The State Fair of Texas in Dallas, Texas, captures the essence of Texan culture with its blend of entertainment, agriculture, cuisine, and community spirit. For over a century, this iconic event has drawn visitors from across the state and beyond to experience its unique attractions and create lasting memories.
At Liberation Ranches, we understand the deep connection many people have to Texas — not just its land, but its lifestyle, heritage, and traditions. As a company that helps people find their own piece of Texas through thoughtfully developed ranchettes, we see events like the State Fair as a celebration of the very values that make rural landownership so meaningful: community, agriculture, and independence.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025 State Fair of Texas, from iconic attractions and mouth-watering food to practical tips that will help you make the most of your visit.
What is the State Fair of Texas?
The State Fair of Texas is the nation’s largest and longest-running state fair, a 24-day celebration of all things Texan held annually at Fair Park in Dallas. Running from late September through October 2025, current dates for this year are: September 26th to October 19th. This iconic event combines agricultural exhibitions, live entertainment, carnival rides, unique foods, and Texas culture into one massive celebration. The fair serves as a showcase of Texas pride, innovation, and heritage while welcoming approximately 2.4 million visitors last year.
What truly sets the State Fair of Texas apart is its commitment to education, agriculture, and community development through various scholarship programs and initiatives. The fair is more than food and entertainment—it is also a non-profit organization that has contributed over 20.1 million dollars to the Big Texas Scholarship Program.
Visitors experience a perfect blend of tradition and innovation against the backdrop of Fair Park’s stunning Art Deco architecture, a National Historic Landmark.
History of the Texas State Fair
The State Fair of Texas began in 1886, originally named the Dallas State Fair and Exposition, and was initially organized by a group of businessmen as a way to promote Dallas and showcase Texas agriculture and livestock. The early fairs featured horse races, cattle shows, and carnival attractions that drew visitors from across the state. After several location changes, the fair found its permanent home at Fair Park in 1904, where it has remained for over a century.
Throughout its history, the fair has persevered through challenging times, including two World Wars, the Great Depression, and even temporary closures. The fair’s resilience reflects the enduring spirit of Texas itself.
During the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, Fair Park underwent a massive transformation with the construction of many of the Art Deco buildings that still stand today, creating the architectural landscape that has become synonymous with the fair experience.
Who is Big Tex?
Big Tex is the 55-foot-tall cowboy mascot who has become the undisputed symbol of the State Fair of Texas since 1952. This towering figure stands at the heart of the fairgrounds, greeting visitors with his booming “Howdy, folks!” that can be heard throughout Fair Park. Dressed in a 95-gallon hat and size 96 boots, Big Tex represents the larger-than-life spirit of Texas.
Beyond being a photo opportunity, Big Tex serves as the fair’s central landmark and meeting point, with his location on every map labeled “Big Tex Circle.” His annual installation marks the unofficial countdown to the fair’s opening each year.
State Fair goers will always see Big Tex dressed from head to toe in Dickies. Big Tex’s clothes are personally tailored by the original Dickies location in Fort. Worth and made to withstand a month’s worth of natural elements like rain and wind.
Things to Do at the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas offers an incredible variety of attractions and activities that cater to visitors of all ages and interests. From thrilling rides to cultural exhibits, the fair provides endless entertainment options throughout its run.
Many families develop traditions around specific attractions, returning year after year to experience their favorites while discovering new offerings.
Live Entertainment
The State Fair of Texas features multiple stages with free concerts and performances included with admission. The Chevrolet Main Stage hosts nationally recognized musical acts spanning genres from country and rock to R&B and Latin music. The schedule typically includes performances by Texas favorites alongside up-and-coming artists and established stars.
This year’s current entertainment lineup features:
- TLC
- Paul Wall
- Hoobastank
- Cold War Kids
- La Mafia
- La Reunion Norteňa
Beyond musical performances, visitors can enjoy everything from dance troupes and puppet shows to animal acts and cultural exhibitions. The Texas State Fair Band performs daily throughout the grounds, while specialized venues like the Creative Arts Building showcase demonstrations in crafts, cooking, and other skills.
All entertainment is included with general admission, making it an exceptional value for visitors.
What to Eat
Food stands as one of the fair’s main attractions, with vendors competing each year to create the most innovative and delicious offerings. The annual Big Tex Choice Awards highlight the most creative new foods, with categories for “Best Taste” and “Most Creative” generating significant buzz before the fair begins. Previous winners have included unexpected creations like deep-fried butter, fried Thanksgiving dinner, and cotton candy tacos.
No visit is complete without sampling iconic fair foods like Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs, a staple since 1942, or the famous funnel cakes topped with powdered sugar. Budget-conscious visitors should plan for “Thrifty Thursdays,” when participating food vendors offer special discounted items.
The fair operates on a coupon system for food and rides, with booths located throughout the grounds for purchasing these coupons.
The Texas Auto Show
The Texas Auto Show represents one of the nation’s largest and longest-running automobile exhibitions, spanning multiple buildings and outdoor areas throughout Fair Park. This massive showcase features hundreds of the latest models from major manufacturers, allowing visitors to explore vehicles in a no-pressure environment.
The indoor and outdoor displays include cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles arranged by manufacturer. Interactive displays and knowledgeable representatives are available to answer questions about features, specifications, and new technologies.
This auto lineup for 2025 includes:
- Ram
- Jeep
- Toyota
- Dodge
Entry to the Texas Auto Show is included in the State Fair ticket.
Automobile enthusiasts particularly enjoy the Truck Zone, where the latest pickup trucks are displayed alongside specialized and custom vehicles.
Livestock and Agricultural Events
The agricultural heritage of the State Fair of Texas remains alive through extensive livestock competitions and exhibitions. The fair hosts some of the most prestigious livestock shows in the country, with competitors bringing their prize cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and poultry to compete for ribbons and awards.
Daily livestock demonstrations provide educational opportunities for urban visitors to learn about farming and ranching.
Key agricultural attractions include:
- Youth Livestock Auction: Takes place on October 3rd, agriculture students showcase and auction off livestock like cows, calves, goats, and more.
- Ag Awareness Day: This is an opportunity for ag students to come and get hands-on agriculture experience and go on a scavenger hunt across Fair Park.
- The State Fair of Texas Rodeo: The Rodeo is a blend of different events that showcase Western, Mexican, and African-American cultures, ag competitions, and more.
- Cowboy Trey: An educational talk show for families and youth to learn about different farm animals and how the food production system works.
These events connect visitors to Texas’s agricultural roots while supporting the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
The Oncor Petting Zoo
The Children’s Barnyard and Oncor Petting Zoo provide an interactive experience for young fairgoers to connect with animals in a safe, supervised environment. Located in the Pan American Arena, this popular attraction features a variety of farm animals, including goats, sheep, calves, and chickens that children can touch and feed.
Animal feed is available for purchase, allowing children to hand-feed many of the gentle creatures.
Beyond the traditional farm animals, the petting zoo occasionally features more exotic species like llamas or ostriches. Trained staff members supervise all interactions and provide educational information about the animals and their care.
This hands-on experience often creates lasting memories for children, especially those from urban areas who have limited exposure to livestock.
Midway and the SkyWay
The Midway represents the heart of the carnival atmosphere with more than 70 rides and 50-plus games of skill and chance. From heart-stopping thrill rides that tower above the fairgrounds to gentle attractions for young children, the Midway offers entertainment for all ages.
Classic rides like carousels and Ferris wheels operate alongside modern thrill machines that twist, spin, and drop riders. There is also a “Kidway” which includes rides and games more appropriate for smaller children. The SkyWay gondola ride provides a unique aerial perspective of the fair, transporting visitors between towers at opposite ends of the Midway. A one-way trip on the SkyWay covers about 1,800 feet, or 3,600 if you take the SkyWay twice. This practical transportation option doubles as a sightseeing opportunity, offering spectacular views of the fairgrounds, downtown Dallas, and the surrounding area.
The SkyWay is also able to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs for those with small children or different mobility needs. The colorful lights of the Midway create a magical atmosphere after sunset, transforming the fair into a dazzling nighttime spectacle.
The Cotton Bowl
The historicCotton Bowl Stadium sits at the center of Fair Park, hosting two major college football rivalries during the State Fair. The Red River Showdown between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma draws passionate fans from both schools, creating a sea of orange and crimson throughout the fairgrounds. This Red River Showdown normally takes place in October on a Saturday.
Similarly, the State Fair Classic features Grambling State University against Prairie View A&M University, complete with the spectacular Battle of the Bands halftime show. Visitors can enjoy a great football and rich music culture during halftime shows when both bands perform. The State Fair Classic normally takes place in September.
Built in 1930 and renovated multiple times, the Cotton Bowl has a seating capacity of over 92,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in Texas. Game tickets include admission to the fair, allowing fans to enjoy the festivities before and after the football action.
The Texas Star
The Texas Star Ferris wheel stands as the tallest traditional Ferris wheel in North America at 212 feet tall, offering unparalleled views of the fairgrounds and the Dallas skyline. This iconic ride has been a centerpiece of the Midway since 1985, carrying passengers in 44 gondolas that can accommodate up to six people each.
A complete revolution takes approximately 10-12 minutes, providing ample time to appreciate the panoramic vistas.
Texas State Fair Tickets and Admission
General admission tickets to the State Fair of Texas provide access to most attractions and exhibits, with only rides, games, food, and certain special attractions requiring additional purchases. Advance tickets are typically available online at discounted rates compared to gate prices, with various options for single-day admission, season passes, and group rates.
Children under 3 always enter free, while seniors and children between 3 and 12 years old qualify for reduced admission.
The fair offers numerous special discount days throughout its run, including:
- Military Appreciation Day: Free admission for active military, retired military, and veterans with valid ID.
- Adults: $10-18
- Kids and seniors: $5-11
- First Responders Day: Complimentary admission for police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.
- Adults: $8-10
- Kids and seniors: $5-11
- Senior Days: Reduced admission for visitors 60 and older on designated days.
- Adults: $8-10
- Kids and seniors: $5-11
- College Days: Special pricing for students with valid college ID.
- Adults: $8-10
- Kids and seniors: $5-11
Daily Admission
Daily admission, or general admission, allows visitors to enjoy a day at the State Fair of Texas. The daily admission includes entry to all exhibits, livestock shows and competitions, the museum, the Texas Auto Show, and more. Visitors can purchase a daily ticket for a certain day ahead of time online, or in-person on the day you plan to attend. Pricing for daily admission varies depending on age and time of day.
- Daily 1-Day Admission
- Adults: $15-25
- Kids and seniors: $5-18
- Daily 1-Day Admission – AFTER 5 p.m.
- Adults: $10-18
- Kids and seniors: $10-18
$5 and $10 Tickets
Visitors can get a daily admission to the State Fair for $5 whenever they make a donation to the North Texas Food Bank. There is also $5 admission for all seniors on Thursdays. As for $10 tickets, visitors can use a special promo code to get general admission tickets on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Premium Admission
There are premium daily tickets that can be used and reserved from any of the 24 days that the State Fair of Texas runs. Visitors who buy these tickets do not need to reserve a specific day. Pricing is:
- Premium Day One: $24
- Premium Admission 2-Pack: $98
- Premium Admission 4-Pack: $146
Season passes represent the best value for those planning multiple visits, providing unlimited admission throughout the fair’s entire run. Many local retailers and fast-food restaurants also offer promotional discount coupons in the weeks leading up to the fair.
Parking
Parking at Fair Park includes both on-site lots and nearby private options with varying rates. Official fair parking lots are conveniently located around the perimeter of Fair Park, with prices typically ranging from $30 per vehicle. These lots fill quickly, especially on weekends and during football games, so arriving early is recommended.
Gates 5,6, and 11 allow places for bikes and motorcycles. Bikes and motorcycles are not allowed beyond the pedestrian gates or into the fairgrounds.
Many visitors opt for DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) rail service to avoid parking challenges altogether. The Green Line has two stations serving Fair Park—Fair Park Station and MLK Jr. Station—with direct access to the fairgrounds.
DART offers expanded service during the fair with increased frequency and extended hours. Ride-sharing services provide another convenient option, with designated pickup and drop-off zones located near the main entrances.
Plan Your Visit to the Texas State Fair
The State Fair of Texas offers an unmatched blend of fun, flavor, and tradition — all set against the backdrop of Dallas’s historic Fair Park. From the towering Texas Star Ferris wheel to the beloved Big Tex, livestock showcases, and unbeatable fair food, this annual event brings generations together to celebrate what makes the Lone Star State special.
At Liberation Ranches, we appreciate the fair not only for its festivities, but also for its tribute to agriculture, community, and open spaces. If you find yourself drawn to that lifestyle — whether it is the rhythm of rural life, the satisfaction of owning land, or the dream of weekend escapes to wide-open spaces — we can help. Liberation Ranches specializes in accessible ranchettes across Texas, offering clear titles, quality infrastructure, and honest guidance throughout the process.
If you are considering buying land in Texas, we invite you to learn more about what we offer. We would be honored to help you find your own place to put down roots.
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