Big Tex is back: What's new at the State Fair of Texas

Dig up your most Texan outfit and prepare yourself for greasy foods, large crowds and some TLC.

• The State Fair of Texas is back.

Why it matters: The 24-day fair raises money for local initiatives and has something for everyone — concerts, automotive eye candy, cooking contests, massage chairs, a butter sculpture, swan boats, carnival rides and rodeos.

The latest: The iconic '90s group TLC performs Saturday. The concert lineup will also feature Joshua Ray Walker on Oct. 6 and the Band Perry on Oct. 10.

What's new: Head to the Women's Museum at 6:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays for the fair's new jazz concerts.

• The fair's first women's soccer match is on Oct. 18, when Dallas Trinity FC plays Club América Femenil. Match tickets will include fair admission.
• This year, the Hall of State will have a Día de Muertos exhibit and display art drawn using coffee.

Pro tip: The first weekdays of the fair tend to be the least crowded.

• The Red River Showdown on the fair's third Saturday had the highest attendance last year, with about 212,000 visitors.
• Indigenous Peoples' Day — on Oct. 13 this year — is usually busy.

Yes, but: A new bag policy requires clear bags and soft-shell coolers, with some exceptions. Small clutches will be allowed.

• After 5pm, minors need to be accompanied by an adult to enter the fairgrounds.

What's next: The fair runs through Oct. 19.