The State Fair of Texas is excited to announce the free attractions and entertainment lineup for the 2026 State Fair. Hundreds of activities are spread throughout the fairgrounds during all 24 days of the State Fair, all included for free with your admission ticket. Celebrating all things Texan is central to the State Fair’s nonprofit mission and providing entertainment that appeals to our diverse mix of fairgoers – for the music lovers singing their hearts out at every concert, the auto enthusiasts browsing the latest and greatest models at the Texas Auto Show, the families looking for educational exhibits infused with Fair fun, and everyone in between. Below are the highlights for this year’s lineup, with the full lineup available on our website, BigTex.com/Attractions.
What’s New and Not to Miss
From Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, State Fair of Texas attendees will witness a dazzling drone show – Stars of the Fair, a three–night drone show event presented by DraftKings®. Come see Big Tex and other State Fair icons light up the sky for this limited-time attraction at the Fair. Each of the three nights will feature two shows, beginning at approximately 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. The drone shows are produced in partnership with Coppell-based Sky Elements.
Catch the Fringe Stage’s newest act, Wacky Chad! Delivering 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, Wacky Chad’s performance is one not to miss. Come enjoy Wacky Chad’s antics from September 25 to October 6 on the Fringe Stage in its brand-new location – Little Lone Stars Land!
The Esplanade of State has been a beloved nighttime destination at the State Fair of Texas for over a decade, as Fairgoers lined the 700-foot-long reflecting pool to catch the awe-inspiring Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation®, and now, guests can enjoy the wonder of the large fountain all day long! The Esplanade of State will now feature daily fountain shows every 30 minutes from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Hall of State is one of Fair Park’s most celebrated landmarks. After becoming the new home of the fan-favorite Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos, the historic institution welcomes “Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman’s University” and “Unquiet Legacies: Dynamic Dallas Women” to its 2026 lineup.
Celebrating TWU’s quasquicentennial, Blazing New Trails explores the founders, faculty, and students who shaped the course of women’s education in Texas. Drawing from the university’s Special Collections and University Archives, the exhibit traces 125 years of vision, courage, and determination that continue to shape generations of Pioneers.
“Unquiet Legacies: Dynamic Dallas Women” shines a light on the remarkable women whose leadership, advocacy, and accomplishments helped shape Dallas. Visitors can explore the institutions they led, the movements they advanced, and the communities they strengthened, discovering stories of women whose influence continues to resonate throughout the city.
Making its debut at the 2025 State Fair of Texas, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) proudly returns with a new attraction as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary Season. TBAAL is a multidisciplinary arts institution dedicated to celebrating and advancing African, African American, and Caribbean arts and culture. While temporarily housed at The Women’s Museum in Fair Park, TBAAL invites Fairgoers to explore the Eva Jessye Gift Shop and relax in its air-conditioned Membership Lounge, open to current and prospective members. During the Fair, TBAAL will also host the “Eminence Rising: 150 Years of Prairie View A&M University” Traveling Exhibition, celebrating the rich legacy, achievements, and enduring impact of one of Texas’ most distinguished historically Black universities.
The African American Museum will present the internationally acclaimed Mandela: The Official Exhibition, which explores the life of one of the world’s most recognizable champions of freedom and justice – whose vision of justice, service and reconciliation continues to inspire people around the globe. Making its Texas debut at the African American Museum in Dallas, the exhibition will span all four galleries and unfold through multisensory experiences, tracing Mandela’s extraordinary journey from his rural childhood in the Eastern Cape to his decades of resistance against apartheid and his election as South Africa’s first democratically elected president. His path to becoming the “Father of South Africa” and a globally revered figure is presented in personal and revealing ways. Through his own reflections and stories shared by his family and those who knew him best, visitors will see Mandela – respectfully called Madiba – in a new light. Madiba is his Thembu clan name and is used as a sign of respect and affection.
Giddy up! The Pan Am Arena welcomes an all-new, innovative and educational horse show, Texas in the Saddle, presented by United Ag & Turf® and John Deere®. Texas in the Saddle brings together beautiful horses from across Texas and around the world in a spectacular celebration of America and its equestrian roots. Featuring talented riders and horses performing incredible feats, this fun-filled family show captures a piece of the spirit, tradition, and excitement of the horse in America! In addition, Fairgoers will have an opportunity to see the horses up close in Beyond the Saddle, an educational display with details on the horses and their ties to Texas in the stalls across from the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center.
In addition to the shows and exhibits, the State Fair’s live music lineup brings a Texas-sized music festival to Fair Park, with nearly 100 artists performing across four stages throughout all 24 days of the Fair — all included with admission. The newly reimagined Chevrolet Main Stage, now located inside the historic Fair Park Coliseum, will feature national touring acts and fan favorites, including Clint Black, La Alianza Norteña, Bowling for Soup, Paul Wall’s Fall Ball, Kansas, 3OH!3, Gym Class Heroes, and more.
The Fair is also entering its eighth year of partnership with State Fair Records, which programs and produces the Bud Light Stage, bringing local and regional talent to the Fair. The White Claw® Spotlight Stage, presented in partnership with the Dallas Music Office, will showcase local artists from the DMO’s talent roster at the Grove on Nimitz, along with the return of Deep Fried Comedy on Friday nights. New for 2026, State Fair Records is also producing the talent for the ZiegenBock® Stage at the newly renovated Old Mill Inn, which offers another venue to enjoy live music alongside food and beverages near Big Tex Circle. You can find the complete listing of live music at the Fair at BigTex.com/livemusic.
What’s Back and Better than Ever
A bender of horseshoes, juggler of bowling balls and sledgehammers, and all-around charmer, strongman 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 the entire show but also leave motivated and inspired by the culture of the old-time strongman. In addition, get ready to break it down with USA Breakdancers from October 7 to October 18. 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. Find Mighty Mike, Wacky Chad, and USA Breakdancers on the Fringe Stage in the all-new Little Lone Stars Land.
The fan-favorite Showstoppers return to the State Fair of Texas for a sixth year in a brand-new location! Giant, State Fair-inspired inflatable characters, Little Big Tex, Amy-Dillo, and Champ, entertain guests of all ages with their wild antics. Saddle up for a front-row seat at the Dr Pepper® Kidway Stage, and you might get roped into being a part of the show.
Featuring over-the-top spectacular floats, the 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. This year, two new floats will glide through the fairgrounds.
Fan Favorites Return
Start your engines! As the Official Vehicle of the State Fair of Texas, Chevrolet® is back with a brand-new take on its Ride & Drive event. The Chevrolet Ride and Drive gives qualified drivers the chance to get behind the wheel of the most anticipated vehicles of the year. Catch the action in Chevrolet Park Plaza and pre-register today at BigTex.com!
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 at “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!”. With a brand-new stage and concessions to indulge in while you watch in awe, “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!” is one of this year’s not-to-miss shows. Check out this family-friendly attraction with daily performances at the First Ave. Amphitheater, presented by McDonald’s®.
The entertaining World of Magic, featuring award-winning illusionists and futuristic elements, is sure to captivate people of all ages. Showcasing 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 Magic Hat Theater in the Creative Arts Building.
The Statewide Remodeling Pig Races are returning to Chevy Park Plaza. Dressed in fetching racing silks, the wiggly piglets run the course four times a day. Don’t miss this fan favorite!
Two iconic football rivalries return to the Cotton Bowl® Stadium field this year. On Saturday, September 26, the Grambling State University Tigers and the Prairie View A&M University Panthers kick off at 6:00 p.m. for another wild game and intense Battle of the Bands at halftime during the annual State Fair Classic. The Allstate® Red River Rivalry between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas Longhorns returns for the 97th consecutive neutral ground showdown with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff in Cotton Bowl Stadium on Saturday, October 10. As of 2024, the two esteemed schools are now housed under the NCAA Southeastern Conference (SEC), making for an even more anticipated matchup. Tickets purchased for the State Fair Classic and Allstate Red River Rivalry will include admission to the State Fair of Texas.
The State Fair is proud to announce the return of the State Fair Clásico, a premier international soccer match taking place during the 2026 State Fair of Texas. Dallas Trinity FC will be facing off against legendary international organization Chivas Femenil, bridging two vibrant soccer cultures at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 17. This high-profile friendly competition marks a major milestone for both Dallas Trinity FC and the State Fair of Texas, as both continue to grow their presence locally and internationally. Tickets are available for purchase at DallasTrinityFC.com/Clasico. Tickets purchased for the State Fair Clásico will include admission to the State Fair of Texas.
Free experiences, samples, and surprises with Big Tex Partners
The fun doesn’t stop with the Fair’s attractions and entertainment. Throughout the grounds, fairgoers can discover interactive experiences, photo opportunities, games, product samples, giveaways, and more from State Fair of Texas partners, all at no additional cost. Offerings vary throughout the 24-day Fair, giving guests another reason to explore the grounds and see what they might discover along the way. See below for just a handful of the Fair’s activations Fairgoers can experience during their visit:
- Across the Fairgrounds:
- Mattress Firm
- Reliant
- Chevrolet Park Plaza:
- Coca-Cola
- DIY CON
- GEICO
- United States Air Force
- Lone Star Boulevard:
- Bubbl’r
- Corona
- Nimitz Terrace:
- Bucked Up
- Levi’s
- State Farm
- Nimitz Drive:
- Dos Equis presents: The Pursuit
- Smirnoff Ice Party Pavilion
These are just the highlights of the more than 100 daily activities you and your family receive free access to with admission to the 2026 State Fair of Texas. To start planning your visit and see the complete entertainment listing, visit BigTex.com/Attractions. Season Passes and FLEX Tickets are now available for purchase at BigTex.com/Tickets. The 2026 State Fair of Texas will kick off on Friday, September 25, and run through Sunday, October 18, 2026. Join us for “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies” at the Most Texan Place on Earth®!