The best time of the year has officially arrived! The State Fair of Texas is back, so we're giving you the 101 to new fried bites, this year's entertainment and attractions, tips and tricks, and everything else you need to know about the "most Texan place on earth"!
Updated October 2025
THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS
Everything's bigger in Texas, even the fair! The State Fair of Texas is the longest-running fair in the nation, and this year's 140th edition is open September 25 through October 18, themed "Stars, Stripes, and Howdies." It's home to Big Tex, who debuted a fresh look this year with new Lucchese boots, a Cavender's shirt, a Resistol hat and Levi's jeans, plus fun rides and fried food galore, from fried pho to fried ranch and more!
This year is also easier on the wallet: tickets and parking cost less than last year, and Midway rides and games are about 17 percent cheaper on average. Gates are open 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Thursday and Sunday, and 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
NEW FAIR FOOD
It wouldn't be the fair without creative fried concoctions, and every year they debut a new lineup you don't want to miss! The 2026 Big Tex Choice Award winners are:
Best Savory: Burger Chop Tater Tacos, a burger patty with onions and jalapeños in a shell made of tater tots.
Best Sweet: Fletcher's Chocolate Corny Dog, filled with milk chocolate fudge and fried in corn dog batter.
Best Sipper: Tropical Coco Fresca.
Most Creative: Berry Me in Matcha, a matcha cheesecake on a stick.
LIVE MUSIC
Clint Black, Bowling for Soup, Kansas, Queensrÿche, Gym Class Heroes, and more will grace the stages of the State Fair, and all shows are included in admission! Nearly 100 artists are performing across four stages over all 24 days. A few things to know: bigtex
- Still to come: Look ahead to Red Hot Chili Pipers (Oct. 8), Paul Wall's Fall Ball (Oct. 10), Deep Blue Something, Tripping Daisy and Toadies (Oct. 11), RaeLynn (Oct. 14), The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA (Oct. 15), Gym Class Heroes and 3OH!3 (Oct. 17), and a Last Bandoleros/Emilio Navaira tribute on closing day (Oct. 18).
- Indoor Main Stage: The Chevrolet Main Stage has moved indoors to Fair Park Coliseum this year, with first-come, first-served seating.
- Old Mill Inn: The historic Old Mill Inn near Big Tex Circle has been revived and now has its own live-music stage.
NEW ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT
We are so excited to check out all the new attractions and entertainment this year, like:
- Thor and Impact: Two new thrill rides debut on the Midway. They join the 70-plus rides, including the 212-ft. Texas Star Ferris wheel and 500-ft. Top o' Texas Tower.
- Little Lone Stars Land: This new family zone puts the kiddie rides, games, play area, petting zoo and Fringe Stage in one place.
- Texas in the Saddle: An all-new educational horse show at the Pan Am Arena, with a "Beyond the Saddle" display of horses and their Texas ties.
- Esplanade Fountain Shows: The fountain now performs every 30 minutes from 1 to 5 p.m. each day, not just at night.
- State Fair Clásico: On October 17, Dallas Trinity FC takes on Chivas Femenil at Cotton Bowl Stadium.
- New Hall of State exhibits: "Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman's University" and "Unquiet Legacies: Dynamic Dallas Women." Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos is back there too.
- Mandela: The Official Exhibition: Making its Texas debut at the African American Museum.
- New mascots: Two new mascots walk the grounds alongside Little Big Tex.
RETURNING FAVORITES
P.S. All the classic shows you love will be back again this year, like:
- ¡Fiestas de Marionetas!: More than 85 handmade marionettes, now with a brand-new stage, at the First Ave. Amphitheater.
- World of Magic: Neon lights, lasers and a floating robot at the Magic Hat Theater.
- Starlight Parade: Nightly floats and puppets, now with two new floats.
- Texas Auto Show: The newest car models, plus the Chevrolet Ride & Drive at Chevrolet Park Plaza.
- Mighty Mike and USA Breakdancers: Both perform on the Fringe Stage, with USA Breakdancers running Oct. 7–18.
- Showstoppers: The giant inflatables return for a sixth year at the Dr Pepper Kidway Stage.
- Pig Races: Racing piglets in colorful silks, four times a day at Chevy Park Plaza.
- Allstate Red River Rivalry: Texas vs. Oklahoma kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, at the Cotton Bowl. Your game ticket also gets you into the Fair.
TIPS & TRICKS
Discounted Ride Days
Every Tuesday, most Midway rides are 5 coupons and kiddie rides are just 3 (excluding the Thrillway and Texas Star Ferris Wheel).
Discounted Food Days
Every Thursday is Thrifty Thursday, when participating food vendors offer a signature menu item at a reduced price, from mini versions to regular-sized treats.
$7 Fair Days
On Wednesdays, bring five canned food items for $7 admission (the donation program ends at 5 p.m.). All donations go to the North Texas Food Bank!
Senior Days
Every Thursday, seniors 60 and older get in for $7 at the gate or $9 online.
Kids Pricing for Adults
Adult admission drops to $10 after 5 p.m. Monday–Thursday (it's $20 after 5 p.m. Friday–Sunday). Kids ages 3–12 are $10 every day.
Value Days
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Big Tex Insiders can get a promo code for $12 online admission. Sign up at BigTex.com/Insider.
Coupons Don't Expire
If you have unused coupons lying around, bring them! Food and Midway coupons never expire and can be used for future Fairs.
Skip the Parking Hassle
DART's new State Fair Flyer weekend shuttle runs from four transit centers directly to Lot 8 at Fair Park.
Bring Water and Snacks!
You can bring your own food and drinks in, and soft-shell coolers that meet the bag-size policy are allowed (no loose ice, glass or alcohol). It's great if you have kids who get hungry fast or food allergies, but leave room for the fried foods!
Sensory Mornings
Each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., adjustments are made around the fairgrounds, with reduced lights and sounds on designated areas of the Midway from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The remaining dates are October 7 and 14.
That's the 101 to the 2026 State Fair of Texas! With new thrill rides, wild fried bites, free live music and plenty of ways to save, there's no better way to spend a fall day in Dallas. The Fair runs through Sunday, October 18, so grab your coupons, wear your walking shoes (or cowboy boots) and come hungry.
Want more State Fair scoop? Check out our other blog updates for the latest on Fair food, entertainment and insider tips.
