Attractions Near Interstate 30 in East Dallas

State Fair of Texas

• Each fall, when the stifling Texas heat finally begins to wane, the city gears up for its most exceptional event, a fair that has welcomed visitors since 1886. For three weeks in September and October, the State Fair of Texas transforms Fair Park, just south of Interstate 30, into a 277-acre fair of exhibits, livestock competitions, creative and culinary art shows, midway rides and fried food galore (even a fried peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwich). Perhaps the most unusual sight at the fair, a testament to Dallas' "Big D" attitude, is Big Tex---a talking, 52-foot cowboy wearing a gigantic Stetson hat.

  State Fair of Texas

  3921 Martin Luther King Blvd.

  Dallas, TX 75210

  214-565-9931

  bigtex.com

Fair Park Museums

• When it's not hosting the State Fair of Texas, Fair Park is its own consummate attraction. According to Fairpark.org, it is the only "intact and unaltered" pre-1950s world fair site in the country. Aside from its sporting arena (the Cotton Bowl), amphitheatre, and music hall, Fair Park is home to several museums, many of which are housed in 1930s Art Deco exposition buildings. The Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas Aquarium, and African-American Museum all call Fair Park home.

  Fair Park

  1121 First Ave.

  Dallas, TX 75210

  214-426-3400

  fairpark.org

Shakespeare in the Park

• Samuell-Grand Park, just north of Interstate 30, hosts Shakespeare Dallas and its Shakespeare in the Park series each summer and fall. At the bottom of a gently sloping hill, the park's open-air amphitheatre sets the stage for three of Shakespeare's beloved plays each year. Patrons are welcome to bring blankets, sand chairs and lawn chairs to enjoy the performances. Chairs are also available to rent at the park.

  Samuell-Grand Park

  1500 Tenison

  Dallas, TX 75223

  214-559-2778

  shakespearedallas.org

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

• Nestled between a historic neighborhood and White Rock Lake, a short drive north of I-30, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden encompasses 66 acres of ever-evolving gardens and green spaces. Its numerous themed gardens are home to thousands of species of plants, flowers, and trees, and numerous events take place here annually, from Dallas Blooms in the spring to Autumn at the Arboretum, as well as concerts, tea parties and picnics.

  Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

  8525 Garland Road

  Dallas, TX 75218

  214-515-6500

  dallasarboretum.org