Family Fun & Shows

All-Star Stunt Dog Show

If you’re ready for some dog-gone fun, you’re in luck! The All-Star Stunt Dog Show returns to Marine Corps Square for this year’s Fair. Offering the world’s first and original “stunt dog show,” audiences of all ages will be captivated by amazing canine tricks you have to see to believe! The All-Star Stunt Dog Show dogs have performed across the country, including appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Oprah Winfrey Show. All the dogs have been rescued from shelters and trained to showcase their unique talents. 

Performances daily at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.

Big Tex’s Discovery Farm

Located next to the Leonhardt Lagoon, Big Tex’s Discovery Farm provides an educational experience through interactive exhibits as well as live animal displays, including calves, piglets, and hatching chicks. Learn all about agriculture and its impact on the state of Texas, from the importance of farming and ranching to the process of raising and caring for animals.

Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL), celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season, is a multi-discipline arts institution dedicated to enhancing an awareness and understanding of artistic, cultural, and aesthetic differences utilizing the framework of African, African American and Caribbean Arts and Letters. While temporarily housed at The Women’s Museum in Fair Park, we invite State Fair of Texas visitors to stop by, explore the Eva Jessye Gift Shop, and relax in our air-conditioned Membership Lounge, open to both current and prospective TBAAL members. During the Fair, TBAAL will also proudly host the “Eminence Rising: 150 Years of Prairie View A&M University” Traveling Exhibition, offering Prairie View A&M students, alumni, and fairgoers an inspiring opportunity to celebrate the rich legacy, achievements, and enduring impact of one of Texas’ most distinguished historically Black universities.

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Creative Arts Cooking Demonstrations in the Cutco Kitchen

Step into the culinary spotlight at the Creative Arts Cooking Demonstrations, where top chefs perform live demos daily at the State Fair of Texas. Watch as they craft mouthwatering dishes, share insider tips, and invite audience participation for an immersive gourmet experience like no other. From beginners to seasoned cooks, everyone can savor the excitement and take home culinary inspiration!

Daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30 p.m.

Chevrolet Main Stage

With live music as one of our cornerstones, the State Fair of Texas presents 24 days of free concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage, featuring a variety of musical acts across all genres. The stage showcases national and regional talent of all types, with all performances included in the price of admission. The Chevrolet Main Stage, now located indoors at the Coliseum, features a huge, festival-style stage and an ADA-compliant area for guests needing special assistance.

Click here to view the daily artists.

Dino Time with Professor T. Rex

Join Professor T. Rex and his dino-wrangler as they bring their favorite dinosaurs through his time machine to meet fairgoers. This show is intended for children under ten years old and will give them an opportunity to meet small dinosaurs.

Showtimes daily at 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m.

Dinosaurs at the Lagoon

The wonders of the prehistoric era make their way to the State Fair of Texas for this year’s Dinosaurs at the Lagoon. Featuring ten life-sized dinosaurs found in Texas, a kids’ play area, and plenty of seating and dining options, the Dinosaurs at the Lagoon exhibit brings together Fair fun with bilingual educational entertainment for the whole family. Be sure to get your photo with a 57’ tall Alamosaurus!

Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

¡Fiestas de Marionetas!

A family-friendly experience presented by McDonald’s, “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!” is one of this year’s not-to-miss shows. Surrounded by lights and beautiful landscaping, a small village of more than 85 handmade marionettes come to life to celebrate a fiesta of color, culture, and creativity. Be sure to stick around for the backstage tour and craft activity after the show. Come check it out yourself at the McDonald’s Amphitheater on First Avenue. 

Daily performances at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and an additional show at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays, and Saturdays.

Hall of State

Unquiet Legacies: Dynamic Dallas Women
Unquiet Legacies is an exhibit that invites visitors to explore the dynamic lives of Dallas women whose impact endures. Discover the institutions they led, the movements they advanced, and the communities they strengthened.

Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman’s University
Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman’s University marks the university’s quasquicentennial with a sweeping look at the founders, faculty, and students who have shaped the course of women’s education in Texas through vision and bold ambition. Founded by the Texas Legislature in 1901 as the Girls Industrial College and opening its doors in Denton in 1903, TWU has spent 125 years expanding what was possible for women in Texas and beyond. Today, it stands as the nation’s largest public university primarily for women — a legacy traced through the milestones and movements on view in this exhibit. Drawn from the deep holdings of Special Collections and University Archives, the exhibit invites visitors to walk alongside generations of Pioneers whose courage, determination, and service still light the way.

Exhibits open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation

Set along a scenic reflecting pool, Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation combines fireworks and high-energy pop music with engaging performances from dancers and acrobats.

This sensational production of synchronized pyrotechnics and special effects begins nightly at 7:45 p.m.

Livestock Birthing Barn

This unique educational experience exhibits the incubation and birthing process of various livestock animals. With agriculture and education as the Fair’s foundation, the Livestock Birthing Barn highlights the agricultural importance of breeding livestock and its role in our everyday lives.

Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Midway Barker

With a twinkle in his eye and a voice that could sell sand in the desert, the Midway Barker entices you to test your luck and skill at the greatest show on earth – the State Fair of Texas! He’s also filled with recommendations for how to spend your day at the Fair.

Suitable for all ages. See him daily at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m., and 5:45 p.m.

Mighty Mike Show

A bender of horseshoes, juggler of bowling balls and sledgehammers, and all-around charmer, Mighty Mike’s funny performance showcases strongman strength techniques dating back to the 1920s and, dare we say, questionable dance routines. Audience members will laugh for the entire show but also leave motivated and inspired by the culture of the old-time strongman.

Shows daily at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.

Mundo Latino Presents: Dia de los Muertos

During the 2026 State Fair of Texas, step into the Hall of State and visit the new home of the fan-favorite, Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos, presented by the Law Offices of Domingo Garcia. Previously housed in the Women’s Museum, Mundo Latino showcases their awe-inspiring exhibit, “Día de los Muertos,” celebrating the rich history and significance of the Day of the Dead through art installations, shopping opportunities, face painting, and more. In addition, the Dallas International Coffee Art exhibit presented by Coffee News will be hosted in the Hall of State Gallery. More than 15 countries are participating in this creative caffeinated gallery.

Exhibits open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Showstoppers!

Get the party started with the Showstoppers! Giant inflatable characters entertain guests of all ages with their wild antics. Saddle up for a front-row seat, and you might get roped into being a part of the show.

See them daily at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.

USA Breakdancers

Get ready to break it down with USA Breakdancers. Combining traditional high-energy breakdancing with their signature comedic stylings, you’ll witness an unforgettable fusion of slick moves and laugh-out-loud moments. Whether they’re spinning on their heads or engaging the crowd with playful antics, this crew brings a unique blend of talent and entertainment that keeps audiences of all ages on their feet.

Shows daily 10/7 – 10/18 at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.

World of Magic

The entertaining World of Magic has been expanded to include even more twists and tricks! Featuring award-winning illusionists and futuristic elements, this show is sure to captivate people of all ages, “World of Magic” showcases a display of neon lighting, lasers, and even a floating robot! You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind magic show at the Oak Farms Dairy Magic Hat Theatre in the Creative Arts Building.

Shows daily at 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.

Innovations in Agriculture

Showcasing the State Fair’s Big Tex Urban Farms indoor growing facility, the Innovations in Agriculture exhibit displays unique ways to grow high-yield, healthy produce indoors. The exhibit also includes DIY growing systems that can be built in your home and how they are utilized in the Fair’s Big Tex Urban Farms initiative.

Starlight Parade

Featuring over-the-top spectacular floats, the Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade will light up the Fair Park skyline. Created by Kern Studios of New Orleans, this nightly parade wanders through the fairgrounds all 24 nights of the Fair, bringing a colorful assortment of floats, life-size puppets, animated characters in ornate costumes, and more.

Every night at 7:00 p.m.

Milking Parlor

Get a glimpse of life on the farm by attending one of the Milking Parlor Demonstrations.  Cows from nearby farms are brought to the Fair for an entertaining and educational exhibit of modern milking procedures. Be sure to stop by for this unique demonstration!

Milking Parlor Demo times:

Everyday – 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

Petting Zoo

Get up close and personal with a variety of farm friends, from emus and zebras to pigs and goats. While you’re at Little Lone Stars Land, make sure and visit the nursery where sows, ewes, nanny goats, and their young are on display. Fun for the whole family, this petting zoo allows fairgoers to interact with all their fury friends and even get the chance to feed them.

Wacky Chad

Wacky Chad! delivers an action‑packed, interactive stunt comedy show featuring extreme pogo stick stunts, tall‑unicycle feats, “dangerous” juggling, skateboard tricks, a tiny bicycle, balancing, and huge laughs.

Shows daily 9/25 – 10/6 at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.

RAM RHO THRILL RIDE

The Ram Truck Brand returns to the State Fair of Texas with the Ram 1500 TRX Thrill Ride in-vehicle experience. Ride in the Ram TRX as it accelerates over a series of rolling hills testing performance capabilities of the TRX, races around a banked corner, stretches the suspension over rolling hills, rides high over a banked turn to experience the incredible agility and traction of the TRX as it builds speed turn after turn. Find the Ram TRX Thrill Ride near Gate 5.

Runs from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.