State Fair of Texas nears pre-pandemic attendance numbers with 2022 turnout

The State Fair of Texas welcomed nearly 2.5 million visitors during this year’s 24-day run, reaching close to pre-pandemic attendance rates.

After the 2020 edition of the state fair was cancelled because of COVID-19, the State Fair of Texas reopened its doors in 2021 and welcomed over 2.2 million visitors. The fair saw over 2.5 million visitors in 2019.

This year’s fair ran from Sept. 30 through Oct. 23 and marked Big Tex’s 70th anniversary, which was celebrated on Oct. 4 with a nine foot by four foot Kroger birthday cake.

The 2022 fair raised a record breaking $1.9 million for youth livestock exhibitors during the 74th Annual Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and over $1.2 million in college scholarships was awarded to more than 200 Texas students.

Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas President, said in a statement that the State Fair of Texas, at its core, is about community.

“There is nothing more fulfilling for our team than seeing folks from all walks of life gather together and mutually share and enjoy the Fair,” Glieber said.

The 2023 State Fair of Texas will run from Sept. 29 through Oct. 22 in Dallas’ historic Fair Park.