The State Fair of Texas 2025 officially opens on Friday, September 26, and runs through Sunday, October 19, at Fair Park in Dallas. As the largest state fair in the country, it offers a mix of food, music, rides, shopping, livestock shows, and iconic traditions that bring millions of visitors each year.
This year’s fair introduces new attractions, updated policies, and a fresh lineup of entertainment, making it a can’t-miss event for Texans and visitors alike.
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Dates, Hours, and Admission
- Opening Day: Friday, September 26, 2025
- Closing Day: Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Fair Hours:
- Sunday–Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Parking: Opens daily at 9:30 a.m. with multiple entry gates available.
Ticket Information:
- Adult tickets range from $19–$29 depending on the day.
- Children and seniors receive discounted admission.
- Special promotional days offer additional savings.
Bag Policy: Clear bags are required for entry, with exceptions for medical and childcare needs.
What’s New in 2025
Each year, the State Fair refreshes its offerings, and 2025 is no exception. Here are some of the highlights:
- Midway Rides: New thrill rides have been added, including one of the tallest portable swing towers in North America and a cutting-edge LED propeller ride.
- Entertainment Shows: Visitors can enjoy a new breakdancing showcase alongside classic stunt performances and daily parades.
- Food Innovations: From savory creations like birria ramen and Cajun stuffed seashells to sweet surprises such as churro cheesecake jalapeño poppers, this year’s lineup is bold and adventurous.
- High School Admission Change: Students no longer receive free entry but can attend with discounted tickets on weekdays.
- Sensory-Friendly Mornings: Select Wednesdays will continue offering reduced sound and modified attractions for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Big Tex: The Fair’s Iconic Greeter
Standing at 55 feet tall, Big Tex is the unmistakable symbol of the State Fair of Texas. Each year, his arrival signals the start of the festivities. For 2025, the theme artwork, “Texas Shines Bright,” features Big Tex reaching toward the stars — a nod to the fair’s history and its future.
Food: The Star of the Fair
Fairgoers know that the State Fair is as much about food as it is about rides or concerts. Each year, creative new dishes compete in the Big Tex Choice Awards. For 2025, highlights include:
- Birria Ramen Bowl
- Meat Lovers Crunch Wrap Calzone
- Deep Fried Carbonara
- Cajun Stuffed Seashells
- Churro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper
- Baja Fish Tacos
Alongside these new creations, classics like Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, funnel cakes, and turkey legs remain must-have favorites.
Music and Concerts
Free live music is one of the fair’s biggest draws, with multiple stages hosting daily performances.
- Main Stage Acts: Popular headliners, including country, Tejano, rock, and pop performers.
- Bud Light and Bank of Texas Stages: Showcase up-and-coming regional artists.
- Special Highlights: This year’s lineup features major names, along with local favorites who capture Texas’ diverse sound.
Concerts are included with fair admission, making them one of the best values of the event.
Sports at the Fair
Two of Texas’ biggest football traditions take place during the fair:
- State Fair Classic: The annual showdown between Grambling State and Prairie View A&M kicks off on September 27, marking its 100th anniversary this year.
- Red River Rivalry: The legendary matchup between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma returns to the Cotton Bowl on October 11.
Both games bring thousands of fans to Fair Park and are central to the fair’s cultural impact.
Texas Auto Show and Vendor Highlights
The Texas Auto Show, a longtime fair staple, returns with the newest 2026 car and truck models on display. Visitors can explore the latest innovations in design and technology while enjoying the hands-on exhibits.
Shopping is also a major part of the fair. Vendor booths highlight everything from handmade Texas goods to the latest gadgets and home products. This year introduces a fresh lineup of regional artisans and specialty shops.
Livestock and Agriculture Exhibits
As the fair’s roots are tied to agriculture, livestock shows remain a central tradition. Visitors can see:
- Award-winning cattle, horses, goats, and pigs.
- Youth competitions highlighting 4-H and FFA programs.
- Educational exhibits connecting families with Texas farming traditions.
For many, these exhibits are a reminder of the fair’s heritage and its role in celebrating Texas’ agricultural backbone.
Tips for Visiting the State Fair of Texas 2025
- Go Early: Arriving before noon helps you beat the crowds and Texas heat.
- Weekdays Are Best: Lighter crowds mean shorter lines for rides and food.
- Plan Your Food Stops: With hundreds of options, check the food map before diving in.
- Use Coupons: Food and rides are purchased with coupons that can be bought on-site or online.
- Stay Comfortable: Wear breathable clothes and comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot.
- Hydrate Often: Texas fall weather can still be hot, so keep water handy.
- Check Event Schedules: Plan around concerts, parades, and football games for a smoother day.
Why the State Fair Still Stands Out
The State Fair of Texas 2025 combines nostalgia with modern flair. Whether it’s the sight of Big Tex, the smell of fried food, or the sound of music from one of the fair’s many stages, the experience is uniquely Texan.
It’s not just about rides and games — it’s about tradition, community, and a celebration of everything that makes Texas larger than life.
The gates are open, the food stands are ready, and the music is queued up. The State Fair of Texas 2025 is here to create new memories while honoring old traditions. Are you planning your visit this year? Share what you’re most excited to see, eat, or experience.