Food and Drink

Love it or hate it, the State Fair of Texas is upon us. You have until Oct. 17 to eat, drink, ride, eat more, drink more and stare into the terrifying eyes of Big Tex.

• Last year’s fair was only a drive-thru event due to COVID-19. This year, masking is required indoors — but based on our time there, not everyone follows that rule.

Why it matters: Ours is, appropriately, the largest state fair in the country, with more than 2 million annual visitors. It's your chance to consume 10,000 calories of fried foods and frozen drinks, ride something that spins through the air and then watch a nice show.

• This year’s theme is a welcome back, “Howdy, folks!”