The stars at night are big and bright. Photo: Tasha "Texas Stargazer" Tsiaperas/Axios
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.
