Dallas, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The State Fair of Texas is set to return to Fair Park in Dallas, featuring live music, diverse culinary treats, exciting rides, and engaging attractions. This year, visitors can indulge in new fried food items and enjoy performances from over 100 artists daily, all included with fair admission. The event runs for 24 days, with various family-friendly activities and updates to enhance the experience, including a renovated Cotton Bowl. Attendees can look forward to a beloved local tradition attracting millions of visitors.
Dallas — The State Fair of Texas returns to Fair Park in Dallas on Friday, September 26, and runs through October 19, offering live music, a wide range of food — including new fried items — rides, rodeo events and family attractions aimed at attracting millions of visitors over the fair’s 24-day run.
What’s happening and when
The fair operates for 24 days, with hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Live music will be featured every day, with over 100 performers scheduled across several stages: the Chevrolet Main Stage, Bud Light Stage, and Bank of Texas Stage. A ticket to the fair provides free admission to all concerts.
Location, access and logistics
The event returns to Fair Park in Dallas and includes venue updates intended to improve the guest experience, including a renovated Cotton Bowl stadium. Parking costs $30, with recommended parking at Gate 2, located at 925 S. Haskell.
Food, entertainment and attractions
Notable culinary offerings this year include new fried food items such as Meat Lovers Crunchwrap Calzone, Rousso’s Bacon Jam Cannoli, and What on Earth is This? (the name of a fried food item). Popular food items from past fairs that remain part of the menu lineup include deep-fried deli tacos, Dubai chocolate cheesecake, cookie chaos milkshake, and Vietnamese crunch dog.
Exhibits and performances span a range of interests and ages. Featured attractions include rodeo events at Fair Park Coliseum, including bull riding and cow milking; daily activities and demonstrations at the Livestock Birthing Barn and Farm and Fork University; a magic show titled World of Magic featuring neon lighting and lasers; a dinosaur-themed show, Dino Time with Professor T. Rex, for kids to engage with dinosaurs; and USA Breakdancers performing high-energy breakdancing with comedic elements. The fair also includes a broad selection of rides and games aimed at families.
History and signature elements
The State Fair of Texas has roots dating to the late 19th century. The fair has a history dating back to 1886, beginning with two separate events due to location disputes. The Dallas State Fair was held on 80 acres in Fair Park, and the Texas State Fair & Exposition was situated near North Dallas High School before merging in 1887. The first million attendees were recorded in 1916. Big Tex, the fair’s iconic 52-foot tall symbol, has represented the fair since 1952 and continues to provide a focal point for this year’s festivities.
Attendance and expectations
Organizers plan an extensive schedule of daily performances and family-friendly activities and anticipate attracting millions of visitors throughout the fair’s duration.
Practical details at a glance
- Dates: September 26 through October 19
- Duration: 24 days
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
- Music: Live music every day; over 100 performers across Chevrolet Main Stage, Bud Light Stage, and Bank of Texas Stage
- Concert admission: A ticket to the fair provides free admission to all concerts
- Parking: Parking costs $30, recommended at Gate 2, located at 925 S. Haskell
- Icon: Big Tex, 52-foot tall, present since 1952
FAQ
When does the fair take place?
The State Fair of Texas returns to Fair Park in Dallas on Friday, September 26, and runs through October 19.
How long is the fair open each year?
The fair operates for 24 days, with hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is live music part of the program?
Live music will be featured every day, with over 100 performers scheduled across several stages: the Chevrolet Main Stage, Bud Light Stage, and Bank of Texas Stage.
Do concert tickets cost extra?
A ticket to the fair provides free admission to all concerts.
What new foods will be offered?
Notable culinary offerings this year include new fried food items such as Meat Lovers Crunchwrap Calzone, Rousso’s Bacon Jam Cannoli, and What on Earth is This? (the name of a fried food item).
What exhibits and shows are available?
Exhibits at the fair include rodeo events at Fair Park Coliseum, including bull riding and cow milking; daily activities and demonstrations at the Livestock Birthing Barn and Farm and Fork University; a magic show titled World of Magic featuring neon lighting and lasers; a dinosaur-themed show, Dino Time with Professor T. Rex, for kids to engage with dinosaurs; and USA Breakdancers performing high-energy breakdancing with comedic elements.
What are parking arrangements?
Parking costs $30, with recommended parking at Gate 2, located at 925 S. Haskell.
Are there updates to facilities?
Updates include a renovated Cotton Bowl stadium, enhancing fan experience with modern amenities and accessibility improvements.
Who is the fair’s iconic symbol?
Big Tex, the fair’s iconic 52-foot tall symbol, has represented the fair since 1952 and provides a focal point for this year’s festivities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 26 through October 19 |
| Duration | 24 days |
| Hours | The fair operates for 24 days, with hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. |
| Location | Fair Park in Dallas |
| Music | Live music will be featured every day, with over 100 performers scheduled across several stages: the Chevrolet Main Stage, Bud Light Stage, and Bank of Texas Stage. |
| Concert Admission | A ticket to the fair provides free admission to all concerts. |
| New Fried Foods | Meat Lovers Crunchwrap Calzone; Rousso’s Bacon Jam Cannoli; What on Earth is This? (the name of a fried food item) |
| Exhibits & Shows | Rodeo events at Fair Park Coliseum; Livestock Birthing Barn and Farm and Fork University; World of Magic; Dino Time with Professor T. Rex; USA Breakdancers |
| Parking | Parking costs $30, with recommended parking at Gate 2, located at 925 S. Haskell. |
| Icon | Big Tex, the fair’s iconic 52-foot tall symbol, has represented the fair since 1952 |
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: 2025 State Fair of Texas Dates
- Dallas Observer: Artists to See at 2025 State Fair of Texas
- NBC DFW: What’s New in Cotton Bowl Renovation
- CBS News: Healthy Tips for the State Fair of Texas
- Dallas News: Big Tex’s Boots at Smithsonian Museum
- Wikipedia: State Fair of Texas
- Google Search: State Fair of Texas
- Google Scholar: State Fair of Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: State Fair of Texas
- Google News: State Fair of Texas
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
