Crews assembled and installed Big Tex at Fair Park this morning, putting the 55-foot cowboy back on his boots seven days before the State Fair of Texas opens Friday, Sept. 25.
The 24-day run lasts through Sunday, Oct. 18, at 3809 Grand Ave. in Dallas. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” marking the fair’s 140th edition and the country’s 250th birthday.
Gates open at 10 a.m. daily. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with last entry at 9 p.m. Parking gates and ticket booths open at 9:30 a.m.
Big Tex returns THIS FRIDAY! 👀🤠 pic.twitter.com/zi1ZKeWkXa
— State Fair of Texas (@StateFairOfTX) September 14, 2026
Big Tex will debut a new look: a Cavender’s Boot City Western shirt, a Resistol 95-gallon hat, size 96 Lucchese boots, and custom Levi’s 501 jeans made from about 85 yards of denim. Live music on the Chevrolet Main Stage is included with admission. Opening-night headliner is Clint Black.
Admission at the gate is cheaper than last year. Weekdays, adults pay $15 and seniors 60 and older pay $13. Weekends, adults pay $25 and seniors pay $20. Children ages 3 to 12 are $10 every day. Ages 2 and under are free. After 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, everyone 13 and older gets in for $10; Friday through Sunday that evening rate is $20. A digital season pass is $52. Official lots are $25 a vehicle, $5 less than 2025. Online tickets, sold since Sept. 1, include processing fees and cost more than the gate. Opening Day admission drops to $10 with two jars of peanut butter for the North Texas Food Bank. Senior Thursdays are $7. Military and first responders save $5 with ID.
DART’s Green Line stops at Fair Park Station on Parry Avenue and MLK Jr. Station near Gate 6. All light-rail lines will run every 20 minutes during the fair. New weekend State Fair Flyer buses run from select transit centers to Lot 8. Trinity Railway Express riders can transfer to the Green Line at Victory Station. Ride-hail and taxi drop-off is staged near Pacific and Gurley Avenues.
The nonprofit fair funds scholarships, agriculture education, and youth programs. Tickets and details are at BigTex.com.
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