October in Dallas means The State Fair of Texas.

If you are a fan of college football, corn dogs or midway games (or all of the above) and within driving distance of Dallas, you must check out "The Fair."

A Texas institution since 1886, The Fair provides endless entertainment for all ages.

According to a Google Search, The State Fair of Texas counts more than 2.5 million visitors a year:

The State Fair of Texas had the highest attendance of all fairs in 2022, industry news source Carnival Warehouse announced last week. The State Fair of Texas saw 2.5 million people at Dallas' Fair Park in 2022, edging it just above the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's 2.4 million attendees.

I quickly noticed that there were PLENTY of Cowboys jerseys on display in the crowd.

For a Texas native like myself, Big Tex's recorded welcome, Fletcher's corn dogs, The Midway and The Texas Star all evoke viscerally fond memories.

After wandering through the massive livestock area replete with pigs, horses, cattle, sheep and chickens, I stopped to listen to some live music at one of the many performance areas and then found another stage with a circus-style act. Here is a map to help you plan your visit.

When you get too hot walking around outside, tour the heavily air-conditioned automotive exhibition halls near Big Tex and purchase your water and soft drinks for only $1 at the Daughters of the American Revolution house nearby.

Please note that The State Fair of Texas only runs through October 22.

When the Fair closes, visits to The Dallas Museum of Art, Klyde Warren Park and/or The Sixth Floor Museum are also great choices for a Saturday afternoon.