The State Fair of Texas has new attractions celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States spread throughout Fair Park.
This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” marks both America’s 250th birthday and 140 years of the State Fair of Texas. Special America 250 programming includes things like military aircrafts, live music, and exhibits exploring American history. All starting in the sky on opening day.
A special military flyover is planned following the national anthem during the State Fair’s Opening Day Ceremony, which begins at 6:45 p.m. Friday on the steps of the Hall of State. According to the fair, the formation will include a B-52 Stratofortress, two F-35 Lightning IIs and an A-10 Thunderbolt II.
After the flyover, future U.S. Air Force servicemembers will take the Oath of Enlistment.
An HH-60 Pave Hawk and other military assets will also be on display near the Hall of State throughout opening weekend, Sept. 25-27.
The anniversary theme continues throughout the fairgrounds.
The traveling Freedom250 Mobile Education Truck will spend all 24 days of the fair near the Craft Pavilion and Little Lone Stars Land. The interactive exhibit explores American history and includes a Wall of American Heroes and material about the path to the U.S. Constitution.
At the D.A.R. House, a new exhibit called “Revolutionary Women: The Role of Women and Girls in the American Revolution” will explore women’s experiences during the war through artifacts and displays focused on their service, rebellion and hardships.
Inside the Creative Arts Building, hundreds of canned jars representing the 50 states have been arranged to form an American flag as part of a new “United We Can” display.
Opening weekend will also include performances by the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Band at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday on the ZiegenBock Stage at The Old Mill.
The America 250 attractions are included with State Fair admission.
The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 18 at Fair Park in Dallas.
State Fair of Texas 2026 at a glance
Dates: Sept. 25-Oct. 18
Where: Fair Park in Dallas
Hours: Sun.-Thu. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $15-$25; children ages 3-12 $10. Discounts can drop admission as low as $7.
Parking: $25 per space, most convenient lot accessed by entering Gate 2, at 925 S. Haskell, Dallas, Texas 75223
Directions: The State Fair provides directions from several different starting locations.
DART: Take the Green Line to Fair Park Station or MLK Jr. Station.
Ride-share/Taxi: The recommended pickup and drop-off location is 4206 Gurley Ave.