Everything’s Bigger and Bolder at the 2025 State Fair of Texas
- Alison Martinez
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
From wild fried food to unforgettable experiences, here's why this year’s fair is set to be one of the most exciting ever
DALLAS, TX - The Lone Star State’s most iconic event is back and ready to impress. The 2025 State Fair of Texas officially opens its gates on September 26 at historic Fair Park in Dallas, running through October 19. This year’s fair promises to be bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever before.
From the debut of brand-new drink categories to Big Tex himself lending his boots to the Smithsonian, the 2025 fair is mixing tradition with fresh energy. The excitement is already off the charts.
Big Tex Choice Awards Finalists Revealed
One of the most anticipated events of the season, the Big Tex Choice Awards, just dropped its list of 15 finalists. For the first time ever, drinks are competing in their own category: “Best Sipper.”
Here’s the breakdown:
5 Savory Dishes
5 Sweet Treats
5 Sip-Worthy Drinks
All 15 compete for “Most Creative”
Notable entries this year include:
Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels – Tender brisket and creamy beer cheese wrapped in soft pretzel dough
Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake – A luxurious combo of cheesecake, pistachio spread, Belgian chocolate, and crispy kataifi
Hot Honeycomb Lemonade Shake Up – Sweet, spicy, citrusy, and served with a honeycomb on top
The winners will be crowned on August 21 during a private tasting event streamed live on social media.
Big Tex’s Boots Take a Trip to D.C.
In a surprising twist of tradition, the iconic size-96 boots of Big Tex have made a rare journey outside Texas. They’re now on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. as part of the “State Fairs: Growing American Craft” exhibit. While Big Tex himself will still tower over the fairgrounds in Dallas, his boots are walking tall on a national stage. It’s a proud moment for Texas.
What’s New at the 2025 Fair
This year’s theme is “Texas Shines Bright” and the new attractions reflect that spirit:
Interactive light tunnel installations
Daily drone shows in place of traditional fireworks
Expanded children’s STEM pavilion with hands-on experiments
More Texas-grown wine and craft beer offerings
New vendors, updated carnival rides, and live music every night
Fair officials expect record attendance this year, thanks to exciting additions, creative vendors, and a renewed appetite for Texas tradition.
What (and How) to Eat at the Fair
Whether you're a foodie, a fried-food purist, or a flavor adventurer, there’s something for everyone. Expect to find:
Over 70 food vendors
Fair classics like corny dogs, turkey legs, and funnel cakes
Inventive mashups including fried pho, deep-fried lasagna rolls, and bubble tea-infused slushies
Plant-based and gluten-free options now available across multiple food courts
💡 Pro Tip: Bring a reusable snack bag or Tupperware to take home any leftovers. And don’t forget your stretchy pants.
Live Entertainment & Family Fun
With four major stages, the fair offers daily performances including:
Texas country legends
Mariachi showcases
Gospel choirs
High school band competitions
Street performers and breakdance battles
For families, there are daily petting zoos, puppet theaters, pig races, magic shows, and the ever-popular Butter Sculpture Pavilion.
Tickets & Insider Tips
General Admission:
$15 adults
$10 children
Free for kids under 2
Discount Days:
Opening Day: Bring a Dr Pepper can and get in for $10
Thursdays: Bring two canned goods for $5 off
Tuesdays: Food deals all day and $5 ride specials
Pro Tip:Want to beat the heat and the crowds? Arrive before 10:00 a.m., ride the DART Green Line directly to Fair Park, and bring these top Amazon finds:
👉 Clear bags, sunscreen, water bottles, ponchos, and phone chargers
🎟️ State Fair Essentials (Texas Edition)
👜 1. Clear Crossbody Bag or Backpack
Many large events prefer (or require) clear bags for security checks.
Recommended:
🧢 2. Sun Protection Kit
Texas sun in late September? It’s real.
Must-Haves:
💧 3. Collapsible or Insulated Water Bottle
Stay hydrated without paying $5 for bottled water.
Options:
🪑 4. Lightweight Portable Chair or Blanket
Perfect for resting during concerts or parades.
📱 5. Power Bank / Portable Charger
Between snapping pics and navigating the fair map, your phone will drain fast.
🧻 6. On-the-Go Hygiene Kit
Fairgrounds can get messy.
👟 7. Comfortable Walking Shoes or Insoles
You’ll be on your feet all day.
🍬 8. Small Reusable Snack Bag or Tupperware
To save leftovers (yes, those deep-fried sweets count).
🛍️ 9. Foldable Tote Bag
You’ll likely pick up merch or win a prize.
🌧️ 10. Emergency Rain Poncho or Mini Umbrella
Texas weather is unpredictable.
Mark Your Calendar
State Fair of Texas 2025
📍 Fair Park, Dallas, TX
📆 September 26 - October 19
🎡 Theme: Texas Shines Bright
Whether you're going for the fried food, the rides, the concerts, or just to say howdy to Big Tex, the 2025 State Fair of Texas is shaping up to be an experience you won’t want to miss. So dust off your boots, grab your sun hat, and prepare to eat, explore, and celebrate everything that makes Texas unforgettable.
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