The State Fair of Texas unveiled its 2025 attractions and entertainment lineup, promising 24 days of live music, family-friendly shows and a few new thrills. Running from Sept. 26 through Oct. 19, 2025 at Fair Park in Dallas, this year’s fair adds fresh acts, fan favorites and even an international soccer match to its packed schedule.
A New Soccer Showdown
One of the most anticipated additions is the State Fair Clásico, an international friendly between Dallas Trinity FC and Mexico’s Club América Femenil, set for Oct. 18 at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Tickets for the match include admission to the fair, merging two major passions in North Texas — soccer and fair fun.
New Acts and Attractions
Entertainment will stretch across stages and midway attractions:
- USA Breakdancers bring a mix of head-spinning moves and comedy.
- Her Majesty’s Secret Circus introduces a spy-themed show complete with fire juggling, slapstick antics and a plunger shot from a bow atop a one-wheeled cycle.
- The midway gets a lift with Thunderbird, the tallest portable swing tower in North America at 177 feet and Defender, a high-speed propeller ride with an LED light show.
Inside the Hall of State, fairgoers can explore a relocated Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos exhibit and the Dallas International Coffee Art exhibit, featuring entries from 20 countries.
Jazz, Rodeos and Returning Favorites
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters will debut Jazz at the Fair, a new concert series with weekend performances and cultural programming on Oct. 13. Rodeos also return every weekend at the historic Coliseum, including the Mexican Rodeo Fiesta, the Cowboys of Color Rodeo and the UPRA Finals.
Classic attractions are back with bigger stages and fresh updates. ¡Fiestas de Marionetas!, the colorful puppet show, returns with a new venue. World of Magic expands with lasers, neon and even a floating robot. And nightly, the Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade winds through Fair Park with floats, puppets and costumes.
Music for Every Taste
Live music remains central to the fair, with more than 90 acts performing across three stages. The Chevrolet Main Stage will host names like TLC, The Band Perry, Hoobastank, Paul Wall and Hawthorne Heights. State Fair Records, the Dallas-based label, continues to program the Bud Light Stage and Bank of Texas Stage, spotlighting Texas talent.
Adding a twist, Levi’s will sponsor nightly shows at the Levi’s Saloon in the Magnolia Beer Garden, pairing live music with customizable denim.
Football, Food and More
Cotton Bowl Stadium will again host two major college football showdowns: the State Fair Classic (Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling State, Sept. 27) and the Red River Rivalry (Texas vs. Oklahoma, Oct. 11).
Longtime favorites also return, from pig races to the Majesty of the Horse show led by renowned horseman Jerry Diaz. Strongman Mighty Mike and the inflatable Showstoppers round out the entertainment roster.
Planning Your Visit
Admission includes access to more than 100 daily activities, from music and shows to exhibits and parades. Tickets and season passes are available now at BigTex.com/Tickets, with the full entertainment schedule posted at BigTex.com/Attractions.
The 2025 theme, “Texas Shines Bright,” invites fairgoers to enjoy food, music, rides and community traditions at what the organizers call “the Most Texan Place on Earth.”
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