The Ultimate Guide to the State Fair of Texas 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
2026 State Fair of Texas at a Glance
📅 Dates: September 25 – October 18, 2026
📍 Location: Fair Park, Dallas
🎟 Admission: Daily tickets available with discount days offered
🍖 Known For: Fair food, Big Tex, live music, rides and exhibits
🎡 Duration: 24 days
One of North Texas' biggest traditions returns this fall as the State Fair of Texas opens Friday, September 25, at historic Fair Park in Dallas. Whether you're planning your first visit or you've made the trip every year since childhood, the 2026 fair promises another unforgettable mix of iconic food, thrilling rides, live entertainment, family attractions, and, of course, the unmistakable greeting from Big Tex.
Running through October 18, the State Fair has become much more than an annual event—it's a North Texas tradition that brings together families, food lovers, football fans, music lovers, and visitors from across the country.
If you're planning a trip this year, here's everything you should know before stepping through the gates.
Updated August 7, 2026: Big Tex Choice Awards finalists announced.
Big Tex Choice Awards Finalists Announced
One of the most anticipated traditions of the State Fair of Texas is back. Organizers have announced the 15 finalists for the 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards, featuring everything from over-the-top savory creations to decadent desserts and creative drinks.
This year's finalists include:
🍕 Savory
- Burger Chop Tater Tacos
- Dickel's Texas Two Step Tacos
- Flamin' Crunch Pizza
- Golden Crunch Melt
- Nacho Wings
🍰 Sweet
- Berry Me in Matcha
- Fernie's Frozen Espresso-Tini Bar
- Fletcher's Chocolate Corny Dog
- Holy Flan! Buñueloco
- Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake Cone
🥤 Sippers
- Corn Flake Shappé
- Nevins Soft Serve Peach Bellini Float
- Rousso's Bacon Jam Caramel Apple Hard Cider
- Sunset Soft Serve Rita
- Tropical Coco Fresca
The finalists were selected from 77 entries submitted by 46 concessionaires. Winners in the Best Taste – Savory, Best Taste – Sweet, Best Taste – Sipper, and Most Creative categories will be announced on August 18, giving fairgoers an early look at the foods expected to draw the biggest lines when the State Fair opens.
Whether you're craving Flamin' Crunch Pizza, curious about the Chocolate Corny Dog, or ready to cool off with a Soft Serve Peach Bellini Float, this year's lineup once again proves that the State Fair of Texas is as much about the food as it is the rides, live entertainment, and football.
A North Texas Tradition Like No Other
Few events are woven into the fabric of Dallas-Fort Worth quite like the State Fair of Texas.
For generations, families have made annual trips to Fair Park to enjoy classic midway rides, sample outrageous new foods, watch live performances, browse exhibits, and spend a day creating memories together.
The fair has grown into one of the largest and longest-running state fairs in the country, attracting millions of visitors during its annual run. While many attractions have evolved over the decades, the spirit of the event remains the same—celebrating Texas culture, agriculture, entertainment, and community.
No matter how many times you've visited, every year offers something new to discover.
Big Tex Is Ready to Welcome Everyone Back
No trip to the State Fair is complete without stopping to see Big Tex.
Standing 55 feet tall, the legendary cowboy has welcomed guests to Fair Park for decades and remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Texas.
Visitors can expect Big Tex to debut a refreshed look for 2026, giving the beloved Texas icon a slightly updated appearance while keeping the same larger-than-life personality generations have come to love.
Of course, you'll still hear his famous greeting echo across the fairgrounds:
"Howdy, folks!"
It's the moment many Texans consider the official start of fall.
More Than Just Corny Dogs
Let's be honest.
Food is one of the biggest reasons people visit the State Fair.
Classic favorites like Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs remain a must-have for countless visitors, but every year chefs push creativity even further with new dishes competing for the annual Big Tex Choice Awards.
Whether your taste leans toward sweet, savory, spicy, or downright outrageous, there's something around nearly every corner.
Alongside legendary Texas barbecue, smoked turkey legs, funnel cakes, fresh lemonade, roasted corn, cotton candy, and fried classics, visitors can expect another lineup of creative new culinary creations in 2026.
One piece of advice: come hungry.
B96 Tip 💡
Go hungry. Many visitors say the best way to experience the State Fair is to share food with friends or family. Splitting several different items lets you try more of the fair's famous foods without getting full after your first stop.
One of America's Top State Fairs for Food
The State Fair of Texas isn't just famous in North Texas—it's becoming a national destination for fair food.
In a recent Yelp ranking of America's best state fairs for festival food, the State Fair of Texas landed at No. 6, earning recognition for everything from classic corny dogs and turkey legs to over-the-top fried creations that debut each year during the Big Tex Choice Awards. The ranking reflects what many Texans already know: visiting the fair is as much about eating as it is about rides, concerts and attractions.
Whether you're sticking with a Fletcher's Original Corny Dog or making it your mission to try one of the newest award-winning creations, arriving hungry is part of the State Fair tradition. Many visitors even plan multiple trips during the fair just to sample more of the food.
State Fair of Texas Ranked One of America's Best for Fair Food
If you needed another reason to arrive hungry, here's one.
The State Fair of Texas has been ranked No. 6 in Yelp's new list of America's Top 10 State Fairs for Festival Foods, putting Dallas alongside some of the country's biggest fair food destinations. Yelp's rankings were based on user reviews mentioning fair food, highlighting just how popular the State Fair has become with food lovers.
That recognition shouldn't surprise longtime fairgoers. Every year, millions of visitors come to Fair Park for iconic favorites like Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs, funnel cakes, turkey legs, roasted corn, cotton candy and fresh lemonade. The fair has also built a national reputation for over-the-top creations featured in the annual Big Tex Choice Awards, where vendors compete with imaginative new dishes ranging from sweet treats to deep-fried inventions.
Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another year, food remains one of the biggest reasons people make the trip to Dallas each fall.
Thrills Around Every Corner
The Midway remains one of the fair's biggest attractions.
From family-friendly rides to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, there's something for every age group.
Towering over the midway is the iconic Texas Star, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America and one of the best places to take in panoramic views of the Dallas skyline.
For younger guests, kid-friendly rides and games provide hours of entertainment, while thrill seekers can test their courage on some of the fair's fastest attractions.
Even if rides aren't your thing, simply walking through the colorful lights and energetic atmosphere is part of the experience.
Live Entertainment All Day Long
The State Fair offers much more than rides and food.
Throughout the fair, visitors can enjoy live music, performances, demonstrations, and entertainment happening across multiple stages.
Many performances are included with fair admission, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring everything Fair Park has to offer without constantly reaching for your wallet.
From local musicians and tribute bands to cultural performances and family-friendly entertainment, there's almost always something happening nearby.
Before your visit, it's worth checking the official entertainment schedule to see who's performing during your trip.
B96 Tip 💡
Visit on a weekday if you can. You'll usually find shorter lines for rides, food vendors and exhibits than on weekends.
Football Returns to the Cotton Bowl
Sports fans know the State Fair is also synonymous with college football.
The historic Cotton Bowl Stadium once again hosts some of Texas' biggest annual matchups during the fair's run.
The annual Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma remains one of college football's most recognizable traditions, transforming Fair Park into one of the most energetic places in the country on game day.
Even if you're not attending the game, the excitement surrounding Fair Park during football weekends creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Texas.
Planning Your Visit
If you're hoping to make the most of your trip, a little planning goes a long way.
Buying tickets in advance can save both time and money, while reviewing parking, transportation, and daily schedules before arriving helps avoid unnecessary stress.
Many visitors also choose to ride DART directly into Fair Park, making it one of the easiest ways to skip traffic and parking headaches.
Comfortable shoes are also highly recommended.
With dozens of attractions spread across Fair Park, you'll likely spend several hours on your feet.
And don't forget your phone charger—you'll probably take more photos than you expect.
Why Texans Keep Coming Back
Ask ten people about their favorite State Fair memory, and you'll probably hear ten different answers.
Some come for the food.
Others never miss the rides.
Some plan their entire visit around football.
Others simply enjoy walking the grounds with family and friends while soaking in one of Texas' most recognizable traditions.
That's part of what makes the State Fair special.
It's different for everyone.
Whether you're introducing your kids to Big Tex for the first time, trying a new fried creation, catching a live concert, or simply enjoying a beautiful fall afternoon in Dallas, every visit becomes another chapter in a tradition that spans generations.
The Countdown Is On
With opening day set for September 25, excitement is already building across North Texas.
From Big Tex's famous greeting to the aroma of fresh corny dogs, dazzling midway lights, live entertainment, and unforgettable Texas traditions, the 2026 State Fair of Texas promises another memorable season at Fair Park.
Whether you're making your annual pilgrimage or planning your very first visit, one thing is certain:
Fall in Texas doesn't truly begin until Big Tex says, "Howdy, folks!"
For tickets, hours, attractions, maps, discounts, and the latest announcements, visit the official State Fair of Texas website at BigTex.com.
The State Fair Isn't Going Anywhere
For decades, rumors have occasionally surfaced about whether the State Fair of Texas could eventually leave Fair Park. Fair officials recently sent a strong message that they plan to stay put.
The nonprofit announced plans to invest $15 million in a new headquarters at Fair Park, calling it a long-term commitment to the historic home of the State Fair. Leaders say the investment reflects confidence in the future of both the Fair and Fair Park while reinforcing that the annual event will remain one of Dallas' signature traditions.
The announcement also comes as Fair Park faces hundreds of millions of dollars in long-term renovation needs, making the State Fair's continued investment an important part of the park's future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 State Fair of Texas?
The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs from September 25 through October 18, 2026.
Where is the State Fair of Texas?
The fair is held at Fair Park in Dallas, just east of downtown.
How much are State Fair tickets?
Ticket prices vary depending on the day you visit. The State Fair also offers discount days and special promotions throughout the event.
What food is the State Fair of Texas famous for?
The fair is known for Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs, turkey legs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, fresh lemonade, and the annual Big Tex Choice Awards featuring creative new foods.
Is parking available?
Yes. Paid parking is available around Fair Park, and many visitors also choose to ride DART to avoid traffic.
How long does it take to see the State Fair?
Most visitors spend 4–8 hours at the fair, although many stay all day to enjoy the rides, food, concerts, exhibits, and shopping.
What's the best day to visit?
Weekdays usually have smaller crowds and shorter lines than weekends.
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