A Celebration of Heritage and Fun
Another Texas autumn came and went with the familiar sight of Big Tex towering over Fair Park, welcoming millions of visitors to the 2025 State Fair of Texas. The fair ran from September 26 through October 19, marking its 139th year as one of the nation’s most iconic and longest-running state fairs.
A Brief Look Back
Since its founding in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has grown from a small agricultural exposition into a full-scale celebration of Texas culture, innovation, and community. Over the decades, the fair has mirrored the spirit of the state itself—bold, proud, and bigger than life. The fairgrounds at Fair Park, a National Historic Landmark, once again buzzed with the sounds of laughter, live music, and the sizzle of deep fryers.
What Fairgoers Experienced
This year’s fair offered everything Texans have come to expect and love:
- The Midway, lined with carnival games and thrilling rides, including the iconic Texas Star Ferris wheel.
- New culinary creations alongside fair favorites—fried Oreos, turkey legs, and this year’s award-winning deep-fried peach cobbler.
- Livestock competitions, art exhibits, and agricultural showcases honoring the state’s rich rural traditions.
- The annual Red River Rivalry game between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners, which filled Cotton Bowl Stadium with roaring fans.
- Nightly concerts featuring Texas country, rock, and Tejano music.
By the Numbers
Roughly two million people attended the 2025 fair, down about 385,000 from the previous year. Despite the dip, it remains one of the largest state fairs in the United States. The event continues to generate millions in economic impact for the Dallas area and supports scholarships, youth programs, and Fair Park preservation efforts.
Why Attendance Was Down
Fair officials acknowledged the decline and attributed it to several factors. Many visitors cited rising costs for food, admission, and parking, while others expressed concerns over safety and congestion around the fairgrounds. A few weekends of rainy weather also likely played a role. Changing habits and entertainment preferences have also drawn some longtime visitors elsewhere.
Still, fair organizers emphasized that attendance numbers only tell part of the story. Families still filled the Midway, lines formed for favorite food stands, and Big Tex greeted each visitor with his booming “Howdy, folks!” The tradition remains strong, even as the fair evolves to meet new expectations.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Plans are already underway for next year’s State Fair, with organizers promising new attractions, improved transportation and safety measures, and more affordable family ticket options. For generations of Texans, the fair is more than an event—it’s a ritual of the season, a gathering place, and a reminder that everything really is bigger (and friendlier) in Texas.
As Big Tex waved goodbye this October, one thing was certain: he’ll be back next fall, ready to say hello once again to millions of fairgoers hungry for food, fun, and Texas pride.
