State Fair of Texas 2026: Dates, Hours, Attractions and What Grand Prairie Families Need to Know
- Alison Martinez
- 7 hours ago
- 8 min read
The State Fair of Texas is returning to historic Fair Park in Dallas for 24 days of food, rides, live music, agriculture, exhibits and Texas traditions.
The 2026 State Fair of Texas opens Friday, September 25, and continues through Sunday, October 18, 2026. This year’s official theme is “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” recognizing America’s 250th anniversary while celebrating Texas culture and the Fair’s own 140-year history.
For residents of Grand Prairie, Irving, Arlington and other Dallas-Fort Worth communities, the State Fair is close enough for a day trip but large enough that planning ahead can make a major difference.
Here is everything currently confirmed about the 2026 State Fair of Texas, including dates, hours, admission information, entertainment, transportation and the Fair’s history.
When Is the State Fair of Texas in 2026?
The confirmed 2026 dates are:
Opening Day: Friday, September 25, 2026
Final Day: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Length: 24 consecutive days
Location: Fair Park in Dallas, Texas
The State Fair describes itself as the longest-running fair in the country when measured by consecutive operating days.
What Are the 2026 State Fair of Texas Hours?
The Fair’s currently published 2026 operating hours are:
Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
These hours are posted on the official 2026 State Fair website. Individual museums, attractions, concerts and livestock activities may follow different schedules.
Where Is the State Fair of Texas?
The State Fair is held at Fair Park, located just east of downtown Dallas.
The Fair’s published parking address is:
925 S. Haskell AvenueDallas, TX 75223
Fair Park is a National Historic Landmark and is known for housing one of the world’s largest collections of Art Deco architecture.
How Far Is the State Fair From Grand Prairie?
Travel time from Grand Prairie to Fair Park will vary based on your starting point, traffic and whether a football game or major event is taking place.
Under normal conditions, many Grand Prairie residents can reach the Fair Park area in roughly 25 to 40 minutes by car. Opening weekend, Friday evenings and college football Saturdays may require significantly more travel time.
Visitors should check current traffic conditions before leaving and allow extra time for parking, security and walking to an entrance.
Getting to the State Fair From Grand Prairie
Driving and Parking
Drivers can use the Fair’s official parking address at 925 S. Haskell Avenue. Parking availability, pricing and traffic patterns can vary by day.
College football weekends and popular Saturday dates typically draw larger crowds, so arriving close to the 10 a.m. opening time may provide a smoother experience.
Taking DART
The official State Fair transportation guide recommends using the DART Rail Green Line.
Two stations serve the Fair:
Fair Park Station, near the Parry Avenue entrance
MLK Jr. Station, near the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entrance
The Fair recommends purchasing transit fare in advance through the GoPass app.
Grand Prairie residents using public transportation should plan their route carefully because the city does not have direct DART rail service. Depending on your location, driving to a DART station and completing the trip by rail may be easier than parking near Fair Park on a high-attendance day.
What Is the 2026 State Fair Theme?
The official theme for 2026 is:
“Stars, Stripes, and Howdies”
The commemorative theme celebrates America’s 250th birthday while incorporating patriotic imagery, Texas culture and Big Tex.
The 2026 Fair also marks 140 years since the organization traces its origins to 1886.
What Can You Do at the State Fair of Texas?
The State Fair is much more than a midway.
Visitors can expect a combination of:
Carnival rides and games
Live music
Agricultural exhibits
Livestock competitions
Auto displays
Creative arts competitions
Family shows
Educational exhibits
Food vendors
Shopping
Cultural exhibits
Football and special sporting events
Daily entertainment
The Fair says admission includes more than 100 free daily activities. Food, beverages, rides and midway games require separate State Fair coupons.
Live Music at the 2026 State Fair
The State Fair has announced a 2026 Chevrolet Main Stage lineup featuring performances throughout the 24-day event. Main Stage concerts are included with Fair admission.
Additional musicians and performances may continue to be announced as opening day approaches. The Fair has already listed artists performing throughout late September and October, with the first performances scheduled for September 25.
Visitors should check the official daily schedule shortly before attending because performance times and stages may change.
State Fair Food and the Big Tex Choice Awards
Food remains one of the largest attractions at the State Fair of Texas.
Visitors can typically find traditional favorites such as:
Corny dogs
Turkey legs
Funnel cakes
Cotton candy
Fried desserts
Barbecue
Tex-Mex dishes
International foods with a Texas influence
The Fair also uses the annual Big Tex Choice Awards to introduce and recognize creative new food offerings.
The full 2026 food lineup may be announced closer to opening day, so visitors should avoid relying on old menus when planning their trip.
How Do You Pay for Food, Rides and Games?
Food, drinks, midway rides and games are purchased using State Fair Food and Midway Coupons.
Coupons can be purchased at booths throughout the grounds or in advance through the official State Fair ticketing system. Unused coupons do not expire and can be used during future Fair seasons.
Admission tickets generally do not include food, rides or midway games unless those benefits are specifically included in a promotional package.
State Fair of Texas 2026 Ticket Information
As of July 2026, the Fair has published the following season-pass options:
Digital Season Pass: $52 total with fees
Commemorative Season Pass with VIP Guide: $62 total with fees
The $62 option includes unlimited daily admission during the Fair season, a weekday bring-a-friend ticket and several discounts and bonuses. Passholders are limited to one admission per day.
Single-day admission can vary based on the visitor’s age, date and available promotion. The Fair currently lists general admission within a range of approximately $7 to $29, with different pricing for children and seniors.
Because prices and promotions can change, visitors should confirm the final price directly through the official State Fair ticketing system before purchasing.
Is the State Fair Good for Families and Children?
Yes. The State Fair offers a large selection of family-oriented entertainment and educational activities.
Depending on the final 2026 schedule, families may find:
Children’s rides
Petting and livestock areas
Agricultural demonstrations
Educational exhibits
Family shows
Music performances
Creative arts displays
Interactive activities
Museums and cultural attractions
Many family activities are included with admission, although rides, games and food require coupons.
Parents should review age, height and supervision requirements before promising a particular ride or activity to a child.
Agriculture and Livestock at the Fair
Agriculture has been central to the State Fair’s mission since its early years.
The Fair uses exhibits, livestock competitions and youth programs to teach visitors about:
Farming
Ranching
Animal care
Food production
Agricultural technology
Texas agricultural history
Approximately 5,200 students from across Texas participate in the Fair’s competitive livestock events and leadership contests each year, according to the organization. The Fair also reports that its Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program has awarded more than $24 million in auction awards and scholarships.
College Football at the State Fair
The Cotton Bowl sits inside Fair Park and is closely connected to the State Fair experience.
The best-known game is the annual Texas-Oklahoma Red River Rivalry, which has been played at the State Fair since 1929.
However, game dates, kickoff times, ticket arrangements and Fair admission policies should be verified through the official teams, Cotton Bowl and State Fair sources once the final 2026 schedule is published.
Football weekends can produce some of the Fair’s largest crowds. Visitors who are not attending a game may prefer another date if they want lighter traffic and shorter lines.
A Brief History of the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas traces its roots to the Dallas State Fair and Exposition, which was chartered as a private corporation on January 30, 1886.
Dallas businessmen involved in establishing the organization included W.H. Gaston, John S. Armstrong and Thomas L. Marsalis. James B. Simpson became president, while Sidney Smith served as the organization’s first secretary.
The first exposition opened later in 1886. During the Fair’s early years, disagreements among organizers led to two competing fairs in Dallas, but the organizations eventually reunited.
Over time, the State Fair developed into a major celebration of Texas agriculture, industry, education and entertainment.
Fair Park became the permanent home of the event and later gained international recognition for its collection of Art Deco architecture. The park hosted the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, which significantly shaped many of the buildings and visual features visitors recognize today.
Fair Park was officially designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, the same year the State Fair celebrated its centennial.
The Arrival of Big Tex
Big Tex was originally created as a giant Santa Claus for the town of Kerens, Texas. State Fair officials purchased the figure and transformed it into the cowboy who became the Fair’s famous greeter.
Big Tex made his State Fair debut in 1952 and has since become one of the most recognizable symbols in Texas.
In 2012, the original structure was destroyed by fire. A rebuilt Big Tex debuted the following year and continues to welcome visitors to Fair Park.
The Fair Today
The State Fair of Texas now operates as a nonprofit organization with a mission centered on agriculture, education and community involvement.
The organization reports that it:
Provides 2.1 million free admission tickets to North Texas students and teachers
Supports scholarships and youth agricultural programs
Hosts more than 1,100 creative competitions
Provides approximately 6,000 seasonal jobs
Supports community organizations and local businesses
Contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the North Texas economy
The Fair also works to preserve Fair Park and its historic buildings.
Tips for Visiting From Grand Prairie
Visit on a Weekday
Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday may offer a more manageable experience than a Saturday, especially for families with young children.
Arrive Early
Arriving near opening time can help you find parking, avoid the strongest afternoon heat and experience popular attractions before the largest crowds arrive.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Fair Park is large, and a full visit can involve several miles of walking.
Check the Weather
Late September in North Texas can still feel like summer. Bring sunscreen, wear breathable clothing and drink water throughout the day.
Create a Budget
Account for:
Admission
Parking or transportation
Food coupons
Rides
Games
Shopping
Souvenirs
Review the Schedule Before Leaving
Concerts, livestock events, competitions and special performances occur at different times. Choosing several priorities before arriving can prevent unnecessary walking across the grounds.
Prepare for Crowds
Opening weekend, Friday nights, Saturdays and football dates are likely to be especially busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 State Fair of Texas begin?
The Fair opens on Friday, September 25, 2026.
When does the 2026 State Fair of Texas end?
The final day is Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Where is the State Fair of Texas held?
It is held at Fair Park in Dallas. The published parking address is 925 S. Haskell Avenue, Dallas, Texas.
Is the State Fair close to Grand Prairie?
Yes. Fair Park is a reasonable day trip from Grand Prairie, although travel time varies considerably based on traffic, parking and special events.
Are concerts included with admission?
The Chevrolet Main Stage performances are included with Fair admission.
Do admission tickets include rides and food?
Generally, no. Food, beverages, rides and midway games are purchased separately with State Fair coupons.
Can unused State Fair coupons be saved?
Yes. The Fair states that unused Food and Midway Coupons do not expire and can be used in future years.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted. Trained service dogs are allowed, although the Fair restricts them from certain livestock areas for safety reasons and provides supervised crates near those locations.
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