State Fair of Texas opens its gates for the 2025 season
Big Tex returns to the State Fair of Texas
It's that time of year again. Crews work to return Big Tex to his usual spot in Fair Park for the State Fair of Texas. The 2025 fair opens on Sept. 26 and runs through Oct. 19.
DALLAS - The State Fair of Texas begins its three-week run on Friday.
The gates at Fair Park open at 10 a.m., and the opening day parade kicks off at noon.There’s also an opening day ceremony on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. on the Hall of State steps.
The State Fair Classic between Prairie View A&M and Grambling State will be at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday.
The Red River Rivalry between Texas and OU happens on Oct. 11.
The fair runs through Oct. 19.
State Fair Classic celebrates 100 years at Cotton Bowl
A traditional football game at the State Fair of Texas is celebrating a centennial this year!
What's new:
There will be two new rides on the Midway this year: the Thunderbird, which is described as the tallest portable swing tower in North America, and the Defender, a high-impact propeller ride with fast-action movements and an LED light show.
A new attraction is USA Breakdancers, whose performances pair classic 80s music with high-energy dance moves.
This year, the state fair also has a new clear bag policy similar to sporting events. Exceptions will only be made for medical and parenting bags.
State Fair of Texas: New security measures in place for 2025 event
With just weeks from opening day, the State Fair of Texas announced Thursday new security changes, following issues in the past.
The backstory:
The State Fair of Texas is considered one of the premier state fairs in America. It's also a tradition that dates back to 1886. Opening day that year drew a respectable crowd of about 14,000 people. This year, attendance over the fair's 24-day run is expected to top 2 million people.
The 55-foot-tall cowboy, Big Tex, made his state fair debut in 1952, and he started talking to fairgoers the following year. He's been sharing friendly greetings and helpful information ever since.
Behind the Scenes at the 2025 State Fair of Texas
Good Day’s Payton May got the chance to preview some of the attractions, talk to performers, and see what goes on behind the scenes at the State Fair of Texas.
What's new on the Midway at the State Fair of Texas
Good Day's Payton May plays the flip-a-chick game while learning about everything that's new on the Midway at the State Fair of Texas this year.
Payton tries deep-fried deli tacos at the state fair
One of the new foods at the State Fair of Texas this year is the deep-fried deli taco, a Big Tex Choice Awards finalist. Good Day's Payton May tried that and more on opening day.
Payton tries breakdancing at the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas opens on Friday, and that means lots of entertainment performances. Good Day's Payton May got a preview of a breakdancing performance that brings classic 80s music and high-energy dance moves.
New floats added to State Fair of Texas parade
Good Day's Payton May went behind the scenes at the State Fair of Texas to look at some of the new floats in this year's parade.
State Fair of Texas introduces first fully vegan vendor
Good Day's Payton May has been previewing the State Fair of Texas all morning, including a new food vendor that only offers vegan options.
State Fair of Texas opens with new clear bag policy
The State Fair of Texas opened its gates on Friday morning. Good Day's Payton May got in early to test everything out and is now learning more about the fair's new clear bag policy, similar to sporting events.
State Fair of Texas Guides
- State Fair of Texas: New security measures in place for 2025 event
- 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards winners include 4 unique fair foods
- New 2025 State Fair of Texas Foods
- 2025 State Fair of Texas music lineup announced
- Texas To-Do List: Insider Tips for the State Fair of Texas
The Source: The information in this story comes from the State Fair of Texas and past news coverage.