The State Fair of Texas opens at Fair Park in Dallas this Friday, September 26, and it runs through Sunday, October 19. With 24 days of food, fun, and live music, this year promises more flavor, more glow, and more stuff you won’t want to miss.
What’s new (and delicious) for 2025
If you thought fair food couldn’t surprise you anymore, think again. This year brings 35 brand new foods rounding out the lineup, plus new vendors, new seating areas, and more stands.
Here are a few highlights:
Aguasol Tequila® Corazón Verde – A refreshing drink blending melon, elderflower, and lavender bitters, plus pineapple and cantaloupe garnishes. Found at Old Mill Inn on Grand Avenue.
Birria Ramen Bowl (Mr. Ramen Fusion, Midway) – Ramen meets birria meat, with corn, cilantro, fried onion, Monterey Jack cheese, and a savory consommé.
Cajun Stuffed Seashells (Gulf Coast Grill, First Avenue) – Large pasta shells loaded with shrimp, Andouille sausage, rice, cheese, cornbread stuffing, all smothered in Cajun Alfredo sauce.
Churro Cheesecake Jalapeño Popper – A sweet-heat mashup: jalapeños filled with cheesecake, battered in churro style, fried, and served with dulce de leche sauce.
On the awards side, the Big Tex Choice Awards finalists and winners are always must-tries — like Crab & Mozzarella Arancini, Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders, and the Cookie Chaos Milkshake, among others.
Entertainment & Events: More than just rides
Food is a big draw, but the Fair has loaded up the entertainment schedule too:
Live music every night at the Magnolia Beer Garden (8:00 p.m.). Great for winding down after touring the grounds.
Free concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage. On opening day, September 26, Wade Bowen will take the stage at around 7:45 p.m. TLC follows during opening weekend, among others.
State Fair Clásico – A new women’s soccer match, Dallas Trinity FC vs Club América Femenil at the Cotton Bowl, October 18 at 4:00 p.m. Your regular Fair day ticket gets you in.
The rodeo is included again with your Fair admission. Schedule varies across evenings.
Tickets, Discounts & Smart Travel Tips
To make your Fair experience smoother, here’s what you should plan for:
Tickets & prices: Adult tickets run between $19 and $29, children and seniors are $14 to $24 depending on the day.
Season pass: If you think you’ll go more than once, season passes are a solid investment.
FLEX ticket combo packs: These include both admission and coupons (used for food, rides, etc.), which helps you arrive ready, skip some lines and hassle.
Discount days: Watch for special days like Thrifty Thursdays and other promotions.
Getting there & parking: Fair Park is accessible by car, but parking at Gate 2 is around $30. If you want to avoid traffic and parking fees, consider public transit — DART’s Green Line is a good option.
What to bring / policy: Only certain size soft-shell coolers, reusable ice packs, water/snacks allowed. No glass, no metal utensils or knives. Clear bag policy enforced. Dress for walking (good shoes), Texas sun, maybe some evening chill.
Final Thoughts
If you go early - especially on a weekday or opening day - you’ll catch the Fair when it’s freshest: less crowded, more energy, everything newly open. For food lovers, pace yourself - with dozens of new bites and classic standouts, there’s more to sample than one visit can cover.
Countdown is on. Whether you’re there for the sliders, the shows, or just the spectacle, the 2025 State Fair of Texas looks ready to deliver big. Make sure to check the schedule ahead, plan your arrival, grab tickets in advance, and leave plenty of time for taste-testing.
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