Howdy, folks! If you’re one of the thousands of people attending the kick-off to the drive-thru State Fair of Texas this weekend, you’ll hear those famous two words booming from the mouth of Big Tex, even from under his giant mask. In addition to hanging out with the big guy and eating Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, you can find deep-fried delights all over town in honor of fair season. And in between all that eating, you can drink beer at an Oktoberfest celebration or do yoga with a pomeranian. Not too shabby for the first weekend of fall.
Jam out to live music or pick up some State Fair-style takeout
Friday, 8-11pm
Addison
Dine on the patio at Ida Claire in Addison for live music this Friday night from country singer Matt Tedder. Might we suggest a few drinks in the fresh air then head home with takeout. A $40 Southern Fare kit, which includes Andouille sausage corn dogs, grilled corn, beignets, plus red beans and rice. Peach cobbler waffle cones with bourbon buttercream can be added on for only $5 each.
Cost: Live music (free); Southern Fare Kits ($40)
Cheer on the Dallas Stars during the Stanley Cup finals
Friday & Saturday, 7pm
Victory Park
Head to American Airlines center for a socially distanced watching party as the Dallas Stars take to the ice for games 4 and 5 of the Stanley Cup finals. Or if you’re up for the splurge, get a $799 VIP seat that includes dinner, drinks, a customized jersey, and a photo in the locker room.
Cost: From $20
Get a great pumpkin at Dallas Farmers Market
Friday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
Downtown
Decorate for autumn -- or cook a big ol’ pie -- with more than 25 different varieties of Texas pumpkins imported all the way from Floydada, Texas. The patch is open daily through Halloween inside the Shed.
Cost: Free
Drive through the State Fair of Texas and eat till you're stuffed
Friday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
Fair Park
For the first time in 134 years, the State Fair of Texas has converted to a drive-thru experience with a choice of two food-and-photo packages starting this weekend. The packages are selling out quickly, so if you miss out this weekend book ahead for one of the next three. Packages include a professional photo with Big Tex, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, Jack’s French Fries, Stiffler’s Fried Oreos, cotton candy, kettle corn, drinks, and even a midway prize. We did a preview of the drive-thru last weekend and it was a really unique way to see Fair Park while keeping several people employed at the same time.
Cost: $65-$99 (plus additional food items available a la carte)
Chow down at 'It's Not Fair' at the Rustic
Friday to Sunday
Uptown
The Rustic hosts a state fair themed pop-up event this weekend and every day through October 18. Stop in for fair food staples, games, and live music in the big open-air backyard or at 75% capacity indoors.
Cost: Free
Social-distance mingle with other beer lovers at Oak Highlands Brewery Oktoberfest
Friday to Sunday, various times
Lake Highlands
For the second weekend in a row, Oak Highlands Brewery hosts a traditional Oktoberfest celebration complete with live music, games, food, and plenty of German-style beers on tap. Tables and chairs will be provided and spaced at least six feet apart from other groups.
Cost: Free
Do downward dog with Squirrel the Pomeranian
Saturday, 10am
Uptown
A full Downward Dog Days of Summer event kicks off with a special yoga session featuring Bret McKinney and Squirrel the Pomeranian, followed by a complimentary mimosa and a Q&A session with local dog trainer extraordinaire Brad Bevill. Local vendors will be on hand, plus pomeranians and other dogs will be on-site for adoption. And $17 of proceeds from each $20 ticket directly benefit the Recycled Poms rescue group and FIDO (Fashion Industry Dog Organization).
Cost: $20
Raise your glass to Parktoberfest featuring a drive-in Brave Combo concert
Saturday, 5:30-10pm
McKinney
Hop in your car and head to McKinney, then stay in your car for a special polka-fueled concert from Brave Combo. Venture out of your front seat for food trucks, a TUPPS Brewery keg tapping, and other socially distanced Oktoberfest activities.
Cost: $65 (up to 6 adults in a car)
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