EEK! Less than TEN days away from the 2026 State Fair of Texas! I LOVE to go to the state fair each year and look forward to the food, exhibitions, animals and variety of entertainment. Did you know that I’ve even been a food judge for the fair? It’s true! We’ve been going for over 30 years! Tickets can be purchased HERE. The 2026 fair theme is “STARS, STRIPES, AND HOWDIES!” which is the perfect theme to celebrate the fair in Texas. Over the years I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to easily navigate the State Fair of Texas so I thought I would share them today.
TANYA’S TIP: My biggest piece of advice is to attend the State Fair of Texas on opening day. The fair starts on Friday, September 25 and will run for three weeks ending on Sunday, October 18. Why opening day? The food is fresh, the vendors are excited about opening day and everything is a bit cleaner, in my opinion. The gates will open at 10:00 AM! Here are some important tidbits about this year’s State Fair of Texas that will help you navigate your experience. This is of course in addition to all the amazing stuff we already know about such as the Texas Auto Show, the Midway, livestock exhibitions, college football games, arts & crafts and the petting zoo.
Pete and I head to the state fair several times during its 3 week run. We’ve even been know to just pop in for a Fletcher’s corny dog for dinner. 🙂
10 Things to know about the 2026 State Fair of Texas!
NEW! Chevrolet Main Stage Moves Indoors
- This is a big change for 2026! The Chevrolet Main Stage is moving inside the Fair Park Coliseum, giving fairgoers an indoor, concert-style experience (and some much-needed A/C!).
- The Fair will still feature nearly 100 artists and live performances throughout all 24 days, and concerts are FREE with State Fair admission.
- There is also a NEW ZiegenBock Stage at the newly renovated Old Mill Inn near Big Tex Circle.
NEW! Lower Prices + Every Day Values
- Good news for 2026: the State Fair has actually lowered several prices this year!
- Adult daily admission is $15 Monday–Thursday and $25 Friday–Sunday at the gate. Even better, admission is only $10 after 5 PM Monday–Thursday.
- Kids ages 3–12 are now just $10 every day, and official State Fair parking has dropped to $25.
- There is also a new Every Day Values program featuring lower-priced food, rides, games, and souvenirs throughout the Fair. Midway ride and game prices have also been reduced for 2026.
- Culturemap does such a great job of gathering discount hacks. Click HERE to read their article.
- Thrifty Thursdays offers discount food pricing. October 1, 8 & 15. Details HERE.
NEW! The Old Mill Returns
- The historic Old Mill Inn is getting new life for 2026! The Fair Park landmark near Big Tex Circle is reopening with food, beverages, plenty of seating, and a large outdoor patio.
- Also look for Rousso’s Wine Garden at The Old Mill and the new ZiegenBock Stage with live music.
NEW! Little Lone Stars Land + New Kidway
- Families with little ones have two new areas to check out this year. Little Lone Stars Land is a brand-new area designed especially for toddlers and younger children with rides, food, entertainment, and attractions.
- The Fair has also completely reimagined the Kidway with a larger footprint, new layout, and additional family-friendly rides and attractions.
- The Oak Farms Dairy Petting Zoo has also moved to Little Lone Stars Land.
- The Chevrolet Ride & Drive is back with a new experience for 2026, including reimagined on-road and off-road courses.
- Fairgoers can get behind the wheel and test drive some of the latest Chevrolet models, including the Silverado, Equinox EV and Corvette Grand Sport.
- The experience is FREE with no coupons required and is located at Chevrolet Park, northeast of the Top o’ Texas Tower and Midway.
- Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license.
- The State Fair Clásico is back for its second year, but there’s a new opponent for 2026. Dallas Trinity FC will take on Club Chivas at Cotton Bowl Stadium.
- The game is Saturday, October 17 at 4 PM. Tickets to the State Fair Clásico also include admission to the State Fair. Get tickets here.
- Other Cotton Bowl games include the State Fair Classic on September 26 and the Texas vs. OU Red River Rivalry on October 10. Unless you are attending the Red River Rivalry game, this is a day I would definitely avoid attending the fair due to the influx of people and crowds!
2026 Big Tex Choice Award Winners
- The Big Tex Choice Award winners are officially here! This year’s winners are:
- Best Taste – Savory: Burger Chop Tater Tacos
- Best Taste – Sweet: Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog
- Best Taste – Sipper: Tropical Coco Fresca
- Most Creative: Berry Me in Matcha
- There are plenty of other NEW foods for 2026 to try, including Texas Brisket Pierogies, Triple Chocolate Flautas, Twinkle Twinkle Brisket Star, 3D Fruit Ice Cream and more.
- Don’t forget that State Fair of Texas coupons never expire! If you have leftover coupons from last year’s Fair (or even years before), bring them with you and use them for food, drinks, and Midway rides. Pete and I always have tickets to re-use each year and it’s a great money saver!
- You can also purchase new coupons throughout the fairgrounds or buy them in advance.
- Have an unused season pass or premium admission ticket from 2025? Those are different from coupons and cannot be reused for admission in 2026. You’ll need a current 2026 admission ticket.
- Want to see every new make and model car? Head to the Automobile Building, the Centennial Building and the Truck Zone
- Tip: It’s a great way to cool off in an air conditioned building!
- The State Fair of Texas kicks off Friday, September 25. An Opening Day Ceremony is planned for this year’s Fair, with additional details still to come.
- Opening Day concert is CLINT BLACK. He will take the main stage at 8:30 PM
- The opening day parade will kick-off at noon
- Official opening day ceremony is in the evening on the steps of Hall of State with a ribbon cutting and performance from the Kilgore Rangerettes.
One extra tidbit for you is that there is no rodeo in 2026. The Fair has decided to pause both its pre-Fair horse shows and State Fair Rodeo this season while it evaluates its programming. The Fair says this does not necessarily mean the rodeo is gone for good, so hopefully we’ll see it return in a future year!
____
WOW! That seems like a lot of information but I really do hope it helps you plan your visit. And if you are like me, you will go several times during the three week run because, well, all need more than one Fletcher’s Original State Fair Corny Dog! Am I right? What’s your favorite thing to do at the State Fair of Texas?
xoxo – Tanya
pin this image
Great tips, Tanya. We went last night and I noticed the facelift to The Old Mill inn, the only place to get mixed drinks at the fair (not that I drink liquor at the fair — beer with a Fletcher’s for me).
It is always fun to go see the Butter Sculpture in the creative arts building! We have a couple blue ribbon winners(Collections) in there as well!
Great post! Don’t forget about the Grilled Turkey Legs. Yum!!!
I take it that’s what you are having on Friday???
Tanya 🙂
“Awesome tips for the 2024 State Fair of Texas! I loved the new food options and all the fun activities. Already looking forward to next year’s fair!”
Great tips! This year (2026), be sure to visit the Hall of State (A/C!!) to see “Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman’s University,” a special exhibition with Texas first ladies’ dresses, Jane Nelson’s famous high heels, a World War II flight jacket, Florence Nightingale artifacts and the FIRST Frito Pie recipe!
Great tip Juliette!
Thanks for adding. 🙂
TAnya