What's new at the State Fair of Texas in 2026
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The Texas Star is usually our North Star at the State Fair of Texas. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Big Tex has a brand new outfit, paddle boats have returned to Leonhardt Lagoon and two Fair Park buildings are now filled with cars and trucks.
- Must be State Fair of Texas time.
Why it matters: The annual gathering of Texans obsessed with Texas draws millions of visitors each year. This year's fair opens Friday and runs through Oct. 18.
State of play: Expect activities and shows around the theme of "Stars, Stripes, and Howdies!" in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
- The fair has lowered prices this year for parking, adult tickets and activities in the State Fair Midway area.
- The Chevrolet Main Stage has moved indoors, to the Fair Park Coliseum. Admission to the concerts is still included with fair admission.
- Last year's clear bag policy is out, though the fair still prefers them for fast entry.
Yes, but: The famous butter sculpture didn't make the cut this year. The fair is highlighting canning instead.
- The "United We CAN" exhibit inside the Creative Arts Building features hundreds of canned jars representing each U.S. state and arranged to resemble the American flag.
If you go: Add the Old Mill Inn, once Dallas' second-oldest restaurant, to your fair plans. A Fair Park concessionaire has revived the restaurant after it sat vacant for years.
The bottom line: We are saving up our money and calories for the new fair foods.