Fair Park

Historic Significance

Fair Park is a 277-acre recreational and cultural complex located in Dallas, Texas, just two miles east of downtown. Established in 1886 as the site for the Dallas State Fair, Fair Park has evolved into a year-round destination featuring museums, performance venues, and green spaces.

Annual Events

The park is perhaps best known as the home of the annual State Fair of Texas, which attracts millions of visitors each fall. However, Fair Park offers attractions and events throughout the year. It houses five museums, including the African American Museum and the Texas Discovery Gardens, as well as performance spaces like the Music Hall and the Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Architectural Heritage

Fair Park is particularly notable for its Art Deco architecture. In 1936, the park underwent a major transformation in preparation for the Texas Centennial Exposition. Architect George Dahl redesigned much of the park in the prevailing Art Deco style, creating what is now considered one of the largest collections of Art Deco exposition architecture in the United States.

This architectural legacy led to Fair Park being designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Landscape Features

The park's grounds include beautifully landscaped areas, fountains, and sculptures. The Esplanade, a 700-foot-long reflecting pool capped with three fountains, serves as a central feature.

Visitors can also enjoy the Texas Discovery Gardens, which includes a butterfly house and native plant gardens.

Events and Access

Throughout the year, Fair Park hosts a variety of events beyond the State Fair, including concerts, festivals, and sporting events. The Cotton Bowl Stadium, with a capacity of over 92,000, is a major venue for football games and other large-scale events.

Fair Park is accessible via public transportation, with a DART Green Line station located at the entrance. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering visitors ample opportunity to explore its attractions and enjoy its green spaces.