With more than 2 million attendees each year, the State Fair of Texas celebrates all things Texas with food, live music, shows and attractions.

Hours

The fair runs Sept. 26 through Oct. 19. Gates are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with final entry at 9 p.m. 

Tickets

One-day tickets start at $19 for adults and $14 for seniors and children ages 3-12. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Admission to the fair on game day is included with a ticket to the Red River Rivalry game. 

Discounts are available throughout the fair. Active-duty military, veterans and first responders receive $5 off admission. After 5 p.m. daily, all visitors pay the child ticket price. Discount coupons, available at participating McDonald’s locations throughout North Texas, provide $5 off admission. More information on deals can be found online.

Food

Classic fair food staples such as corn dogs, turkey legs, cotton candy and funnel cake will be available alongside global dishes.

New menu items this year include baja fish tacos, birria ramen bowls, churro cheesecake jalapeno poppers, Nevins Pop-Elotes and Russell’s Key Lime Pie Bombs. 

The Big Tex Choice Awards, launched in 2005, highlights innovative fair food across categories: Best Taste — Savory, Best Taste — Sweet, Best Taste — Sipper and Most Creative. This year’s winners are:

  • Best Taste — Savory: Crab and mozzarella arancini 

  • Best Taste — Sweet: Chill and Thrill Delight

  • Best Taste — Sipper: Cookie Chaos Milkshake

  • Most Creative: Wagyu bacon cheeseburger deviled egg sliders

On Thrifty Thursday, select vendors offer discounted food items. 

Visitors may bring personal food, beverages and soft-shell coolers in accordance with the bag size policy. Alcohol, glass containers and metal knives and forks are prohibited. 

Texas Skyway at the State Fair of Texas

Texas Skyway at the State Fair of Texas from the State Fair of Texas's website.

Attractions, shows

The fair offers many family-friendly attractions and shows. Returning attractions include Dino Time with Professor T. Rex, Dinosaurs at the Lagoon, cooking demonstrations with resident chef Pete Nolasco, Country Round-Up and more. All attractions are included with admission.

Live music will be featured on multiple stages over the weekend. Artists performing on the Chevrolet Main Stage include:

The Bud Light Stage will see performances including:

Artists performing on the Bank of Texas Stage include:

All performances at the Levi’s Denim Club in the Magnolia Beer Garden will begin at 8 p.m. Artists performing at the club include:

The rodeo will also return to Fair Park Coliseum. Most shows begin at 6:30 p.m. with Sunday shows starting at 2 p.m. Rodeo admission is included with the fair ticket.

For more information, visit the 2025 State Fair of Texas visitor’s guide.

This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Kylie Caldwell and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.

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