The State Fair of Texas operates for 24 days each autumn at Fair Park in Dallas, typically running from late September through mid-October. The 2026 edition is scheduled for September 25 through October 18. The fair claims annual attendance exceeding two million visitors through ticket scanning, making it one of the largest state fairs in the United States.
Big Tex and Fair Park
The fair's most recognisable symbol is Big Tex, a 55-foot-tall cowboy figure that greets visitors at the entrance. The original Big Tex was destroyed by an electrical fire on October 19, 2012, during the final weekend of that year's fair—the fire started in the right boot and worked its way up the structure. A replacement was installed for the following year's fair and continues to serve as the event's mascot.
Fair Park itself, the permanent home of the State Fair, covers 277 acres in southeast Dallas. The site was developed for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition and features Art Deco buildings and public spaces that reflect that era. Outside of the September-October fair season, Fair Park hosts other events and serves as home to several museums, though the State Fair remains its primary draw.
What the Fair Offers
The State Fair combines agricultural exhibitions—livestock shows, competitions for produce and preserves—with carnival rides, concerts, and commercial vendors. The fair positions itself as a celebration of Texas identity, and visitors encounter displays ranging from prize cattle to fried food competitions that have become a signature element of the event's food culture. Fried foods of every description appear each year, with vendors competing to create novel variations.
Live music performances occur throughout the fair's run, with both local and national acts appearing. The fair also hosts the annual Red River Showdown, the college football game between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma, played at the Cotton Bowl stadium within Fair Park.
Visiting the Fair
The fair operates daily during its run, with hours typically extending from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Daily admission tickets are available online in advance, and visitors should check the official website for current pricing and any schedule variations. The fair draws significant crowds, particularly on weekends and during the final days of the season.
Fair Park is located southeast of downtown Dallas, accessible by car and public transport. Parking is available on-site for a fee, though lots fill quickly on busy days. Visitors planning to attend should allow several hours at minimum—a full day is more realistic for those wanting to experience the range of offerings, from agricultural exhibits to midway rides to food vendors.
The State Fair represents a distinctly Texan cultural institution, one that has operated annually since 1886 with few interruptions. For visitors to Dallas during the autumn months, it offers insight into regional culture and traditions, albeit filtered through the lens of a large commercial fair. Those visiting outside the September-October window will find Fair Park quieter, with the museums and historic buildings accessible but the signature fair atmosphere absent.
Sources: State Fair of Texas Official Website • State Fair of Texas - Wikipedia • State Fair of Texas: Dates & Tickets Guide - Visit Dallas