Big Tex Community Engagement Day
In 2025, Big Tex Community Engagement Day returned with great success, drawing over 900 attendees across three sessions, with more than 400 joining us during the Fair to learn and network with like-minded community members. Keynote speaker, Senator Royce West, discussed how recent legislative developments are shaping the future and how the latest policy changes will impact our community.
Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards
Presented for the eighth time during the 2025 State Fair of Texas, the Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards was created to honor Mrs. Craft’s legacy as an influential activist during the civil rights movement and the crucial role she played in integrating the State Fair of Texas among other universities, restaurants, and theaters around Dallas. Hosted by the State Fair of Texas and the Friends of the Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House & Museum, the 2025 ceremony recognized past, present, and future leaders who are following in Mrs. Craft’s footsteps, as well as presented awards to individuals who have made an impact on civil rights in the City of Dallas. The 2025 recipients include Raymond Cardona (Spark Award), Tiffany Clark (Catalyst Award), J. Reid Porter (Visionary Award), Kristi Lichtenberg (Legacy Award).
Pastors Luncheon
The 2025 Pastors Luncheon hosted more than 300 pastors and clergy on October 2 during the State Fair of Texas. This event was designed to create an environment to celebrate congregations and invite clergy and community leaders alike to fellowship.
Big Tex Workplace Tours: Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and W.H. Adamson, Thomas Jefferson, and North Dallas High School Transition Academy
As part of the State Fair of Texas’ commitment to education and community engagement, the Big Tex Workplace Tours offer students and community and industry partners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the vast array of initiatives, operations, and career opportunities involved in bringing the Fair to life. Participants from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and W.H. Adamson, Thomas Jefferson, and North Dallas High School Transition Academy gained unique insights into the day-to-day roles and responsibilities of professionals working in diverse areas not always visible to the public but crucial to the success of the Fair. By connecting education with real-world experience, the Big Tex Workplace Tours align with the State Fair’s broader mission of giving back to the community and promoting community involvement.
Big Tex Business Masterclass Graduation
On November 4, 2025, the Big Tex Business Masterclass wrapped up with a graduation ceremony celebrating 15 dedicated entrepreneurs. Over five months, participants received classroom instruction, mentorship, and hands-on experience in the food and beverage industry. Hosted by the State Fair of Texas, the Masterclass supports small business owners by teaching essential operations, offering networking, and providing insight into becoming a vendor at the Fair with a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed.
Big Tex Next Fest
Big Tex Next Fest is a FREE one-of-a-kind event that aims to empower high schoolers to build the future they desire while addressing their current needs by exposing them to potential employers and vocational opportunities. In 2025, with over 125 partners, vendors, mentors, and volunteers, more than 400 DFW-area high schools attended Big Tex Next Fest. The students sit in on informative sessions to learn about various careers from industry leaders and expand their financial literacy. This impactful event would not be possible without the generous support and commitment of our partners, vendors, and mentors who help make lasting connections and opportunities for students.
State Fair of Texas and Broadway Dallas Student Theater Experience: The Outsiders
The State Fair of Texas partnered with Broadway Dallas to offer workshops that deepen Dallas ISD students’ understanding of Broadway productions. Students from Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center participated in a “The Outsiders” Wordplay Workshop, exploring steps for conflict resolution, De-Escalation tips, and a hands-on experience of creating their own short play. After the workshop, they attended a performance of The Outsiders at the Fair Park Music Hall.
As a long-standing nonprofit organization and Dallas institution, the State Fair of Texas has a unique appreciation for the local community that makes such a substantial event possible each year. Guided by our mission to have a positive community impact—not only through the annual Fair but also through year-round engagement—we are proud to collaborate with local organizations on initiatives that uplift, educate, and connect. Over the past year, these partnerships have supported a wide range of impactful events, from educational showcases and resource fairs to equity symposiums and public safety workshops. Each effort reflects our commitment to giving back and strengthening the fabric of the community we proudly serve.
Ag Awareness Reading Day Paul L. Dunbar and Charles Rice
In collaboration with our partners at Dairy MAX, the State Fair of Texas proudly hosts Ag Awareness Day, a gathering of FCCLA, FFA, and 4-H student leaders from across the state to celebrate Texans and our state’s rich agricultural history. On October 8, 2025, the State Fair of Texas hosted an Ag Awareness Reading Day at Paul L. Dunbar and Charles Rice elementary schools. High school and college students read Right This Very Minute to third grade students, a wonderful story that highlights how food gets from farm to table in a fun and engaging way.
Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala
The State Fair of Texas proudly sponsored the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala. The IHCC Annual Gala is the premier gathering of the year, drawing an elite audience of 500+ business professionals, influential community leaders, and regional decision-makers. It is an evening of celebration, connection, and purpose, where leaders across industries come together to honor excellence and envision the future of our vibrant community.
ACT A City Transformed: An Evening Benefiting ACT
The State Fair proudly sponsored A City Transformed: An Evening Benefiting ACT. This annual fundraiser is a special evening celebrating ACT’s casework, as well as casting a vision for the need that exists across our city.
The Concilio Big Dreams Gala
The State Fair of Texas proudly sponsored the Concilio Big Dreams Gala. The Big Dreams Gala is a tribute to heritage, hope, and inspiring families to dream big. Supporters from the evening help continue creating lasting opportunities for families—during this celebration and beyond.
Caremate’s Resource & Wellness Expo 2025
Held at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Fair Park, this one-day event is designed to connect families, seniors, veterans, and underserved citizens with vital resources. Over 100 attendees were offered health screenings, educational opportunities, and various resources to help improve their lives and the livelihoods of their families.
The Magdalen House Leave a Legacy Concert
The State Fair of Texas is proudly sponsored The Magdalen House Leave a Legacy Concert, an event that allows The Magdalen House to provide individuals and families struggling with alcoholism the opportunity to obtain long-term sobriety and sustain recovery.
GDHCC 28th Annual Quality & Excellence Awards
The State Fair of Texas proudly sponsored the 28th Annual Quality and Excellence Awards of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Awards honored the leaders whose vision, integrity, and impact set a new standard for what Hispanic business excellence looks like today and tomorrow.
Dallas United for Good Gala (DPD)
Hosted at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Fair Park, the Dallas United for Good’s 2nd Annual Gala for Good was an unforgettable black-tie affair that brought together community leaders, supporters, and changemakers for an evening of elegance, entertainment, and impact.
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Motown Gala
The State Fair of Texas proudly sponsored the 2025 Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Motown Gala. The Motown Gala is a meaningful gathering that highlights Black excellence in business, culture, and community leadership. Inspired by the soulful legacy of Motown, the gala raises funds to support DBCC programs while offering an evening of recognition, networking, and entertainment for members, partners, and supporters.
43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Week Job Fair and Drivers of Opportunity Symposium
The 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Week Job Fair and Drivers of Opportunity Symposium took place at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Fair Park and gathered over 730 attendees. The in-person job fair, in partnership with Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas, featured on-site interviews and job offers from over 75 employers, and the Drivers of Opportunity Symposium, in partnership with the City of Dallas, gathered city council members, city leadership, and community-based organizations to align data-driven partnerships and programs that expand opportunities across Dallas.
Senator Royce West District 23 Student Advisory Council Meeting
The State Fair of Texas proudly hosted Senator Royce West’s District 23 Student Advisory Council Meeting, which provided students an opportunity to share their perspectives on legislative and community issues, engage in the governmental process, volunteer, network, and build leadership skills. Recently, students raised several concerns regarding school safety, so in response, Senator West hosted a panel with the ISD Police Chiefs from each district in Senate District at the Briscoe Livestock Center at Fair Park to discuss these issues.
DISD Middle School Career Exploration Showcase
In partnership with the DISD Middle School Career Exploration Showcase, DISD invited 1200 seventh grade students who are enrolled in the path to college career courses to explore 30 different career clusters that could inspire their future career path.
DISD Teacher Appreciation Night
The State Fair of Texas was a proud partner of the DISD CTE Teacher Night which hosted over 200 attendees at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Fair Park. Campus principals nominated outstanding educators in each career cluster for their dedication and contributions to the profession, and also recognized Years of Service milestones, honoring educators who have reached 10, 15, 20, 25+ years in CTE.
2026 St. Philips Destiny Award Luncheon
The State Fair of Texas proudly sponsored the 2026 St. Philip’s School & Community Center Destiny Award Luncheon. The Destiny Award Luncheon is the signature fundraising event benefiting St. Philip’s School and Community Center (St. Philip’s). This year, the event honored eight decades of St. Philip’s unwavering commitment to education, empowerment and service in South Dallas. Now in its 26th year, this gathering highlighted the grand opening of the Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center, a transformative space designed to amplify student voices and community access to the arts.
DPD Women’s Symposium
State Fair of Texas was a proud partner of the DPD Women Symposium, over 150 attendees had the opportunity to come together for their 5th annual 2- day event where they celebrated and supported women who are First Responders and women who are professional staff employees with law enforcements and fire departments.
DPD Unidos & State Fair Soccer Camp at the Cotton Bowl
The State Fair of Texas was proud to partner with the Dallas Police Department and Pleasant Grove Soccer & Sports to host a free soccer camp at historic Cotton Bowl® Stadium, providing nearly 200 local DISD students with an exciting opportunity to learn, play, and grow through the game of soccer.
Hilltop Entrepreneurship Gala
The State Fair of Texas was excited to partner with DISD for their 5th Annual Hilltop Entrepreneurship Gala, where they honored DISD career institute students that participated in the Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge. This gala recognized the winners of the challenge and celebrated all of the students’ business ideas and achievements.
North Texas Commission 2026 North Texas Culture & Commerce Summit
The State Fair of Texas proudly sponsored the North Texas Commission 2026 North Texas Culture & Commerce Summit. The 2026 North Texas Culture & Commerce Summit focuses on strengthening the region’s economic future by elevating culture’s role as a strategic driver of competitiveness, workforce success, and civic engagement. Throughout the program, leaders from business, government, and community organizations explore how cultural values, such as team-building, purpose-driven commerce, inclusivity, and community trust, directly shape our region’s economic vitality.
Jonathan’s Place Annual Luncheon 2026 – A Chance to Soar
The State Fair proudly sponsored the 2026 Jonathan’s Place Annual Luncheon. Every dollar raised went to support Jonathan’s Place in providing emergency shelter, foster care, therapeutic programs, and safe housing for children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect, and abandonment right here in our community. Under the leadership of CEO Allicia Frye, this work continues to change lives every single day.
Texas Restaurant Association 2026 Food In Fashion
The State Fair of Texas proudly sponsored the Texas Restaurant Association 2026 Food In Fashion event. This event is a fun-filled night that benefits the career education mission of the Texas Restaurant Foundation and will showcase local high school student culinary teams. During a friendly competition, three-person student teams prepare appetizers for Food in Fashion and are judged by a panel of professionals.
DISD State of the District
The State Fair of Texas proudly sponsored the DISD State of the District. Each year, School Leadership and Human Capital Management partner to recognize outstanding teachers and campus leaders districtwide through the Teacher and Principal of the Year awards. Finalists for these awards are recognized during the district’s Winners Circle event, which also highlights teachers of promise.
Once teachers are chosen by their campus as teacher of the year, they can apply for the districtwide recognition. This year, 85 of the campus Teacher of the Year winners applied for the district honor, writing of their passion and innovation in teaching, leading, and serving the community and 10 teachers representing elementary, secondary, and choice/magnet campuses were selected as finalists for the Teacher of the Year.
Teen Motivational Conference
In partnership with the Dallas Police Department Office of Community Affairs, Dallas United For Good hosted the 3rd Annual Teen Motivational Conference III, “Dream on Purpose: Dream It. Plan It. Live It.” at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Fair Park. Teens in attendance had access to more than 45 resource vendors and participated in several classes educating them on career paths, life skills, mental health, and police engagement.
33rd Genesis Annual Luncheon
The State Fair of Texas proudly sponsored the Genesis Annual Luncheon. This impactful event celebrates more than three decades of raising awareness and critical fundraising support for women and children who are taking their first steps towards hope and healing.
City of Dallas Public Safety Symposium
In partnership with the City of Dallas, the Public Safety Symposium took place at Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center in Fair Park. The Office of Community Police Oversight planned a Public Safety Response Symposium to educate the public about emergency response times and call for service. From the moment a call is received at the 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center to dispatching the appropriate emergency response.
Orion Jean’s Race to Kindness Free Book Fair
Sponsored by ThriftBooks, T.R. Hoover CDC, Atmos Energy, and the State Fair of Texas, this free book fair put books directly into the hands of kids and adults in the South Dallas community. Race to Kindness’ founder and TIME’s 2021 Kid of the Year, Orion Jean also joined Little Big Tex for story time with Orion’s book, Race to Kindness.
