State Fair of Texas opens with exciting entertainment lineup. See what’s new and returning fan favorites.
Special to Beneath the Surface News
The State Fair of Texas opens Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 18. Here’s a rundown of what’s coming.
From Friday, Oct. 2, to Sunday, Oct. 4, State Fair of Texas attendees will witness a dazzling drone show, Stars of the Fair.
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.
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.
Enjoy Wacky Chad’s antics from Sept. 25 to Oct. 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 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 1-5 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 lineup.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 will feature Clint Black, La Alianza Nortena, Bowling for Soup, Kansas and many more
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 Oct. 7 to Oct. 18.
The fan-favorite Showstoppers returns 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.
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.
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.
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