State Fair of Texas things to do go way beyond fried food. In 2026, Fair Park’s 277 acres hold free concerts every day, the only full auto show at any state fair, new drone and fountain shows, a horse show, a 212-foot Ferris wheel, and more — most of it included with admission.
Things to Do at the State Fair of Texas — 2026
The fair runs Sept 25–Oct 18. Here’s what’s worth your time, what’s new this year, and what’s included with your ticket.
Big Tex
The 55-foot cowboy has greeted fairgoers since 1952 — and he’s wearing a brand-new outfit for 2026.
Concerts Every Day
The Chevrolet Main Stage moved indoors to the Fair Park Coliseum for 2026, with live music all 24 days.
Drone & Fountain Shows
Drone shows light up the sky Oct 2–4, and new daytime fountain shows run at the Esplanade.
Texas Star
The largest Ferris wheel in Texas, at 212 feet, with views of downtown Dallas.
Say Hello to Big Tex
Big Tex is the 55-foot talking cowboy who has welcomed fair visitors since 1952 and is the most recognizable symbol of the State Fair of Texas. For 2026 he’s sporting a new look — new Lucchese boots, a Cavender’s shirt, Resistol hat, and Levi’s jeans. He greets fairgoers all day, and the photo is worth the line. Go early, before the crowd around him gets deep.
The Auto Show
The State Fair of Texas is the only fair in the country with a full auto show, a tradition dating back to 1913. It’s indoors, included with admission, and a welcome break from the heat — worth an hour even if cars aren’t your thing. Weekday mornings are the least crowded time to walk it.
Free Concerts — Chevrolet Main Stage
Live music runs all 24 days of the fair and is included with admission. For 2026 the Chevrolet Main Stage moved from its outdoor spot to the historic Fair Park Coliseum, so shows are indoors and out of the weather. The 2026 lineup includes Clint Black, Lee Brice, Kansas, Queensrÿche, Bowling for Soup, RaeLynn, and Gym Class Heroes — check the schedule at bigtex.com and build your day around a show.
New for 2026
| Attraction | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Drone shows | October 2–4, with formations of Big Tex and other fair icons. Two shows each night, around 8:15 and 9:15 p.m. |
| Esplanade fountain shows | New daytime fountain shows at the Esplanade |
| Texas in the Saddle | A new horse show at Pan Am Arena |
| Little Lone Stars Land | A new area for toddlers and young kids near the Gurley Gate, with 4-coupon rides, a petting zoo, and a fenced play area |
| Reimagined Kidway | An expanded kids’ ride area in the center of the Midway |
The Midway
The State Fair Midway has more than 70 rides. The headliners:
- Texas Star Ferris wheel — the largest Ferris wheel in Texas, with views of the fair and downtown Dallas from 212 feet.
- Texas SkyWay — an aerial ride along an 1,800-foot track high above the Midway.
- Top o’ Texas Tower — the 500-foot observation tower.
- The 1914 Dentzel Carousel — a historic carousel, 6 coupons a ride.
Rides run on coupons — $1 each — and there’s no unlimited wristband. On Thrilling Tuesdays most Midway rides drop to 4 coupons (excluding the Thrillway and Texas Star). Bringing kids? See our State Fair of Texas with kids guide.
Livestock and Agriculture
At its core, the State Fair of Texas is an agricultural fair, and the livestock barns are one of its most underrated stops. The Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center puts cows, pigs, sheep, and goats up close, and the new Oak Farms Dairy Petting Zoo in Little Lone Stars Land is a hit with young kids. Wash or sanitize hands after visiting the animals.
Fair Park Itself
Fair Park is a National Historic Landmark with Art Deco buildings from the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, including the Hall of State. The architecture is easy to miss if you stay on the Midway — take a slow loop and look up.
Texas–OU at the Cotton Bowl
The Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is played at the Cotton Bowl inside Fair Park on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. It’s the biggest day of the fair — more than 100,000 people travel to Fair Park for the game. If you’re going, see our Cotton Bowl parking guide. If you’re not, pick another day.
How to Plan Your Day
The fair opens at 10 a.m. and stays open until 9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday–Saturday. Arrive at opening for the shortest lines, then plan loosely: Big Tex, the auto show, a couple of food stops, the livestock barns, a Main Stage concert — and leave room to wander. Most visitors spend 6–8 hours. See the best day to go and what to wear guides before you head out.
Staying Overnight?
Hotels Near Fair Park
Downtown and Deep Ellum are a short DART ride from the fair. See our picks for hotels near Fair Park — and book early for Texas–OU weekend.
Search Dallas Hotels → Browse Dallas VRBOs →Things to Do at the State Fair — FAQ
What are the best things to do at the State Fair of Texas?
Don’t miss Big Tex, the auto show, a Fletcher’s Corny Dog, the Texas Star Ferris wheel, and a free Chevrolet Main Stage concert. The livestock barns and Fair Park’s Art Deco architecture are underrated stops worth adding.
What’s new at the State Fair of Texas in 2026?
Drone shows October 2–4, daytime fountain shows at the Esplanade, the Texas in the Saddle horse show at Pan Am Arena, Little Lone Stars Land for young kids, a reimagined Kidway, and an indoor Main Stage at the Fair Park Coliseum.
Are concerts free at the State Fair of Texas?
Yes. Chevrolet Main Stage concerts are included with fair admission all 24 days. For 2026 the stage is indoors at the Fair Park Coliseum.
Is the auto show free at the State Fair of Texas?
Yes — it’s included with admission. The State Fair of Texas is the only state fair in the country with a full auto show, a tradition going back to 1913.
What time does the State Fair of Texas open?
10 a.m. daily. It closes at 9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday–Saturday.
More State Fair of Texas Guides
- → Best Day to Go to the State Fair
- → State Fair Ticket Prices & Costs
- → Hotels Near Fair Park
- → State Fair of Texas Parking Guide
- → First Timer’s Guide to the State Fair
- → State Fair Food Guide
- → Things to Do at the State Fair
- → State Fair with Kids
- → What to Wear to the State Fair
Dallas Unscripted is an independent guide. Fair dates, prices, policies, and schedules change annually — verify current information at bigtex.com before your visit. This post contains affiliate links; if you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.