Dallas is the proud host of the Lone Star State Fair. You can find this fair every year during October at Fair Park, a city park located two miles east of downtown. Fair visitors will be happy to know that there is plenty of convenient parking and valet parking is even offered for those who don’t feel like entering from the parking lot.

Soccer fans will also be happy to know that the fairground includes the Cotton Bowl and yes, there are soccer games during the fair. Those who have tickets to the game can enter the fair for free on the day of, and enjoy both the competition and the fun.

Chevrolet’s main stage hosts free concerts for fair visitors, and a few big-name stars often hang out there. However, there is only room to stand, so don’t come to concerts if you can’t stand for long periods of time.

Staying to see the Starlight Parade is a great way to end your day at the fair. Every night at 7:15 a.m., colorful floats, costumed volunteers, and life-size puppets make their way through the park.

Foodies will be interested to know that the fair claims that the first Corny Dogs were invented in 1942 by dealers Carl and Neil Fletcher. You can also get many other types of Carnival food at Midway.

Entertainment at the fair takes the form of pig racing, a backyard circus, and even an Auto Show. Pig races are held three times a day at the Pan-American Arena. The Backyard Circus is a lot of fun to watch with the family and you may be chosen to participate in the audience. The Auto Show has been held every year since 1904. This show spans two buildings and still requires an outdoor truck area to contain all the vehicles on display.