State Fair of Texas 2025: Dates, Tickets, Tips

There’s a reason people drive across Texas every autumn to spend a day at Fair Park. The State Fair of Texas has been a tradition for 138 years, and the 2025 edition promises the same mix of fried food, concerts, and family fun — plus a few new surprises.

Fair Dates: September 26 – October 19, 2025 ·
Location: Dallas, Texas ·
Annual Edition: 138th ·
Duration: 24 days

The pattern: the more you plan ahead, the more you save.

When and where is the State Fair of Texas 2025?

What city is the State Fair of Texas in?

• The fair takes place at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, a historic 277-acre complex. The State Fair of Texas official site confirms the location and describes the fair as celebrating agriculture, education, and community.

According to D Magazine (Dallas’s leading city magazine), the 2025 fair runs from September 26 to October 19. However, the official schedule page lists September 25 as the opening date — a discrepancy worth noting. Either way, the fair spans 24 days, as reported by Visit Dallas.

The implication: Check BigTex.com closer to your visit to confirm exact opening day and hours.

How much does it cost to attend the Texas State Fair?

Are there discounts for State Fair of Texas tickets?

• The official Family Fun page states that children ages 3–12 have admission ranging from $14 to $24 depending on the day and time, and children ages 2 and younger are free.
• Discounts for seniors and military members are typically available; exact 2025 rates are not yet published.

What is the cheapest day to go to the State Fair of Texas?

• Value Days — typically weekdays — offer reduced admission. The official Family Fun page also notes that fair coupons (used for rides and food) cost $1.00 each and can be purchased at coupon booths throughout the grounds.

For context: the D Magazine guide has historically highlighted that weekdays are cheaper and less crowded. Parking in official lots was reported at $20 by Visit Dallas, though 2025 rates may change.

The trade-off: cheaper weekdays mean fewer shows and a quieter atmosphere — perfect for families with young kids, but less energy for those seeking the full fair buzz.

What is the best day to go to the Texas State Fair?

What is the cheapest day to go to the State Fair of Texas?

Weekdays — especially Tuesday through Thursday — are both cheaper and far less crowded. The official Family Fun page lists multiple daily showtimes every day, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an extra 6:30 p.m. show on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. That means even on a “cheap” weekday, you won’t miss the main attractions.

• Best for budget: Tuesday–Thursday (Value Days)
• Best for entertainment: Friday–Sunday (more concerts, later hours)
• Best for families: Weekday mornings, when crowds are thin and the Milking Parlor Demo runs every hour from 10:30 a.m.

The pattern: your ideal day depends on whether you prioritize saving money or seeing the most entertainment. There’s no wrong answer — just a trade-off.

Is it worth going to the Texas State Fair?

What are the main attractions?

Headliners include concerts, midway rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and the legendary food court. The fair bills itself as “celebrating Texas through agriculture, education, and community involvement with entertainment for the family,” per the State Fair of Texas home page. The Visit Dallas guide calls it the “longest-running fair in the nation” — a 138-year-old tradition.

Why this matters: For a family of four, a full day can easily cost $150–$200. But for that price, you get an experience that’s genuinely unlike any other — a slice of Texas culture you won’t find at a theme park.

What concerts and food can I expect at the State Fair of Texas 2025?

What food is available at the State Fair of Texas?

Fletcher’s Corny Dog is the iconic staple, but the menu goes deep: fried butter, fried Oreos, fried everything. The official Family Fun page mentions “hundreds of daily activities and shows included with admission,” and the food vendors are a major part of that. Visitors may bring their own food, wagons, and coolers — a budget hack straight from the fair’s own rules.

What concerts are scheduled for the State Fair of Texas 2025?

The concert lineup for 2025 hasn’t been released yet. Past years — as documented in the D Magazine ultimate guide — have featured national acts across country, rock, and Latin genres. The official schedule page will post the lineup closer to the fair. Expect announcements around late summer 2025.

The implication: Foodies can start planning now — the fair’s own rules allow you to bring snacks. Concert lovers will need patience; the best shows are usually revealed in August or September.

Timeline

• September 26, 2025: State Fair of Texas 2025 opens
• October 19, 2025: State Fair of Texas 2025 closes

Between those two dates, the fair is open daily 10 AM – 9 PM Monday through Thursday, with extended hours on weekends, per the official schedule.

Related reading: **Six Flags Great Adventure: Rides, Tips, and FAQs (2025 Guide)** · **Times Square Ball Drop 2026: Cost, Location & Bathroom Tips**

For those already planning ahead, the 2026 State Fair of Texas guide offers a preview of next year’s attractions and early ticket details.

Frequently Asked Questions