State Fair News

More than 90 live music acts will perform at 2023 State Fair of Texas

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is playing the State Fair of Texas on October 21.

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The State Fair of Texas will return in fall 2023 with a music lineup that includes more than 90 artists performing live on three stages. Headliners include Lonestar, Ceelo Green, and 38 Special, as well as a tribute to Selena Quintanilla Pérez, Experience Selena.

Other acts kicking off opening weekend September 29 to October 1 include Chrisette Michele, Lil Jon, Hairball, and Bowling for Soup.

For the first time, the State Fair of Texas has partnered with Romeo Entertainment Group, who are producing the entire music lineup for 2023.

Based in Nashville, Romeo boasts 65-plus years of experience and a long list of clients. Romeo president & CEO R.J. Romeo says in a statement that “it's an honor to bring music to the Fair that is as expansive and varied as the great state of Texas itself. I am proud of our team, led by Lacey Hayes, for programming such an outstanding lineup."

According to fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis, Romeo replaces Glenn Smith Productions, who retired after more than 30 years. In 2018, the State Fair team also began working with Dallas-based record label State Fair Records to book other free live music stages throughout the fairgrounds, which might help explain why the local bands selected are so good.

Fairgoers can experience all different kinds of live music – country to R&B, Norteño to electro-pop – across the fairgrounds during all 24 days of the 2023 State Fair of Texas, all included with their admission ticket.

The Chevrolet Main Stage is an outdoor venue with a huge festival-type stage and experience, as well as an ADA-compliant area for guests needing special assistance. Featuring headlining and regional acts, the Chevrolet Main Stage is located next to the Craft Pavilion, near the Hall of State.

Highlights include:

September 29: Lonestar
September 30: Ceelo Green/ Chrisette Michele
October 1: La Zenda Nortena
October 2: UNT Four O'Clock Lab Band
October 3: Bowling For Soup
October 6: Hairball/ Matt Hillyer
October 7: Lil John
October 8: 38 Special
October 9: Little Mermen
October 13: X Ambassadors
October 14: Craig Morgan
October 15: Shane Smith & The Saints
October 20: Forever Motown / The War & Treaty
October 21: Charlotte Sands / Red Jumpsuit Apparatus / We the Kings
October 22: Yahritzia Y Su Esencia

The Bud Light Stage, located in the heart of Cotton Bowl Plaza, showcases local and regional talent all 24 days of the Fair.

Highlights include many of Dallas' and Texas' best and brightest acts such as the State Fair Records All Star Band, John Pedigo's Magic Pilsner, Matt Tedder, Brave Combo, Rosie Flores, Ginny Mac, The O's, Max Stalling, and DJ Mark Ridlen.

The Yuengling Flight Stage, located outside the Go Texan Pavilion, features a Friday night comedy series, titled “Deep Fried Comedy,” along with live music throughout the week.

Highlights include: Shelley Carrol, Charming Gardeners, Katrina Cain, Lorena Leigh, Ceci Ceci, Min, Saborcito Puro, Vanita Leo, Garrett Owen, and a showcase by Spinster Records.

The full schedule of acts with dates and times can be found online.

The 2023 State Fair of Texas will open on September 29 and run through October 22.

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FIFA in on the big screen

Dallas' Klyde Warren Park turns into free World Cup watch party hub

Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park will host free watch parties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dallas' Klyde Warren Park is set to become one big watch party for 2026 FIFA World Cup. The park will host free public viewing events for nearly the entire tournament, showing dozens of matches on a giant outdoor LED screen in the heart of downtown Dallas.

According to a release, the park's "Global Watch Parties" will run from June 11-July 19, turning the 5.4-acre green space into a gathering spot for both devoted soccer fans and those who just want to experience the excitement of the tournament with others.

The watch parties will be free to attend and are expected to draw thousands of local residents and international visitors. Matches will be broadcast live from FOX and Telemundo in both English and Spanish. The park's viewing schedule can be found here.

Games will be shown every day of the tournament except Saturday, July 4 and designated tournament "rest" days on July 8, 12, 13, 16, and 17. Programming could begin as early as 6 am and continue until 10 pm, according to the release.

In addition to the matches themselves, visitors can expect food trucks, dining options, live music, fitness classes, family activities, public art installations, and appearances by local soccer organizations and community partners.

On weekends, Olive Street between the east and west sides of the park will be converted into a pedestrian plaza to improve access and accommodate larger crowds, organizers say.

“Klyde Warren Park has always been Dallas’ town square — a place where people from every neighborhood, background and culture come together to celebrate the moments that define our city,” says Kit Sawers, president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, in the release. “The FIFA World Cup will bring the world to North Texas, and we’re proud to provide a free, welcoming space where fans and families can experience the excitement together in the heart of Dallas.”

Fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch games from the lawn, while surrounding restaurants and food vendors will help create a festival atmosphere throughout the tournament.

The schedule overlaps with Klyde Warren Park's annual Independence Day celebration (including the fireworks) on July 4, adding another major event to a busy summer in Dallas.

“These watch parties extend the World Cup experience far beyond the stadium,” Sawers says. “Whether you have match tickets or not, this gives everyone an opportunity to be part of the energy, pride and global connection that comes with hosting one of the world’s biggest sporting events.”

Nine FIFA World Cup matches (more than in any other host city) will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, dubbed "Dallas Stadium," for the tournament. They will start with Netherlands vs. Japan on June 14, followed by England vs. Croatia on June 17, Argentina vs. Austria on June 22, Japan vs. Sweden on June 25, and Jordan vs. Argentina on June 27.

The stadium will also host two Round of 32 matches (June 30 and July 3), one Round of 16 match (July 6), and one Semi-Final match (July 14).

Early estimates said Dallas-Fort Worth could welcome nearly 4 million visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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