Your 2026 State Fair Game Plan

Big Tex is back, which means fall has officially arrived in DFW.

The State Fair of Texas runs September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park, bringing food, rides, livestock, live music, shopping, the Auto Show, and plenty of those traditions that make a trip to the Fair feel like a proper fall outing.

If you’re going this year, our first piece of advice is simple: get there early. Not “early-ish.” If Fletcher’s Corny Dogs are on your list, make that an early stop before the crowds have a chance to build. Nobody wants their first corny dog of the season to come with a 45-minute wait.

Once you’ve hit the things you really wanted to see, slow down. Walk through the livestock barns, spend some time at the Auto Show, find Big Tex, browse the vendors, and let yourself wander. The Fair is more fun when you leave room for something you didn't plan to do.

Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. Fair Park covers a lot of ground, and between the food stands, rides, exhibits, and everything else competing for your attention, you're going to walk more than you think. Those cute shoes may look great in the first photo. By hour six, you might feel differently.

Food will be a big part of the conversation this year, especially with the 2026 Big Tex Choice Award winners already announced. Burger Chop Tater Tacos won Best Taste - Savory, while Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog took Best Taste - Sweet. Berry Me in Matcha was named Most Creative, and Tropical Coco Fresca was also among the winning entries.

Our advice here? Go with a group and share. Ordering one of everything sounds fun until you're three desserts in and can barely look at another fried food. Pick a few things that actually catch your attention, split them up, and save room for whatever you inevitably spot five minutes later.

The concert lineup is worth planning around, too. Clint Black, Bowling For Soup, Lee Brice, Kansas, Two Friends, and Paul Wall are among this year's featured performers. If one of those shows is a must-see, build your Fair day around it rather than trying to squeeze it in at the last minute.

It’s a lot better than realizing at 7:30 that you’re on the other side of Fair Park with a funnel cake in one hand and your favorite performer starting soon.

And don't skip Big Tex. The famous cowboy actually started life as a giant Santa Claus in Kerens, Texas, before the State Fair purchased him in 1951 and gave him the Texas makeover we know today. He made his debut as Big Tex in 1952.

So yes, take the photo. It's part of the experience.

If you have some flexibility with your Fair date, use it. Special promotions throughout the season can make certain weekdays a better value, including discounted admission, food deals, ride promotions, and opportunities to support the North Texas Food Bank. We've broken down the savings opportunities in our full guide so you can choose a day that works for your schedule and budget.

To get there, DART's Green Line serves Fair Park and MLK Jr. Stations, and visitors coming from Tarrant County can connect through the Trinity Railway Express. Driving is another option, especially if you know you'll be on your feet all day and would rather have your car waiting when you're ready to leave. Our guide breaks down the parking and transportation options so you can decide before you go.

The State Fair also isn't the only way to enjoy fall around DFW. Pumpkin Nights in Arlington turns an evening into a walk through thousands of glowing pumpkins, while Mainstay Farm and Yesterland Farm are good choices when you're looking for a more traditional fall day. The Dallas Arboretum's pumpkin-filled display is another easy addition if you're already planning a trip into Dallas.

Want the details before you go? We put together our 2026 State Fair & Fall Guide with the exact savings opportunities, parking and transportation tips, what to bring, food picks, concert information, Fair-day advice, and more fall activities around DFW.

Save the guide before you head out. Your future self, especially the one standing in line for a corny dog, will thank you.