The J.J. Pearce High School Mustang Stampede marches in a parade in front of Big Tex during opening day of the State Fair of Texas at Fair Park in Dallas, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Four-year-old Townie Fox waited far too long to reunite with an old friend.
She and her mother, Bessie, were some of the first visitors at Fair Park’s gates for the first day of the 2026 State Fair of Texas. Once they were in, the pair walked past the rides, livestock, even the funnel cake stands — Townie had a very important first stop on her list.
“Hi, Big Texas!” Townie yelled when she caught sight of the 55-foot giant, waving jubilantly as the State Fair’s official greeter.
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“We always love the first day, no matter what,” Bessie said, laughing. “Everything is new and ready for us.”
Bessie and Townie were just two of the hundreds of visitors who flooded the fairgrounds for the first day on Friday, eager to explore the “most Texan place on Earth.” The fair, which runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 18, brings families from all over for massive livestock shows, carnival rides and almost every fried food imaginable.
Related: What to know before you go to the 2026 State Fair of Texas
Husband and wife Rick and Nikki Willis drove down from Sherman for the first day of the fair, snagging a morning corny dog before heading out to explore the grounds. They’ve been regulars at the fair for decades, always doing what they can to attend the first day.
“You get a button!” Rick said, pointing to the red, white and blue commemorative “Opening Day” button on his lapel. It was one of the many patriotic decorations strewn around the fairgrounds as part of the “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies” theme to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The fair is also celebrating its 140th birthday.
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The button wasn’t the only perk the Willis family got for arriving early. Morning fairgoers were also greeted by crisp autumn air, with a cool breeze streaming through the park as Willie Nelson tunes played from the loudspeakers.
Related: A Twinkie filled with brisket? Chocolate flautas? Yes, at the State Fair
Friday was forecast to reach a high of 96 degrees, according to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office. Temperatures are expected to be their highest from 3 to 5 p.m., with conditions cooling into the high-80s by 8 p.m.
Do you go to the State Fair for the food 🍗, music 🎸 or attractions🎡?
The State Fair opens Sept. 25 and runs through Oct. 18 at Fair Park in South Dallas.
Most RecentTop Responses
Keith S
Desoto, TX
09/24/26
Last year what my family of four spent on one visit to the State Fair could’ve boughten us FOUR season passes to Six Flags. The math just isn’t math’n.
Kevin L
Grand Prairie, TX
09/22/26
We didn’t go last year. It has gotten that nothing changes. Same exhibits, same over price food, same shows, etc. We used to like going to the auto show and looking at all of the new model cars and trucks but they are so overpriced that even that isn’t worth the time. Ford and Chevy have pretty much stopped making cars and I’m not the least bit interested in buying a truck that costs almost my yearly salary. Will we go this year? Probably on one of the Thursdays in which we can get the senior discounts but if we don’t then we will spend the money saved on a good meal out somewhere rather than pay the same amount just for one of the fried award winning foods.
Connie and Jennifer Crabtree appreciated the cool morning weather as they sat by the Fair Park Esplanade, pouring over the fair map before embarking on their adventure. The mother-daughter duo have come to opening day together for 20 years — each time in matching Texas-themed shirts.
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“It’s a tradition for us,” Connie said, proudly showing off her custom blue shirt with a drawing of Big Tex on fire — a nod to the unfortunate 2012 incident. “We’ll keep on doing it for as long as we can.”
Jennifer said they were glad to see that organizers kept prices down this season. The fair cut prices this year after facing steep criticism over rising prices during the 2025 season.
Related: Tiny fairgoers, big fun: Family-Friendly things to do at the State Fair of Texas
“We were looking through the visitors’ guide and noticed the first page was the steps that they have taken to make it a little more affordable for everybody to attend,” Connie said. “It’s important to us.”
Fort Worth residents Lisa Baker and Misty Baker Tippins said their favorite part of the fair was watching different families having fun. Baker said it reminds her of seeing Big Tex at the fair with her grandparents.
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Related: Last year’s State Fair was marred by high prices. This year organizers are all-in on affordability
“I remember when I was a little girl thinking that he was a god — he didn’t talk back then, but he was so looming,” Lisa said. “Now, to see other generations of Texans experience that — I like that part.”
Going to the fair has always been a family affair for the sisters. They bring all 30 members of their extended family to the fair each year. But the first day is special — a day for just the two sisters to explore the fair, and all of its Texas charms together.
“It’s Texas in one bite,” Misty said. “Everything that’s special about the whole state is here.”
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Related: These foods and drinks cost $10 or less at the State Fair of Texas