The State Fair of Texas 2026 is preparing to welcome visitors to Fair Park in Dallas for 24 days of food, entertainment, live music, attractions, sports and Texas tradition. The 2026 edition officially begins on Friday, September 25, 2026, and runs through Sunday, October 18, 2026.
For anyone searching for State Fair of Texas 2026 dates, State Fair of Texas hours, or asking when does the State Fair of Texas open and when does the State Fair of Texas end, the answers are straightforward: the fair opens to the public at 10 a.m. each day, with regular closing times of 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The annual celebration takes place at historic Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, just east of downtown Dallas. In addition to its long-running fair traditions, the 2026 event includes entertainment, food experiences, midway attractions, live music, exhibitions and sports events at the Cotton Bowl.
State Fair of Texas 2026 Dates
The State Fair of Texas 2026 dates are September 25 through October 18, 2026. The 24-day run begins on a Friday and concludes on a Sunday.
The opening day is Friday, September 25, when the fairgrounds will begin welcoming visitors at 10 a.m. The final day is Sunday, October 18, giving visitors more than three weeks to plan a trip to Fair Park.
The event's 2026 schedule is designed around a mixture of daily fair attractions and special events. Visitors can check the official schedule for performances and activities taking place during their chosen day.
Because the fair runs across several weeks, visitors have flexibility when choosing a date. Weekend visitors will have later closing hours, while weekday guests may find a different pace and schedule of activities.
When Does the State Fair of Texas Open?
The State Fair of Texas opens at 10 a.m. every day during the 2026 fair. The official information also states that parking gates and ticket booths open at 9:30 a.m.
That means visitors arriving early can get to the Fair Park area before the main fair gates open and prepare for entry.
The midway has a separate opening schedule. According to the official fair information, the State Fair of Texas Midway opens at 11 a.m. Sunday through Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.
This distinction is useful for visitors who want to arrive early and spend the day exploring the fairgrounds before heading toward the midway rides.
State Fair of Texas 2026 Hours
The official State Fair of Texas hours vary depending on the day of the week.
From Sunday through Thursday, the fair operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the fair remains open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The last entry time on Friday and Saturday is 9 p.m.
State Fair of Texas 2026 Daily Hours
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Monday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Parking gates and ticket booths open daily at 9:30 a.m.
Visitors should keep in mind that individual performances, attractions, museums and other activities can have schedules that differ from the overall fair operating hours.
When Does the State Fair of Texas End?
The State Fair of Texas ends on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The final day is scheduled to operate from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., following the regular Sunday schedule.
For visitors planning a trip specifically around the final weekend, it is worth checking the official schedule before traveling because individual attractions and performances may have their own operating times.
The 2026 fair is scheduled for a total of 24 days, making it possible for visitors from Dallas and surrounding areas to choose between weekday and weekend visits.
What Can Visitors Expect at the State Fair of Texas 2026?
The State Fair of Texas is more than a traditional midway. The event combines food, entertainment, competitions, exhibitions, live performances and sporting events throughout Fair Park.
The fair's official website highlights new foods for 2026, the Big Tex Choice Awards, live music and a wide range of fair attractions.
Food remains one of the biggest parts of the State Fair experience. The event is known for its creative approach to fair food, with vendors and competitions turning familiar ingredients into unusual and often highly photographed dishes.
The annual Big Tex Choice Awards are another major part of the food culture surrounding the event. The competition provides a showcase for new fair-food creations and has become one of the recognizable traditions associated with the State Fair of Texas.
Live Music and Entertainment
Music is another important part of the 2026 fair experience. The State Fair of Texas has announced a live entertainment program for the 2026 season, with performances taking place during the fair's 24-day run.
For visitors planning around a particular performer or performance, checking the official daily schedule before arriving is important because entertainment times can vary.
The fair's entertainment offering adds another reason for visitors to stay into the afternoon and evening. Since Friday and Saturday operating hours extend until 10 p.m., those days provide additional time for guests to experience the fairgrounds after sunset.
Sports at the State Fair of Texas
Sports are also part of the 2026 State Fair calendar, particularly through events at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium.
The official fair schedule lists the State Fair Classic between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University for Saturday, September 26, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Cotton Bowl is an important part of the State Fair experience because the stadium sits within Fair Park and hosts sporting events connected with the fair season.
Visitors interested in attending a game should check the relevant event information separately, since stadium events can have their own admission requirements, security procedures and schedules.
Where Is the State Fair of Texas 2026?
The State Fair of Texas takes place at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, at 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210. The fairgrounds are located just east of downtown Dallas.
Fair Park provides several transportation options for visitors. Those traveling by public transportation can use the DART Rail Green Line, with Fair Park Station located near the fairgrounds and MLK Jr. Station providing another access point.
The fair also provides parking options around Fair Park. The official visitor information currently lists State Fair parking at $25 per space, with designated accessible parking available.
Visitors using rideshare services are advised by the fair to use the designated pickup and drop-off area around Haskell to Gurley Avenue for a more efficient experience.
State Fair of Texas Tickets
Visitors can purchase admission tickets online or at ticket booths located at the fair entrances. The official ticketing information lists several admission options for the 2026 season, including daily tickets, FLEX tickets and season passes.
Daily admission prices vary according to the day and ticket type. The official ticket page currently lists adult admission at $15 Monday through Thursday and $25 on Friday through Sunday, with reduced evening pricing available for adults after 5 p.m. Child admission for ages 3 through 12 is listed at $10.
The fair also offers a 1-Day FLEX Ticket, which allows visitors to choose any one day of the fair. Season passes are available for guests planning multiple visits during the 24-day event.
Ticket prices and promotional offers can change, so visitors should check the official State Fair of Texas ticket page before purchasing.
A Family-Friendly Texas Tradition
The State Fair of Texas has a long history in Dallas. The organization says the fair has been celebrating and supporting Texans since 1886, with its mission centered on agriculture, education, community involvement and entertainment.
That history is one reason the event has become closely associated with Dallas and Texas culture.
The fair also provides opportunities for seasonal workers, small businesses, vendors, concessionaires and community organizations. Its nonprofit mission extends beyond the annual event, with programs connected to agriculture, education and community participation.
For visitors, however, the most visible part of that tradition remains the experience inside Fair Park: food, rides, music, exhibitions, competitions and the familiar presence of Big Tex.
Sensory-Friendly Mornings Return in 2026
The 2026 State Fair of Texas is also continuing its sensory-friendly programming.
According to a September 14, 2026 announcement from the fair, Sensory-Friendly Mornings will take place on September 30, October 7 and October 14, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
During those mornings, adjustments are made throughout the fairgrounds to accommodate visitors with sensory-related concerns. The Midway is scheduled to operate with reduced lights and sounds from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on those dates.
The fair has also announced a sensory-friendly room available throughout all 24 days of the 2026 event, providing another option for guests who need a quieter environment during their visit.
What Time Should You Arrive?
Visitors who want to make the most of their day may want to arrive around the time the fair opens at 10 a.m.
Arriving early provides more time to explore the grounds, visit attractions, enjoy food and attend scheduled performances. Parking gates and ticket booths open at 9:30 a.m., allowing visitors to prepare for the 10 a.m. fair opening.
Those primarily interested in evening entertainment have another option. On Friday and Saturday, the fair remains open until 10 p.m., although the final entry time is 9 p.m.
Because the fairgrounds cover a large area and individual attractions operate on different schedules, visitors should review the official daily schedule before arriving.
State Fair of Texas 2026: Important Dates at a Glance
The most important information for planning a 2026 visit is simple.
The State Fair of Texas begins Friday, September 25, 2026, with gates opening at 10 a.m. The fair continues every day through Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The regular operating hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Parking gates and ticket booths open at 9:30 a.m. daily.
The Midway follows a separate schedule, opening at 11 a.m. Sunday through Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday.
For transportation, Fair Park can be reached by car, DART and other transportation services, while the official fair website provides current parking and arrival information.
The State Fair of Texas 2026 is set to bring 24 days of food, entertainment, music, competitions, attractions and sports to Fair Park in Dallas from September 25 through October 18. The fair opens daily at 10 a.m., closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and stays open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
For anyone searching State Fair of Texas 2026 dates, State Fair of Texas hours, when does the State Fair of Texas open, or when does the State Fair of Texas end, the key dates are now confirmed. With new food offerings, live entertainment, midway attractions, special programs and sporting events returning to Fair Park, the 2026 edition is set to continue a Texas tradition that dates back to 1886.
FAQ Schema Questions
- When does the State Fair of Texas 2026 start?
The State Fair of Texas 2026 starts on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Fair Park in Dallas. - When does the State Fair of Texas 2026 end?
The State Fair of Texas 2026 ends on Sunday, October 18, 2026. - What are the State Fair of Texas 2026 hours?
The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. - When does the State Fair of Texas open?
The State Fair of Texas opens to visitors at 10 a.m. every day during the 2026 fair. - Where is the State Fair of Texas 2026 held?
The 2026 State Fair of Texas is held at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. - How long does the State Fair of Texas 2026 last?
The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs for 24 days, from September 25 through October 18. - What can you do at the State Fair of Texas 2026?
Visitors can enjoy fair food, live entertainment, midway rides, competitions, exhibitions, attractions and sporting events. - What time does the State Fair of Texas close?
The fair closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. - Does the State Fair of Texas have live music in 2026?
Yes. Live music and other entertainment are part of the State Fair of Texas 2026 schedule.