It’s here. The State Fair of Texas returns Friday at noon with the traditional opening parade through downtown Dallas. The next 24 days at Fair Park will be a whirlwind of fried food, Midway games, rides, prime people-watching, and all the usual excitement that accompanies the biggest event in North Texas.

Whether you’re planning on one visit or a dozen, there is always plenty to do and see at the fair. Here are some of the best things to do and see at the fair this first week.

Save on opening day: Bring a full 20-oz. bottle of Dasani water to donate to the North Texas Food Bank and enjoy half-price admission. On Fridays, you can also print a coupon from 106.1 KISS-FM’s website for discounted admission. Go here for more ways to save money at the fair, and find discounts for every day of the week.

The parade(s): The opening parade starts at noon at Houston and Main streets downtown before winding its way to Main Street and Good Latimer in Deep Ellum. The spectacular floats, marching music, and Texas-sized pageantry serves as an excellent teaser for what’s to come. If you miss the big opener, there are more parades where that came from. The State Fair Starlight Parade floats through Fair Park every night shortly after 7 pm. You can find its route right here, or just keep your eyes peeled for the marching commotion.

Opening Day Ceremony: The traditional opening on the steps of the Hall of State will be at 7 pm Friday.

The music: The Voice winner and country music star Craig Wayne Boyd gets the honor of opening things up on the main stage Friday night. Catch DJ Rizz, Lyfe Jennings, and Authentic Soundz on the main stage Saturday, with Daniel Sanchez and Pesado stepping up Sunday. The Tejas Brothers are at the Bud Light Sound Stage for week No. 1. You’ll also find the Killdares at the Dr Pepper Stage, and the John Lewis Trio at the Wine Garden Sound Stage for the next week. Go here for a more comprehensive guide to all the free concerts at the fair this year. Here’s a main stage schedule for opening week:

Sept. 26: DJ Rizz (12-1:30 pm / 3-4:30 pm)

DJ Rizz (12-1:30 pm / 3-4:30 pm) Sept. 26: Authentic Soundz (6-7 pm /8:30-9:30 pm)

Authentic Soundz (6-7 pm /8:30-9:30 pm) Sept. 28: Shoot Low Sheriff (4-5 pm / 5:45-7 pm / 8:30 – 9:15 pm)

Shoot Low Sheriff (4-5 pm / 5:45-7 pm / 8:30 – 9:15 pm) Sept. 29: Zydeco Stingrays (4-5 pm / 5:45-7 pm / 8:30 – 9:15 pm)

Zydeco Stingrays (4-5 pm / 5:45-7 pm / 8:30 – 9:15 pm) Sept. 30: A Night of Gospel Music (5:45-7 pm / 8:30 – 9:15 pm)

A Night of Gospel Music (5:45-7 pm / 8:30 – 9:15 pm) Oct. 1: Soul Track Mind (4-5 pm / 5:45-7 pm / 8:30 – 9:15 pm)

Daily food competitions can be found in the Creative Arts Building, along with the artistic handiwork (dolls, paintings, and more) of some of Texas’ finest. While you’re there, see what new butter sculptures tie into this year’s “Passport to Texas” theme, check out the artistic competition winners, or look into what’s cooking in the weekly food competitions:

See what’s new: If you’re a longtime fair-goer eager to see what’s new this year, try one of three daily shows of the Lone Star Horse Spectacular at the Pan Am Arena, where you’ll also find pig races and a dog show every day. See the revamped performance of the ZuZu African Acrobats. The Big Texas Music Exhibit and the “Guitarras de Mexico” exhibit provide an interactive look at the region’s musical history and, of course, live performances throughout the day.

New dishes at the fair are more fried and more spectacular than ever before. For the most food for your buck, go on a Thursday, when the fair offers discounts on some of its most popular food. A new nightly light and fireworks show will illuminate the esplanade.

Stick to the classics: The auto show returns, and Big Tex’s Farmyard is back with all kinds of educational agricultural activities.

Daily shows: We recommend the aforementioned pig races at the Pan Am Arena, the Tree Man Stilt Walker, the Wild West Pet Palooza at the Band Shell, the Midway Barker, and the chainsaw carver.

The U.S. Marine and Drum Bugle Corps: Will perform daily shows in Marine Corps Square only until Oct. 6, so catch this while you can.

Drink: The Magnolia Beer Garden is only open from Friday through Monday, but Beer Haven, a 50-foot long mobile brewery, operates through the week.

A dizzying number of daily shows and activities we’ve only touched on are out at the fair this year. Grab a map and do some exploring.

On opening day, gates open at 10 am, and the Midway opens at 11 am.

Hours for the rest of the fair’s run:

Gates open: 7 am

State Fair Building and exhibits hours: 10 am-9 pm

Midway hours: 10 am-10 pm

Admission tickets are available at bigtex.com, at a Kroger near you, or at the gates of Fair Park. Food, rides, and some other activities will require the purchase of extra coupons.