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5 great fests this week: State Fair of Texas, Oktoberfest and more

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State Fair of Texas

Ready to say "howdy" to Big Tex? The fair's cowboy mascot will preside over 24 days featuring wacky fried foods, 85 concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage (and plenty of others elsewhere), rides, shows and more.

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One of this weekend's highlights is the State Fair Classic football game between Prairie View A&M and Grambling State. New attractions include Beer Haven, described as "the world's largest bar on wheels." The 53-foot-long truck will serve 60 beers, including fair-themed brews, on tap.

Want more deep-fried awesomeness? Check out our page devoted to all things State Fair.

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Western Days

Feel like going back to the wild, wild West? This year's Western Days event offers an expanded Western Village featuring the Ghost Horse Native American Dancers, the Legends of Texas gunfighters, a mechanical bull, an Old West jail for photo ops and a working blacksmith.

Three stages of live music including performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd and Wade Bowen, a culinary corner, art exhibits, community group performances, a cattle-drive parade and a tamale-eating contest will round out the fun. The Kid Kountry Playground for ages 3 to 12 has bounce houses, inflatable obstacle courses, a train, "steer" roping, a Longhorn steer pen that's great for picture-taking and a young anglers fishing tank. Wristbands for the playground are $12 and good for both days; individual coupons are 50 cents each.

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Greek Food Festival of Dallas 

Try feta bites, lamb sliders, gyros, dolmas, spanakopita, baklava and more during Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church's centennial celebration (you can also tour the church, which is really interesting and beautiful).

Food will be available for lunch and dinner for dine-in or take out. There will also be music, dancing, and the Festival Taverna, which serves wine and beer. Hit the marketplace to browse among an array of items, including jewelry, sailors' caps, pottery, icons and more.

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Fort Worth's Oktoberfest

We're now well into Oktoberfest season, and this week, you can choose from three to attend (Fort WorthMcKinney and Rahr & Sons). Everything is more fun when you're in costume, so break out your dirndls and lederhosen before you go.

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In Fort Worth, there'll be stein-hoisting, stein-carrying and bier barrel-rolling competitions, a dachshund race and music. Indoor and outdoor biergartens will serve Spaten's Oktoberfest brew, as well as craft beers from around the country.

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Dog Days of Denton

Can your dog sing? Dance? Does he or she know how to rock a costume? No matter your answers, both you and your pooch will enjoy those three contests as well as dog obedience tests, an agility course and demonstrations by Dallas Dog & Disc Club at this 22nd annual event.

Also on the agenda: a canine couture fashion show, demos and performances by dogs and trainers, pet care information, pet rescue groups and even glamour shots for your four-legged friends. The requisite food and arts and crafts vendors will also be on hand to ensure your festival experience is fun. For everyone's safety, make sure that your dog's vaccinations are up to date and that he or she stays leashed at all times.

Shannon Sutlief and Ann Pinson contributed to this report.