When the State Fair of Texas opens its gates on September 26, 2025, Fair Park once again becomes the heart of Dallas for 24 days of food, entertainment, and culture. Running through October 19, this year’s theme, Texas Shines Bright, sets the stage for new attractions and time-honored traditions.
With more than 100 free daily activities included with admission, the fair is one of the best values for fall entertainment in Dallas. With so much happening—from football rivalries to jazz concerts—the fair is best enjoyed with a plan. Let us handle the details while you focus on the experience.Tickets and season passes are now available at BigTex.com.
Whether you’re there for the music, the food, the thrill rides, or the rodeos, the 2025 State Fair of Texas promises to be one of the brightest in its history.
Read more: The 2025 State Fair of Texas Shines Bright with Concerts, Food, Rides & Events at Fair ParkSee What’s New at the State Fair This Year
The State Fair Clásico makes its debut at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 18, as Dallas Trinity FC faces international powerhouse Club América Femenil. Admission to the match includes entry to the fairgrounds, making it one of the season’s most exciting events.
On the Midway, two new thrill rides arrive: the Thunderbird, the tallest portable swing tower in North America at 177 feet, and the Defender, a fast-spinning propeller ride with a dazzling LED light show.
Inside the Hall of State, the Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos exhibit celebrates Mexican heritage through art, shopping, and performances. Next door, the Dallas International Coffee Art Exhibit showcases creative works from 20 countries.
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters introduces Jazz at the Fair, with live weekend performances at the Women’s Museum.
Food and Drinks at the Fair
The State Fair of Texas has earned its reputation as the birthplace of some of the most over-the-top food creations, and 2025 will be no different. Fletcher’s Corny Dogs remain a must, but each year brings new contenders for the crown of “most talked-about fair food.” From deep-fried sweets to creative twists on Texas barbecue, adventurous eaters can spend a full day sampling.
For those who want something to sip, the Magnolia Beer Garden is a popular stop. In 2025, it’s paired with the new Levi’s Saloon experience, offering nightly live music alongside fair favorites and customizable Levi’s merchandiseUntitled document-12. Between craft beers, Texas wines, and refreshing cocktails, the fair offers plenty of ways to toast the season.
Music and Live Performances on the Chevrolet Main Stage
Music is one of the fair’s biggest stages for entertainment. The Chevrolet Main Stage will feature headliners including TLC, The Band Perry, Hoobastank, Paul Wall, and Hawthorne Heights. In total, more than 90 acts will perform across three stages during the 24-day run.
The Bud Light Stage and Bank of Texas Stage, programmed by Dallas-based State Fair Records, bring regional and Texas talent to the spotlight. On Friday nights, the Bank of Texas Stage also hosts Deep Fried Comedy, a series of live stand-up show.
Jazz at the Fair: The Black Academy of Arts and Letters introduces a weekend jazz series at the Women’s Museum.
Beyond the big stages, fairgoers can catch nightly sets at the new Levi’s Saloon inside the Magnolia Beer Garden. The setting combines the energy of live music with casual dining and drinks, creating one of the fair’s most social new hangouts.
And if you’re looking for something different, the USA Breakdancers, Her Majesty’s Secret Circus, and other Fringe Stage acts deliver humor, spectacle, and plenty of crowd interaction.
What’s Happening at the State Fair
State Fair Clásico Soccer Match: On October 18, Dallas Trinity FC will take on Club América Femenil at the Cotton Bowl. Tickets include admission to the fair, making it easy to plan an all-day outing.
Football fans have two can’t-miss games: the State Fair Classic between Grambling State and Prairie View A&M on September 27, and the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma on October 11
Thrill Rides: The Thunderbird, North America’s tallest portable swing tower at 177 feet, and the Defender propeller ride debut this year in the Midway.
Cultural Exhibits: Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos moves to the Hall of State with vibrant art, shopping, and performances. Next door, the Dallas International Coffee Art Exhibit features artists from 20 countries.
Rodeos and Parades
Every weekend, the Fair Park Coliseum hosts rodeo events ranging from the Ranch Rodeo to the Mexican Rodeo Fiesta and the United Professional Rodeo Association’s Year-End Finale.
Fair favorites return too: the nightly Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade, pig races at Chevy Park Plaza, and the World of Magic show with lasers, neon, and even a floating robot.
The Fair Park Coliseum welcomes the return of the State Fair Rodeo, with ranch competitions, the Mexican Rodeo Fiesta, and the United Professional Rodeo Association’s Year-End Finale.
And at night, the Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade winds through the fairgrounds with illuminated floats, puppets, and performers, capped with two brand-new floats this year
Don’t Miss These Returning State Fair Favorites
The 2025 lineup also brings back some of the fair’s most loved attractions:
- Pig Races at Chevy Park Plaza.
- ¡Fiestas de Marionetas!, a marionette performance featuring over 85 handmade puppets.
- World of Magic, a laser- and neon-filled illusion show with futuristic elements.
- The larger-than-life Showstoppers inflatable characters roaming Fair ParkUntitled document-12.
Admissions Tickets
Digital Season Pass is $52, 1-Day FLEX Tickets (Good any one day of the Fair) is $29. Get the FLEX Ticket 2-Pack Combo: $107each, total with fees. Package includes: $50 in Food and Midway coupons and two (2) 1-Day FLEX Tickets good for any day of the Fair.
Tickets for the State Fair of Texas can be purchased on the website at: www.bigtex.com/buy-tickets-new/. Group tickets and discounts are available.
Follow us on Twitter @BigDConcierge for updates, concert lineups, food finds, and fair highlights. #BigTex