The 2025 State Fair of Texas is gearing up to be one of the biggest, boldest, and most indulgent yet. With the theme “Texas Shines Bright,” the fair promises to mix tradition with a healthy dose of over-the-top fun. Big Tex is standing tall as always, seemingly ready to judge every fried concoction, from classic corn dogs to deep-fried desserts that could easily double as workout weights. The Big Tex Choice Awards return, with categories ranging from savory to downright adventurous, and new vendors are stepping up with inventive flavors, sparkling drinks, and treats that push the limits of what you can and should deep-fry.
What’s New This Year?
- Big Tex Choice Awards Finalists: The competition heats up with new categories like “Best Taste – Sipper,” alongside returning favorites such as “Best Taste – Savory” and “Most Creative.”
- New Food Vendors: Four new vendors are set to tantalize taste buds with innovative offerings, including the Aguasol Tequila Corazon Verde—a refreshing drink combining melon, elderflower liqueur, and lavender bitters.
- Enhanced Security Measures: In response to previous incidents, the fair has implemented a strict weapons ban and a clear bag policy to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
- Community Engagement: The fair continues its commitment to education and community involvement, offering free admission to Pre-K through eighth-grade students and teachers within a 100-mile radius of Fair Park.
Food has always been the heart of the fair, and 2025 is no exception. Visitors can expect corn dogs, golden fried chicken, juicy burgers, towering turkey legs, fried PB&J, Coke and Oreos and colossal desserts that look more like sculptures than snacks. Classics like funnel cakes, roasted corn, and loaded fries share the stage with new creations designed to make your taste buds simultaneously thrilled and slightly concerned. Whether you’re a fan of savory, sweet, or a little bit of both, there’s no shortage of options to sample, share, or simply Instagram for posterity.
Entertainment is bigger and bolder than ever. Live music, weekend rodeos, and cultural exhibitions fill the schedule, while the State Fair Clásico brings international soccer to the grounds, creating a surprisingly seamless mix of sport and spectacle. Street performers, stunt shows, and interactive exhibits add layers of excitement, making the fair feel like a celebration of everything Texan at once—loud, colorful, and unapologetically over-the-top.
Beyond the food and attractions, the 2025 fair emphasizes community and tradition. Free admission for local students and teachers keeps the spirit of inclusivity alive, and organizers have prioritized safety with updated security measures and a clear bag policy. It’s a fair that’s ready to welcome everyone, whether they come for the thrills, the eats, or the simple joy of seeing Big Tex wave from his perch.
In 2025, the State Fair of Texas is more than an event—it’s a showcase of Texan pride, creativity, and a willingness to embrace excess. With larger-than-life food, unforgettable entertainment, and a few surprises around every corner, it promises to be a fair that visitors will be talking about long after the gates close.
