It’s almost time for the State Fair of Texas. The biggest Fair in the country and most Texan Place on Earth means it’s the perfect opportunity to do, see, eat, and experience all the good stuff. Here’s a quick guide to help you get the most out of your Fair visit and give helpful hints to make it a blast for you and the family.
Here’s What to Know:
The 2025 State Fair of Texas will take place at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. Spanning approximately three weeks, this year’s event runs from September 26 – October 19, 2025. In case this is your first time, Dallas’ Fair Park is a National Historic Landmark, and it provides the perfect backdrop for fun adventures with its art deco architecture and spacious grounds. Plan for warm weather, and be sure to wear your comfy shoes.
Must Visit Signature Attractions and Activities
Big Tex
The legendary 55-foot-tall cowboy, Big Tex, serves as the iconic greeting figure of the fair. A symbol of Texas hospitality, he welcomes guests with his signature wave and friendly “Howdy, folks!” It’s the perfect place for
Fried Food Extravaganza
The State Fair is famous for its innovative and sometimes outrageous fried foods. Each year, the Big Tex Choice Awards spotlight new culinary creations, from fried desserts to savory snacks that push the boundaries of flavor and imagination.
Sports Action
This year’s lineup brings soccer, football, rodeo and more. This marks the first year of the State Fair Clásico, an all-new premier international soccer match taking place during the 2025 State Fair of Texas. Dallas Trinity FC will be facing off against legendary international organization Club América Femenil, bridging two vibrant soccer cultures at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 18.
The Cotton Bowl Stadium will be homefield to iconic football rivalries again this year. On Saturday, September 27, the Grambling State University Tigers and the Prairie View A&M University Panthers kick off at 6:00 p.m. and the always spectacular Battle of the Bands will take place at halftime during the annual State Fair Classic. The Allstate Red River Rivalry between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas Longhorns will come back its 96th consecutive neutral ground game with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, October 11.
Live Entertainment
The 2025 lineup will feature local talent, national acts, and cultural performances across multiple stages, ensuring there’s something for every taste in music and entertainment. Don’t miss the USA Breakdancers that blend traditional high-energy breakdancing with their signature comedic stylings. It will be an unforgettable fusion of slick moves and laugh-out-loud moments. On the Fringe Stage, Agents Honeymoon and Butterfly endeavour ‘to save humanity with laughter, one show at a time’. Wearing awesome action suits, they perform a spectacular fire juggling act and enlist the help of civilian sleeper agents.
The State Fair’s live music lineup is legendary and features more than 90 acts across three stages, playing all 24 days of the Fair. The Chevrolet Main Stage will host headlining performances from TLC, Paul Wall, The Band Perry, Hawthorne Heights, Hoobastank, and more. In addition, partnership with State Fair Records, the East Dallas-based label, produces programs on the Bud Light Stage and Bank of Texas Stage. Expect excellence with strong ties to local, regional, and statewide music scenes. The Bank of Texas Stage will also feature Deep Fried Comedy, live stand-up, on Friday nights at 8:00 p.m.
Midway and Rides
Thrill-seekers can enjoy a wide variety of rides, from classic Ferris wheels and carousels to heart-pounding roller coasters and games of skill. New for this year is the tallest portable swing tower in North America at 177 feet called the Thunderbird and the Defender, which is high-impact propeller ride dazzles riders with its fast action movements and LED light show.
Agricultural Exhibits
Agricultural heritage is at the heart of the fair. Livestock shows, horticulture contests, and educational exhibits showcase the best of Texas farming and ranching. Don’t miss the State Fair Rodeo — the best and brightest of the arena shine every weekend of the State Fair, Friday through Sunday at the historic Fair Park Coliseum.
| UPRA Big Tex Rodeo Series Championship | Friday, September 26 – Saturday, September 27 |
| Youth Rodeo Finals | Sunday, September 28 |
| State Fair of Texas Ranch Rodeo | Friday, October 3 – Saturday, October 4 |
| State Fair of Texas Mexican Fiesta Rodeo | Sunday, October 5 |
| State Fair of Texas Presents: ProRodeo Rough Stock Kickoff | Friday, October 10 – Saturday, October 11 |
| Cowboys of Color Rodeo | Sunday, October 12 |
| UPRA Finals |
Shopping and Vendors
The fair’s marketplace offers everything from handcrafted goods to Texas-themed apparel, making it a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your 2025 State Fair of Texas experience, visitors are encouraged to check the official website for up-to-date information on ticket prices, event schedules, parking, and accessibility options.
The State Fair offers a range of ticket packages, including discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel.
Visit and see the complete entertainment listing, visit BigTex.com/Attractions.
Season Passes and FLEX Tickets are now available for purchase at BigTex.com/Tickets.
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