The State Fair of Texas is one of the most highly attended state fairs in the country. Held annually at the end of September, the fair spans 24 days at the historic Fair Park. The event has taken place annually since 1886, except during World War I and World War II. It is also the only fair in the U.S. to include a full auto show, which dates back to 1913. Expect lots of delicious fair food and drink selections, carnival rides, arts and crafts displays, cooking contests, livestock shows and a rodeo, a petting zoo, vendors, and great music. A staple at the State Fair of Texas is Big Tex, the world's tallest cowboy and official greeter of the event since 1952. Come and say "howdy" to Big Tex! The 2025 State Fair of Texas will take place from September 26 through October 19 at Fair Park in Dallas. Sign up at the bottom of the fair's homepage to become a Big Tex Insider, and get ticket discounts, store promos, and more.
A big draw of the State Fair of Texas is the Texas Auto Show. The latest and greatest cars and trucks are on display in three separate viewing areas. Brands featured in past shows have included Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Kia. See some of the biggest and hottest names in music at the Chevrolet Main Stage. A perk of attending the State Fair of Texas is that concerts are free with admission to the main fair. Past performers have included Jo Dee Messina, Big Daddy Kane, the Spin Doctors, Foghat, and Jefferson Starship. Keep checking the fair's site for the 2025 concert series lineup. The fair offers lots of family-friendly shows and entertainment. Previous fairs featured magic acts, a Cirque du Soleil acrobatic show, stunt dog shows, a discovery farm, pig races, and giant inflatables known as Showstoppers. The State Fair Midway has more than 70 rides, including the Texas Star® Ferris wheel, at 212 feet tall, the Top o’ Texas Tower at 500 feet, and the Dentzel Carousel dating to 1914. Barn tours are also a popular activity at the fair. See everything from sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and even llamas and alpacas. Also check out the horse shows, rodeo, and livestock competitions. Indulge in a variety of decadent fair foods. The food options are endless, with everything from pastrami sandwiches and Mexican street corn pizza to giant Amish doughnuts, Hot Cheetos® Korean Corn Dogs, and fried apple cinnamon crepes to turkey legs and cotton candy.
You can rent wagons, strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters at the fair. There are also signs for the hearing-impaired at select shows. First-aid stations are on-site as is a lost and found, and there are three baby care centers. There will be plenty of public restrooms open during the State Fair of Texas as well as 24/7 security. If you need to get cash, the fairgrounds will have ATMs available. You can bring ADA-certified service animals, but no other pets are allowed. Learn more about what you can and cannot bring to, as well as prohibited activities in, Fair Park and the State Fair of Texas.
The Fair Park address is 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210.
The 2025 lineup for the State Fair of Texas will be announced soon. For the latest updates, check the fair's homepage.
RV camping is not available at Fair Park. However, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has tons of RV campground options. Stay at the Dallas/Arlington KOA Holiday for amenities like bike rentals, barbecue areas, a pool, a recreation shed, a playground, and a convenience store. At Loyd Park in Grand Prairie, there are picnic tables and pavilions at each campsite. This location also features a boat ramp, hiking and biking trails, a beach, fishing areas, and equestrian trails. There's a lot to see in Dallas outside of the fair. Dallas offers numerous family-friendly museums and attractions like the Dallas World Aquarium, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Heard Natural Science Museum. Some great state parks near Dallas include Cedar Hill and Ray Roberts Lake.
The HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton is less than 2 miles from Fair Park. The property has a restaurant and bar, private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk. Just over 2 miles from Fair Park is Hotel ZaZa Dallas. Take advantage of a fitness center, spa, family rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
From Sherman-Plano-Richardson: Take U.S. 75 (North Central Expressway) south toward Dallas. Take Exit 284A to connect to Interstate 30 East (toward Texarkana). Take Exit 48A and follow directions to Fair Park. From Austin-Waco: Take Interstate 35E North to downtown Dallas. Take Exit 428B to connect to Interstate 30 East (toward Texarkana). Take Exit 48A and follow directions to Fair Park. From Texarkana-Greenville-Rockwall: Take Interstate 30 West toward downtown Dallas. Take exit 49B and follow directions to Fair Park.
There are numerous parking lots at Fair Park; parking for the event at official fair lots is $30 per space. Access the most convenient lot by entering at Gate 2, located at 925 S. Haskell. RVs and oversized vehicles are not permitted in fair parking lots.
Tickets for the 2025 fair are not yet available, but you can check the fair's ticket page for updates and pricing. You can buy daily admission tickets, premium admission tickets, discounted tickets, and season passes.
Everything is bigger in Texas, and the State Fair is no exception. From thrilling rides and world-class entertainment to mouthwatering fair food and unforgettable family fun, this iconic event offers something for everyone. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning fairgoer, don't miss the chance to experience the magic of the State Fair of Texas. Follow the State Fair of Texas on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
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