Good morning, friends 🌞

Last week was wild, with so much going on, so here’s hoping we have a more relaxed go of it this time. Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year—National Voter Registration Day. 🥳 If you’re already a civically engaged lil’ angel, then use the day to check in with three people about their registration status. Voting is our American right, so let’s make sure all our peeps are using it. 🇺🇸 Here’s a quick and easy registration link.

Big Tex, a mainstay of the State Fair of Texas, loves a good cotton candy. While that’s a staple, you can also get far more ambitious with your food. (State Fair of Texas)

By Joey Held

The 2026 State Fair of Texas is nearly upon us! From Sept. 25–Oct. 18, the fairgrounds will welcome over 2 million guests, ranging from long-time Texan attendees to first-time out-of-towners. 

The fair is full of traditional attractions, such as midway games, rides, and live music. You’ll also find more uniquely Texan activities, including livestock exhibitions, auto shows, cooking classes, and, of course, Big Tex himself, who proudly stands and welcomes visitors to the fair. Even better, the fair is lowering its ticket prices this year, making the fun more accessible for everyone.

As is the case every year, the State Fair of Texas has no shortage of food vendors producing a staggering variety of unique dishes. Since a trip to the fair isn’t complete without filling your belly, let’s take a culinary tour of some of the more exotic items you can try.

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Thanks, as always, for reading and being part of the Courier Texas community.

Registration is now open for Branch Out Dallas. This 8-year-old city initiative gives Dallas property owners a free 5-gallon tree to improve air quality, lower temperatures, and reduce stormwater runoff into drainage systems.

Registration closes at the end of the month, and residents must pick up their trees on Nov. 7, Arbor Day. Click here to see what types of trees are available.

If you don’t live in Dallas, no worries; similar programs span the region. Flower Mound opens their free-tree giveaway a week before Texas Arbor Day, and registration for Denton’s opens on Sept. 21. And if Oncor services your area, you can get a tree here.

(Noemi Castanon/Courier Texas)

Hey y’all, it’s Noemi Castanon, your Courier DFW intern.

Let me tell you, I am the biggest coffee enthusiast and will never say no to trying a new coffee shop. 

Casi Cielo Coffee in Keller opened in 2025 when its founder Marissa wanted to start a coffee shop that’s inclusive of people with allergies or other health concerns. The ingredients are free of gluten, soy, nuts and artificial coloring or flavoring.

I recently tried it and loved that it’s located inside the bookstore A House With Books. I don’t know about you, but the combination of coffee and books in the same spot couldn’t be better. 

I tried their cinnamon toast and honey latte with honey cold foam. It was sweet without overpowering the rich and strong coffee flavor. They roast their own coffee and make their own syrups. Other menu items included tea, matcha, and lemonades.

The shop is quite spacious, with multiple areas where you can sit and enjoy. Right now, they have fall decorations all around; as soon as you walk in, you might forget it’s a hot summer day.

I know I will be going again and would recommend it to anyone in the Keller area. Their hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Don’t Sleep On is a weekly series where I shout out DFW events and businesses I think you should try. Have a suggestion? Reply to this email.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere with reporting by Joey Held and Noemi Castanon. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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