Plan Your Visit to the State Fair of Texas 2025 | Dates, Hours, and Deals
Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the State Fair of Texas 2025 with your family and kids at one of the largest and most iconic fairs in the country. It is held every fall at Fair Park in Dallas to celebrate Texas culture, community, and creativity with 24 days of non-stop entertainment. It’s full of fun, food, rides, music, games, and Texas-sized traditions. Whether you are craving deep-fried treats, cheering at a football game, riding the Ferris wheel, or seeing Big Tex himself, the State Fair offers something for everyone. It’s a great place for families, food lovers, thrill-seekers, and proud Texans alike.
Since 1886, the Fair has been a beloved tradition, attracting millions of visitors each year. It’s home to Big Tex, the towering cowboy who greets guests with a friendly “Howdy, folks” as they enter.
When does the State Fair of Texas Open
Fair Operating Hours:
The Fair runs from September 26 to October 19, 2025.
It opens daily from Sunday to Thursday at 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The buildings close daily at 9 PM.
Entry, Gates & Exhibits:
The last entry to the Fair is at 9:00 PM daily.
Exhibit buildings and most indoor areas close at 9:00 PM each day, even when the fair remains open until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Parking gates & ticket booths open daily at 9:30 AM.
Family Shows & Entertainment
Dino Time with Professor T. Rex:
Meet small dinosaurs in a time machine show by Professor T. Rex for kids under 10 years old. The live show starts daily several times a day from 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and an additional show on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 6:30 PM.
Dinosaurs at the Lagoon:
It’s an exhibit featuring ten life‑sized dinosaurs found in Texas, a kids’ play area, photo‑ops including a 57‑foot tall Alamosaurus, and bilingual educational content.
¡Fiestas de Marionetas!
“¡Fiestas de Marionetas!” is one of this year’s not-to-miss shows. You can enjoy a family-friendly puppet show with over 85 handmade marionettes celebrating a fiesta of color, culture, and creativity with stage shows and crafts.
The daily shows start at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and an additional show at 6:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Country Round‑Up!
A family-friendly music-themed show featuring puppetry with fun, punny performances for all ages.
The show begins daily at 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:00 PM.
Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade
Join the nightly parade created by Kern Studios of New Orleans featuring floats, life-size puppets, animated characters, etc., lighting up the fairgrounds all 24 nights of the Fair.
The parade starts every night at 7:15 PM.
All‑Star Stunt Dog Show
Witness the world’s first and original “stunt dog show,” where amazing rescued dogs perform amazing tricks you have to see to believe. All the dogs have been rescued from shelters and trained to showcase their unique talents. Get up close to friendly farm animals and feed some of them.
The show starts daily at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and an additional show at 2:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
World of Magic
Enter the world of magic, offering magic shows with illusions, neon lighting, lasers, a floating robot, and more, held in the Creative Arts Building.
The show starts daily at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
Majesty of the Horse
It’s a horse presentation showing various breeds, equine beauty, and performance. Experience the majesty and beauty of the horse up close with renowned horseman Jerry Diaz and his family in an intimate presentation.
State Fair of Texas tickets
General admission (adults): Costs between $19–$29, depending on the day.
Children ages 3 to 12: Tickets cost between $14–$24.
Children aged 2 and under enter for free.
Seniors aged 60 and older: Tickets cost between $9–$24.
Prices change depending on the day you visit. It’s better to avoid weekends and popular days as they usually cost more.
How to Save Money
Go on Weekdays: Consider visiting on Monday to Thursday as they have lower prices. You can save by choosing these days instead of weekends. You can also get additional discounts on Thursday.
Discount After 5:00 PM: Any day, if you arrive and purchase the ticket after 5:00 PM, admission for all ages drops to the child‑price ticket. So you can save some money by heading after 5:00 PM.
Senior Day: Thursday is usually “Senior Day.” Seniors who are 60+ get special reduced admission, sometimes half-price and much lower on Thursdays.
Group Rates: If you have 25+ people, then you can have discount options. Consider buying early, as it usually gives a better price.
Save on Tuesdays and Thursdays: Admission tickets purchased online on Tuesdays and Thursdays are available at a discounted price of just $10.
Season Pass: The fair lasts for a month and gives plenty of chances to go at least once, or plan to go multiple times. You can’t experience every attraction of the State Fair of Texas by visiting once. So you should get a season pass instead of individual tickets, which may save you money in the long run.
Plan your State Fair of Texas 2025 with Travelpodium
Don’t miss a minute of fun by booking the cheapest flight with Travelpodium. Whether you are visiting from across the state or just across town, Travelpodium has everything you need to plan your perfect Fair Day at Fair Park, Dallas. Avoid the crowds, save money, pick the best dates, and grab the great ticket deals from Travelpodium.
Conclusion
If you're wondering when the State Fair of Texas opens, mark your calendar for September 26 to October 19, 2025. The State Fair of Texas 2025 is set to be one of the most exciting events of the year, packed with classic Texas fun for the whole family. Enjoy 24 days with delicious food, exciting rides, amazing games, live music, and engaging shows. The State Fair of Texas hours are from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The last day of the Texas State Fair will be on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Whether it’s your first visit or a family tradition, the State Fair of Texas 2025 has something for everyone. Plan your visit, grab your tickets, and get ready to experience the biggest fair in Texas.
FAQs about the State Fair of Texas
Q.1: What are the dates and hours of the Fair?
The State Fair of Texas 2025 runs from September 26 to October 19, 2025, and the gates are open at 10:00 AM daily with the last entry at 9:00 PM.
Q.2: When and where is the State Fair of Texas held?
The State Fair of Texas is held every year for 24 days in Fair Park, Dallas.
Q.3: How much are the State Fair of Texas tickets?
The State Fair of Texas tickets depend on the day you book, the age of the person, and discounts. Adult tickets generally cost between $19–$29, whereas for children or seniors, somewhat less.
Q.4: What rides and games are available?
There are over 70 rides, including some iconic ones like the Texas Star Ferris wheel, Kidway rides for young children, the 1914 Dentzel Carousel, etc.
Q.5: What sporting events happen during the Fair?
Highlights include the Red River Rivalry college football game (Texas vs. Oklahoma), the State Fair Classic, and, in 2025, there is a new soccer match debuts, called the State Fair Clásico.
Give us a call anytime at:
+1-844-635-4010