A new Old Mill stage broadens the fair’s afternoon music circuit

Photo Credit: State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas' opening-week music choices extend beyond a single headliner. A new ZiegenBock Stage at the renovated Old Mill Inn adds another destination near Big Tex Circle, with four scheduled sets each day.

For Denton readers planning a music-centered visit, the addition offers a different approach: build the outing around several shorter stops rather than one evening concert. The Old Mill's listed times are 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Malachi! is scheduled Sept. 29, Brandi Waller-Pace Sept. 30, Max Vontaine Oct. 1 and Carson Lewis Oct. 2. Current small-stage schedule

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Photo Credit: State Fair of Texas

The other stages run on different clocks. Cotton Bowl Plaza's Bud Light Stage lists sets at 1, 3, 5 and 7:30 p.m.; its coming lineup includes The Coppertones on Tuesday and Gabby and the Byrds on Wednesday. The White Claw Spotlight Stage at the Grove on Nimitz lists 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. performances. Stage locations and daily set times

Those staggered starts can help shape an itinerary, but they do not guarantee a visitor can catch complete sets at every venue. Time spent walking or ordering food still has to fit between performances.

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Photo Credit: State Fair of Texas

The Old Mill's location also connects the music program with one of the fair's food-and-patio destinations. The fair identifies the renovated venue among its places to stop for food, drinks and entertainment. A meal there is an additional purchase; the music itself is included with fair admission. Official patio listings Concert admission policy

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Photo Credit: State Fair of Texas

The fair is in its first full week after opening Sept. 25. Choosing one date and comparing that day's stage listings gives a more reliable plan than treating the entire 24-day artist roster as something available on a single afternoon.