The 2026 State Fair of Texas is officially back, and it’s time to grab your boots, bring your appetite, and get ready for one of the biggest traditions in Texas!

Running from September 25 through October 18, 2026, the State Fair of Texas is bringing nearly a month of live music, wild fair food, family entertainment, rides, shows, and, of course, Big Tex.

Whether you're a first-time fairgoer or someone who has been making the annual trip to Fair Park for years, there is plenty to see, eat, and experience. We've rounded up some of the highlights to help you plan your perfect fair day.

2026 State Fair of Texas Ticket Prices

Planning your fair day starts with figuring out your tickets. General admission pricing varies depending on the day you visit.

General Admission

• Adults: Approximately $10–$25, depending on the day
• Children ages 3–12: Around $10
• Seniors 60+: Approximately $7–$20
• Season Pass: $52 — unlimited admission throughout the 2026 Fair

There are also special ticket packages and value days throughout the Fair, so it’s worth checking the available offers before you buy.

Everyday Deals & Discounts

• Looking for ways to save a little extra? The Fair offers several special promotions: 
  Pay Kids' Price After 5 PM
  Visiting in the evening? Any night of the week, fairgoers can take advantage of the after-5 PM discount and pay the kids' price.
• McDonald's Discount Coupons
  Participating McDonald's locations offer coupons that can save fairgoers $5 off admission.
• Military Appreciation
  With valid documentation, military members, spouses, and children can save $5 per ticket at the gate.
• First Responder Appreciation
  First responders, their spouses, and children can save $5 per ticket at the gate with a valid badge or ID.
• $12 Tuesdays & Thursdays
  Every Tuesday and Thursday, online tickets are available for $12.
• $7 Wednesdays — Feed the Need
  Bring five canned goods to donate and take advantage of the special $7 admission offer.
• Senior Thursdays
  Every Thursday, guests 60 and older can take advantage of special senior pricing at the gate.

Tip: Discount availability and requirements can change, so double-check the Fair's official ticket information before heading out.

2026 Chevrolet Main Stage Lineup

One of the best parts of the State Fair? The music!

The Chevrolet Main Stage will feature a mix of country, rock, pop, hip-hop, tribute acts, and Texas favorites throughout the Fair.

September

Friday, September 25 — Clint Black
Saturday, September 26 — Steve Ray Ladson | Pynk Beard | The Boykinz | Jaydon
Sunday, September 27 — Geru Y Su Legion7 | La Alianza Norteña
Monday, September 28 — Petty Theft
Tuesday, September 29 — Bowling For Soup
Wednesday, September 30 — Lee Brice

October

Thursday, October 1 — Mini Kiss
Friday, October 2 — Josh Weathers
Saturday, October 3 — The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
Sunday, October 4 — Kansas
Monday, October 5 — Joy Oladokun
Tuesday, October 6 — Tyler Nance
Wednesday, October 7 — Queensryche
Thursday, October 8 — Red Hot Chili Pipers
Friday, October 9 — Two Friends
Saturday, October 10 — Paul Wall Fall Ball
Sunday, October 11 — Deep Blue Something | Tripping Daisy | Toadies
Monday, October 12 — Iann Dior | Adrien Nunez | Vwillz
Tuesday, October 13 — Maggie Antone
Wednesday, October 14 — Raelynn
Thursday, October 15 — The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
Friday, October 16 — Muscadine Bloodline
Saturday, October 17 — Gym Class Heroes | 30H!3
Sunday, October 18 — The Last Bandoleros

Tip: Pick your concert first, then build the rest of your Fair day around it!

The Big Tex® Choice Awards: What Will You Eat?

Let's be honest, the food might be one of the biggest reasons people go to the State Fair!

Every year, the Big Tex® Choice Awards introduce some seriously creative fair-food creations, and the 2026 finalists are bringing plenty of options for anyone willing to be adventurous.

This year's finalists compete across four categories.

Best Taste – Savory

• Burger Chop Tater Tacos
• Dickel's Texas Two Step Tacos
• Flamin' Crunch Pizza
• Golden Crunch Melt
• Nacho Wings

Best Taste – Sweet

• Berry Me in Matcha
• Fernie's Frozen Espresso-Tini Bar
• Fletcher's Chocolate Corny Dog
• Holy Flan! Bunueloco
• Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake Cone

Best Taste – Sipper

• Corn Flake Shappe
• Nevin's Soft Serve Peach Bellini Float
• Rousso's Bacon Jam Caramel Apple Hard Cider
• Sunset Soft Serve Rita
• Tropical Coco Fresca

With options ranging from tacos and pizza to cheesecake cones and creative frozen drinks, come hungry and maybe bring a friend willing to split everything!

Family Fun & Shows

You don't have to be a foodie or a music fan to have an amazing day at the Fair. There is a full lineup of entertainment and activities for families and visitors of all ages.

Some of the experiences to look for include:

• Big Tex's Discovery Farm
• Dino Time with Professor T. Rex
• Dinosaurs at the Lagoon
• Creative Arts Cooking
• ¡Fiestas de Marionetas!
• Innovations in Agriculture
• Starlight Parade
• All-Star Stunt Dog Show
• Livestock Birthing Barn
• Midway Barker
• Illumination Sensation
• Milking Parlor
• Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos
• Mighty Mike Show
• Oak Farms Petting Zoo
• Ram Rho Thrill Ride
• Showstoppers!
• USA Breakdancers
• World of Magic
• Wacky Chad

There's plenty to fill an entire day and probably a second visit!

Ready for the Fair?

From Big Tex and creative fair food to live music, family shows, animals, rides, and everything in between, the 2026 State Fair of Texas has something for just about everyone.

So grab your friends, bring the family, and start planning your Fair day!

📅 September 25 – October 18, 2026
📍 Fair Park, Dallas, Texas

And remember: the bigger the appetite, the better.