX (near Fair Park)
- Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
- Prices: Free
- Official Website: Leonhardt Lagoon (Psst. This links to the google listing)
- Additional Information: Great for all ages; accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Immerse Yourself in Rainbow Vomit
Ready to have your senses overwhelmed in the best way possible? Rainbow Vomit is an explosion of color, light, and interactive installations. Every corner is designed to be Instagram-worthy, and the spaces are intentionally immersive. Think neon rainbows, larger-than-life murals, and surreal photo ops where reality and fantasy collide. From rooms that feel like giant crayon boxes to surreal landscapes made entirely of light, Rainbow Vomit has a lot to offer! Come here for a quirky date night or to have fun while slowly inducing sensory overload. It’s definitely one of those fun things to do in Dallas!
Basic Information
- Location: 3609 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX
- Dates or Hours: Open Wednesday to Monday; check the website for time slots
- Prices: General Admission $20, Kids $16; Discounts and Family Pack Available
- Official Website: Rainbow Vomit
- Additional Information: Tickets must be purchased in advance; limited walk-in availability.
MUSEUMS AND CULTURE
Discover the African American Museum
Yay! The African American Museum! We’ve been waiting for this one!
This museum offers thought-provoking exhibits on slavery, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement, all while celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans in art, music, science, and more. One of the museum’s standout features is its folk art collection—filled with pieces that showcase the creativity and resilience of Black artists. Special programs like lectures, live performances, and rotating exhibits ensure there’s always something new to experience.
Oh. And did we mention it’s 100% free too? Haha. Now we have you. Check out this museum soon!
Basic Information
- Location: 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM (Early 10am Open on Saturday)
- Prices: Free; donations appreciated
- Official Website: African American Museum
- Additional Information: Special exhibits and events are regularly updated on the website.
Art Deco Fair Park Tram Tour
Ok. We’re actually super proud of this one. Get this:
“Architecturally, Fair Park is one of the world’s largest collections of Art Deco buildings with a unique design approach that Chief Architect, George Dahl, described as “Texanic.” … In 1986, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark.”
Guess where we found that out? From the very organization offering Art Deco tours!
Dallas Architecture and Design Exchange offers lunchtime tram tours on the third Wednesday of each month. Now we won’t spoil the price until the Basic Information section, but suffice to say, it’s a Good Time on Dime. So, if you’re a fan of architecture or history, let this tour take you back to the 1930s when Art Deco represented the height of modernity.
Basic Information:
- Location: 3600 Parry Ave. Dallas, TX 75210
- Hours: 12pm to 2pm
- Prices: $5-10 per person
- Official Website: Fair Park Art Deco Tour
- Additional Information: The tour is 1.5-2 hours, and there is some walking (1/4 of a mile or less) which allows everyone to get up close to some of the artwork.
Visit the Hall of State and Esplanade Fountain
Technically, these are two separate Dallas Fair Park attractions that we combined together, but tomatoes, tomahtoes.
Complete with exhibits and artifacts, The Hall of State is dedicated to Texas State History. It famously includes a collection of massive murals by artist Eugene Savage, depicting pivotal moments in Texas’ past. Come for the grandiose marble floors and sweeping murals, stay for a little Lone Star State Love. Or just take pictures. That’s fine too.
While you’re there, you can take a stroll to the nearby Esplanade Fountain! Every night at 8pm, this large fountain is bathed with colored lasers during a city-loved water show. It’s a great spot for photos, especially after sunset. Consider it the perfect end to your Fair Park visit.
Basic Information
- Location: 3939 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX
- Hours: Closes 5pm. Not open on Mondays. Check website for seasonal hours.
- Prices: Free
- Official Website: Hall of State
- Additional Information: Guided tours are available; check online for details.
Engage with the Dallas Firefighters Museum
This is one of those fun, quirky things you do because, why not? With vintage fire trucks and uniforms dating back to the 1800s, the Dallas Firefighters Museum takes you on a trip through the history of firefighting. It’s a super family-friendly spot where kids can hop aboard a real fire engine and learn what it means to be a local hero. There’s plenty for adults too, including a deep dive into how firefighting has changed over the years.
And guess who gives the tours? Retired firefighters! Located in an original fire station dating back to 1907, the Dallas Firefighters Museum is definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area!
Basic Information
- Location: 3801 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
- Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Prices: Adults $6, Children $4
- Official Website: Dallas Firefighter’s Museum
- Additional Information: Group tours available by reservation and parking available onsite.
LIVE SHOWS
Catch a Broadway Show at Dallas Music Hall
We. Love. This. Place.
Funny story. This post was originally going to be entirely about Dallas Music Hall, but once we discovered all of the other Dallas Fair Park attractions, we pivoted. So for now, we’ll just say this: Music Hall at Fair Park is the place to see Broadway shows right here in Dallas. With its elegant chandeliers, plush seating, and stellar acoustics, this venue has hosted some of the biggest Broadway hits, from “Chicago” to “Hamilton.” Every season, Dallas Summer Musicals fills the calendar with a blockbuster lineup. So whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or it’s your first show, snag some tickets and check out the magic for yourself!
Basic Information
- Location: 909 1st Ave, Dallas, TX
- Dates and Hours: Varies by show
- Prices: Varies by show; check online
- Official Website: Broadway Dallas
- Additional Information: Book early; popular shows sell out fast.
Rock Out at Dos Equis Pavilion
Last year, Dos Equis Pavilion was the source of so much regret. Not because we missed Janet Jackson and Snoop Dog and Fall Out Boy, but because we missed Matchbox Twenty. Time passed too fast, and before we knew it, they were touring in a different country again. Tears!
Anyway, Dos Equis Pavilion still has some really great talent coming up, so you should totally check out their schedule. And we’ve noticed that concerts here are very affordable, with tickets often going for $50 or less (actually more when you account for those annoying ticket fees, but you get our point). The outdoor amphitheater offers both seated and lawn options. Whether you’re into rock, country, pop, or indie, there’s a live show under the stars just for you, with the Dallas skyline as a stunning backdrop.
Basic Information
- Location: 3839 S Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX
- Dates or Hours: Varies by event
- Prices: Varies by event
- Official Website: Dos Equis Pavilion
- Additional Information: Parking can be limited; consider rideshare options.
Cheer at the Cotton Bowl Classic
With seating for over 92,000 fans, this historic stadium has been around since 1930, and it’s hosted everything from the Red River Football Showdown to concerts by Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones. For football fans, the Cotton Bowl has to be one of the best Dallas Fair Park attractions, if only because it holds the Cotton Bowl Classic, a thrilling college football playoff event.
That said, we’re not big football people (don’t hate us DFW).
We weren’t even going to include this venue on our list. But then we learned something interesting: The Cotton Bowl Stadium hosts pro-women soccer games too! As a matter of fact, it’s hosting one this month. Tickets are just $30, and that price includes fees. We might not be football people, but we are soccer people. So, if you go here, don’t be surprised if you see us too.
Basic Information
- Location: 3750 The Midway, Dallas, TX
- Dates: Games throughout the year. Cotton Bowl Classic held annually on New Year’s Day.
- Prices: Varies by seat; check online
- Official Website: Cotton Bowl Classic
- Additional Information: Be aware! Depending on the event, tickets do sell out!
Fair Park Coliseum
Oh my gosh! This is the last one. For the one or two people who read this post straight through, let’s finish this together.
The Fair Park Coliseum might be one of Dallas’ best-kept secrets when it comes to entertainment venues, and it’s an absolute staple during the State Fair of Texas. Throughout the year, the Coliseum is home to concerts, car shows, local sporting events, you name it.
Whether you’re there for a rodeo, equestrian event, or one of the fair’s quirky exhibitions, this venue oozes nostalgia. Think old-school charm with a healthy dose of Texas pride. So no, you don’t have to drive all the way to the Fort Worth Stockyards to get a dose of that longhorn fever (though we have a post on the stockyards if you’re dead set on it). All you need to do is step into Fair Park Coliseum, and you can witness everything from bull riding competitions to holiday markets.
Basic Information:
- Location: 1438 Coliseum, Dallas, TX
- Hours: Varies by event
- Prices: Varies by event (check event listings)
- Official Website: Fair Park Events
- Additional Information: There is no dedicated site for the Fair Park Coliseum, so check the Fair Park Events page to see the upcoming rodeos, concerts, and family-friendly shows that happen year-round.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Our Big Recommendation!
All of the activities listed in this post are great, but we do have our favorites. So, if you’re curious about our big recommendation, here it is: Go to the Dallas Music Hall. We could write an entire post on Dallas Music Hall alone, and one day, we just might! We LOVE Broadway shows, to the point where we sometimes purchase season passes (gotta plan for it)!
We’ve seen the Lion King, the Little Mermaid, Wicked, Mary Poppins and so many more shows thanks to this fantastic venue. Our favorite was probably The Sound of Music (though Mary Poppins is a close second; the set design alone was killer). Let us tell you, they put on a show at the Music Hall! And the tickets are relatively affordable too. Truth, if you like theater, you know where to go!
Dallas Fair Park Attractions: Additional Endorsements
Do we have more recommendations? Of course we do! Our honorable mentions are the Seasonal Festivals and Holiday Celebrations (Who doesn’t love a good party?), the Dallas Children’s Aquarium (literally one of the best in the entire world) and the Texas Discovery Gardens (butterflies are awesome). And let’s not forget the African American Museum (we haven’t been yet, but we’re pretty sure we’ll be happy with it. We heard that it’s great, and admission is free).
Oh! And we’ll give a shoutout to Leonhardt Lagoon Nature Walk too (also free)!
To learn even more about Fair Park or see every upcoming Fair Park event, you can visit:
We hope this post and our recommendations helped you! If you like the idea of visiting the Texas Discovery Gardens, check out our post on the Dallas Arboretum as well as our post on an amazing local butterfly festival. And as always, if you’re looking for things to do in Dallas and things to do in DFW, sign up for our monthly newsletter to get the scoop! And leave us a comment too! We love to hear from you.❤️🙂
