Check out the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo

North Texas State Fair

and Rodeo

You don't have to wait until autumn for the State Fair of Texas in Dallas or winter for the Stock Show in Fort Worth. You can get a taste of both at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo in Denton, which starts Friday. In addition to a carnival, parade, a kids' zone and rodeo and livestock shows, there will be music from Stoney LaRue, Moe Bandy, Dale Watson, Sonny Burgess and many more country and roots-rock favorites.

Through Aug. 28 at the North Texas State Fairgrounds, 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton. $12 adults, $5 ages 7-12, children 6 and

younger free; concerts and rodeos free

with admission. 940-387-2632; www.ntfair.com