State Fair Favorites
The must-do, must-eat and must-experience things at the State Fair of Texas
Twenty-four days, a whole lot of fried food, and one of the biggest state fairs in the country — the State Fair of Texas runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 18, 2026, at Fair Park in Dallas. This year's theme, "Stars, Stripes, and Howdies," marks the Fair's 140th year alongside America's 250th birthday. Here are the favorites you shouldn't miss.
Updated August 2026
テキサスステートフェアは、地元の人にも観光客にも人気のアクティビティだ。私たちは皆、24日間にわたる揚げ物、コーニードッグ、ミッドウェイゲームなどを楽しみにフェアパークに行きたくてうずうずしている。真のフェアのベテランは、伝統がすべてであることを知っていますが、初めてステートフェアに参加する人は、何から始めればいいのか迷うかもしれません。テキサスステートフェアのバケットリストをご覧ください！
テキサス・スター紙
ステートフェアで最も人気のある乗り物として知られるテキサススター観覧車は、20階建ての高さからフェア会場とダラス・ダウンタウンのパノラマビューを楽しみながら、12分間乗車します。晴れた日には近隣の都市まで見渡せ、21マイル先にあるダラス・カウボーイズの本拠地AT&Tスタジアムを見つけることもできる！
Get a Fletcher's Corny Dog
Brothers Neil and Carl Fletcher invented the corny dog and debuted it at the 1942 State Fair of Texas, and it's remained a fairgrounds must ever since. More than 500,000 are sold across the Fair's 24 days. Beyond the original, look for the Bird Dog (turkey), the Veggie Dog, Jalapeño & Cheese, the Cheezy Pup, and the all-beef "Make Mine Texan."
Say Howdy to Big Tex
No visit is complete without a photo with Big Tex, the fair's 55-foot-tall icon and official greeter. He got his start in 1949 as a giant Santa Claus built for the town of Kerens, Texas, before State Fair president R.L. Thornton bought him in 1951 and had him reworked into the cowboy Texans know today. He's been welcoming fairgoers since 1952, making 2026 his 74th year on the job. For the 140th anniversary, Big Tex is getting a new look: Cavender's Boot City designed his shirt, Resistol made his new 95-gallon hat, and he's stepping out in size-96 Lucchese boots designed by contest winner Aaliyah McNeal.
Catch the Pig Races
The Swifty Swine pig races are a longtime fair favorite, with races held throughout the day near the Coliseum. Squeal-worthy and always packed, it's worth timing your visit around a race.
Watch the Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade
Every night of the Fair, the Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade winds through the grounds with colorful floats, larger-than-life puppets, and performers in ornate costumes, created by New Orleans' Kern Studios. Grab a spot along the route early for the best view.
Don't Miss the State Fair Classic
The 101st State Fair Classic kicks off Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium, pitting Prairie View A&M against Grambling State, who lead the all-time series 28-12. The halftime Battle of the Bands is as big a draw as the game itself.
See Free Live Music Every Day
All 24 days of the Fair include free live music at the Chevrolet Main Stage, included with admission. The 2026 lineup features more than 30 acts, opening with country legend Clint Black on Sept. 25 and including Bowling for Soup, Lee Brice, Kansas, Queensrÿche, RaeLynn, Gym Class Heroes, and Texas favorites the Toadies, Deep Blue Something, and Tripping Daisy. Additional free stages include the Bud Light Stage near Cotton Bowl Stadium, the White Claw Spotlight Stage at the Grove on Nimitz (home to the Friday-night "Deep Fried Comedy" series), and the new ZiegenBock Stage at the newly renovated Old Mill Inn.
Try the Big Tex Choice Awards Winners
Each year, the Big Tex Choice Awards, presented by Karbach Brewing Company, crowns the fair's most creative and best-tasting new foods, chosen from a record 77 entries in 2026. Look for the winning dishes at concession stands across the grounds — a fair visit isn't complete without trying at least one.
Skip the Parking Hassle
Take the DART Green Line straight to Fair Park Station on Parry Avenue, right at the fairgrounds entrance, or the MLK, Jr. Station near Gate 6. If you're driving, official fairtime parking is located at 925 S. Haskell Ave.
Plan Your Tickets
A Digital Season Pass runs $52, or $62 for the Commemorative Hard Card version. A 1-Day FLEX Ticket is $27, with 2-Packs at $104 and 4-Packs at $134 — FLEX combos include $50 in food and midway coupons plus limited-time free parking. Daily single-day tickets go on sale online Sept. 1.
ステート・フェアの楽しみ
