(Updated Feb. 16)
CHEVROLET MAIN STAGE: Weekends shine with big-name stars on this outdoor festival-type stage, while weekdays host a wide array of top-notch entertainment. The 2006 lineup will be announced during the summer. All shows are FREE with State Fair admission. Sponsored by Chevrolet.
CHEVY TEST DRIVE: Fairgoers can take a 2007 model Chevrolet for a spin on the closed-course Chevrolet Test Drive located in East Park Plaza.
BLOCKBUSTER STARLIGHT PARADE: Led by the USMC Drum & Bugle Corps, this after-dark favorite features illuminated floats, accompanied by giant puppets, stilt walkers and characters in fantastic costumes. Adding to the excitement are long-time favorites, the Budweiser Clydesdales. Nightly at 7:15 p.m. Sponsored by Blockbuster. FREE.
STATE FAIR AUTO SHOW: Filling two exhibit halls and outdoor displays, the biggest new car and truck show in the Southwest features 2007 models, plus concept vehicles and weekend rallies for collectors. Admission is free for all State Fair visitors.
2007 TRUCK ZONE: Texans love trucks, and here's where to find the newest styles and accessories. Entertainment and the latest offerings from Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, GMC, as well as a few surprises.
LUXURY SHOWROOM: An up-close exhibit offering models from automakers Lexus, Infiniti, Lincoln-Mercury, Cadillac, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Jaguar, and more.
CLASSIC CORRAL: Weather permitting, come meet the owners and see more than 1,000 vehicles, including vintage T-Birds, VWs, Camaros, Cougars, 'Vettes, Model A's, Harleys, Jags, wooden boats, Firebirds, and more. Saturdays and Sundays, plus selected weekdays, across First Ave. from the Music Hall.
EAT, EAT, EAT: There are always ribbons to win for quilting, canning or baking at state and county fairs. The State Fair of Texas offers these time-honored contests, but it also presents challenges in the more "down-and-dirty" world of speed-eating. Don't miss the fourth World Corn Dog Eating Championship!
PIG RACES: And, here they come, snout-to-snout, down the stretch, back by popular demand! Three times a day, visitors can "wager" on these wiggly piglets as they send the sawdust flying in the Reliant Energy Arena. FREE.
THE BUD ZONE: The True Music Roadhouse delivers a high-energy, multi-level interactive experience with the latest music, videos on a giant LED outdoor screen, guest DJs and local bands on the front stage. The roadhouse is for guests 21 years and older. For fans of all ages, stop by for a personal visit with the world-famous Clydesdale horses, stabled in their home-away-from-home in East Park Plaza. Sponsored by Budweiser. FREE.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: The 76,000-seat Cotton Bowl will play host to Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M on Sept. 30; Texas meets Oklahoma on Oct. 7. Tickets to the games include State Fair admission.
SOCCER CHALLENGE: The International Challenge Cup features CD Guadalajara (Chivas) in the Cotton Bowl. Tickets include FREE admission to the Fair on game day. Match date and opposing team to be announced.
ENTERTAINMENT STAGES AND STREET PERFORMERS: Talented and unique entertainers perform on street corners or small stages scattered throughout the park.
BIRDS OF THE WORLD: Steve Martin's free-flight bird show celebrates its 19th consecutive year at the Fair with feathered performers from around the globe, plus a bird encounter area and more. Free shows, four times daily in the Band Shell. Sponsored by Kroger.
CREATIVE ARTS: Synonymous with fairs everywhere, this is the place to find ribbon-winners in more than 1,100 categories, including canning, quilts, photography and crafts. Contest kitchens feature daily competitions and cooking demonstrations. FREE.
BACKYARD CIRCUS: Imaginations soar when younger kids dress up in costumes and take part in a show that features lion tamers, tight-rope walkers, ballerinas and a host of circus favorites. Sponsored by Schepps Dairy. FREE.
"WORLD ON A STRING" PUPPET SHOW: Master puppeteer John Hardman and his cast of marionettes present free shows throughout the day in Creative Arts' Showplace Theater.
HOT DIGGITY DOG SHOWS: Multiple daily performances of "Top Flight K-9s," starring Lou Mack's canine acrobats, and demonstrations of "Sheep Dogs in Action" in the Pan American Arena. Sponsored by Reliant Energy. FREE.
PEE WEE STAMPEDE: Got a young buckaroo looking for some ropin' and ridin' action? Little ones are invited to grab some chaps and a hat, jump on a stick horse or bull, and go for it in the arena. Encouragement comes from the audience: the kids provide the show. Daily, in the Ranch Arena. Sponsored by CVS/pharmacy.
TEXAS LOTTERY SHOW: Zany games with prizes attract lottery fans to this hot spot of Fairtime fun. Special shows three times daily. Sponsored by Texas Lottery Commission.
720 BMX ACTION SPORTS SHOW: Talented BMX riders perform gravity-defying bicycle stunts. An all-star team performs daily in the Thrillway.
UNITED STATES MARINES: Straight from Washington, D.C., the famed U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps thrills the crowds in afternoon concerts at Marine Corps Square (dates to be confirmed). FREE.
MIDWAY: More than 70 exciting rides and shows in this neon playground, including the 212-foot Texas Star Ferris wheel and 1914 Dentzel carousel. For an adrenaline rush, the Thrillway offers the latest in X-treme experiences. Rides, games, shows, souvenirs and fantastic food-on-a-stick make the Midway one of the fair's most popular destinations.
STATE FAIR FALL GARDEN EXHIBITION: The dirt will fly as landscaping companies vie for Best of Show bragging rights in this annual gardening competition. Median strips, traffic isles and fountain bases throughout Fair Park will feature the landscapers' creations. Design and planting information is available each step of the way. Don't miss the special bed of antique roses that require virtually no maintenance. FREE.
MUNDO LATINO: Hispanic culture, art and dance are featured in a fun-filled environment. Entertainment is scheduled on stages located indoor and outdoor. FREE.
FOOD & FIBER PAVILION: From scrumptious samples of Texas beef, shrimp, biscuits and more, to exciting events and exhibits featuring demos, entertainment and fashion, the Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Fiber Pavilion offers fabulous fair-going fun. Come meet Elsie the Borden Cow, shop in the GO TEXAN stores, explore the nutrition adventure area and more. Open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., daily. FREE.
LITTLE HANDS ON THE FARM: Young visitors enjoy an opportunity to 'experience' life on a farm. Chores include egg-gathering, planting and harvesting vegetables, and feeding and milking a cow. The cycle is complete when kids receive play money for grocery shopping at the store. Sponsored by Bank of America, Dreyer's Ice Cream and Minyard Food Stores. FREE.
SPIRIT OF THE HORSE: Visitors line the fences when this fascinating show begins. Equine expert Robert Liner demonstrates his methods of training and communicating with horses. Daily, in the Ranch Arena. Sponsored by CVS/pharmacy.
LIVESTOCK: Diligence and countless hours pay off for 4H and FFA exhibitors at the Youth Livestock Auction of Champions on Oct. 6. A roster of shows and sales offers an array of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry and exotic breeds.
LIVESTOCK BREED DISPLAYS: Cows, pigs, sheep and goats are showcased in breed displays on modern livestock production. Free exhibits located in Cattle Barn 1 and the Swine Building. Sponsored by Farm Credit.
MILKING PARLOR: Cows from nearby farms are brought to the Fair for an entertaining and educational exhibit of modern milking procedures. Daily demonstrations in Cattle Pavilion 1. Sponsored by Southwest Dairy Museum. FREE.
SHOPPING? More than 300 exhibitors offer the practical, the unusual - and everything in between. Shopping opportunities abound at Grand Place, the Crafts Pavilion, the Centennial Building (inside and out), Gateway Pavilion, the Embarcadero, East Park/Gateway and the Pennsylvania Gate.
BARN TOURS: City dwellers can catch a fascinating look at the State Fair livestock barns and pavilions in this 50-minute guided tour. Groups embark every 15 minutes on the corner near "Little Hands on the Farm." Daily, except Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. FREE.
HOG HEAVEN STAGE: The State Fair's grand champion "Big Boar" will be lickin' his chops over the chance to meet fairgoers in front of the Swine Building. Daily, every hour on the hour from noon to 6 p.m. FREE.
PARADE TENT: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Starlight Parade in this walk-through display. Floats, memorabilia and an overview of the parade's history are included. Located at First Avenue and Pennsylvania, the tent is just beyond the WRR studios. Opens Sept. 30, with daily previews thereafter. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE.
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS: Based on the 1988 movie of the same name, audiences are introduced to two con men living on the French Riviera. After an unsuccessful attempt to join forces, the two men reach a compromise with hilarious results. Daily (except Mondays), Oct. 3: 22 in the Music Hall at Fair Park.
MUSEUM SHOWS: Fair Park is filled with museums that join in the Fair-time fun with special shows (TBA). Hours and admission charges will be posted at each venue.
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