As the State Fair of Texas comes to an end and Big Tex waves goodbye, the 2024 fair brought memories for many folks.
The 2024 State Fair of Texas saw an impressive turnout, with nearly 2.4 million visitors passing through its gates. More than 549,000 visitor guides were distributed, helping attendees navigate and enjoy the wide range of activities the fair had to offer.
“At the heart of the State Fair of Texas is a commitment to creating lasting memories and celebrating what makes the Lone Star State unique,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber in an official statement. “This year we’ve seen incredible moments of joy and connection that remind us of the power of this tradition here at the most Texan place on Earth. It’s always a privilege to witness people from all walks of life come together to share in the fun, culture and community that makes the fair so special.”
The busiest day of the season was Oct. 12, during the Allstate Red River Rivalry, when Big Tex greeted over 211,000 fairgoers. Throughout the event, the Big Tex Contact Center handled nearly 12,200 calls, assisting visitors with their questions and concerns.
The fair's reach also extended beyond the grounds, as the State Fair of Texas marketing team gained 55,559 new followers across social media. One video alone attracted over 9.7 million views, further spreading the excitement and joy of the fair to people everywhere.
As a nonprofit, the fair works to support both local and statewide communities. Proceeds from the fair help maintain and improve Fair Park, fund community programs, support scholarships for Texas students and assist Fair Park’s museums. The annual State Fair of Texas is the organization’s biggest fundraiser.
The State Fair of Texas donated 1,100 admission tickets to local nonprofits, and over 180,000 canned goods were collected for the North Texas Food Bank, including jars of peanut butter. Additionally, more than 300 nonprofit leaders attended Community Engagement Day on Oct. 15, while the Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards honored seven individuals for their community service.
This year, Big Tex Urban Farms surpassed 26,360 pounds of fresh produce donated since 2016, benefiting the South Dallas/Fair Park community. Ag Awareness Day brought together 203 chapters of 4-H, FFA, and FCCLA, resulting in the donation of over 30,090 pounds of food to the North Texas Food Bank through a canned food drive. The Big Tex Scholarship Program awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships to 225 Texas students.
“The State Fair of Texas is privileged to be an integral part of the year for so many families, and we hope y’all will join us again next year for the 2025 State Fair of Texas, running in historic Fair Park from Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025,” a statement from the fair said.
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