The 2025 State Fair of Texas wrapped up after a 24-day run, welcoming more than 2 million fairgoers and delivering a season packed with tradition, entertainment, and Texas pride. The Fair’s vibrant activities, attractions, and community initiatives highlighted its role as one of the Lone Star State’s most beloved events.
Supporting Community and Education
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the State Fair reinvests proceeds from admissions, concessions, and Midway rides to fund community initiatives, scholarships, and Fair Park improvements. Since 2015, the Fair has contributed over $85 million to support projects and operations. In 2024 alone, more than $19.5 million was donated to community programs.
“At its core, the State Fair of Texas is about bringing people together to celebrate the spirit and culture that make our state one of a kind,” said Mitchell Glieber, President of the State Fair of Texas.
Attendance and Visitor Engagement Highlights
Over 2 million visitors attended the 2025 State Fair.
More than 430,000 Visitor’s Guides were distributed.
October 11, the Allstate® Red River Rivalry, drew 193,000 fans—the Fair’s busiest day.
The Big Tex Contact Center handled 10,400+ calls during the 24-day event.
The Fair’s website recorded 4 million pageviews, including 1.5 million views of the schedule page.
(Max Van Den Oetelaar/Unsplash)
Community Impact
Over 2,880 admission tickets were donated to local nonprofits.
400 nonprofit leaders attended Community Engagement Day.
300 faith leaders participated in the Pastors Luncheon.
The Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards honored seven community leaders, with 200 attendees.
153,000 pounds of food were collected and donated to the North Texas Food Bank.
More than 1.4 million free tickets were provided to Pre-K–8 students, with 290,000 teacher vouchers issued.
Over 47,000 first responders and military personnel enjoyed discounted admission.
Big Tex Urban Farms donated 26,670+ pounds of produce—over 9 million servings—since 2016.
The Big Tex Scholarship Program awarded $1.3 million to 220 students in 2025.
Economic Impact
The Fair generated an estimated $600 million in economic activity for the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
Vendors, from local shops to national brands, drove millions in sales.
Fair operations supported thousands of jobs and contributed millions in state and local tax revenue.
Entertainment, Attractions, and Midway
148,300 fans attended the 100th State Fair Classic and the 96th Allstate® Red River Rivalry.
A record 22,938 fans attended the first-ever women’s soccer match at the Cotton Bowl.
The Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade featured 70 volunteers and 1,000 riders across 24 processions.
The Lone Star Music Series hosted over 70 Texas artists.
25 acts performed on the Chevrolet Main Stage, including TLC, Village People, Paul Wall, and Cold War Kids.
31 acts performed on the Bud Light Stage, with Jackie Vinson, Matt Castillo, and Los Texmaniacs drawing large crowds.
3,077 activities took place across the Fairgrounds, including shows, music, and circus acts.
Little Big Tex appeared 150+ times, taking over 10,000 photos with fans.
Midway games awarded 400,000 prizes worth $1.6 million and popped 375,000 balloons.
Exhibits, Food, and Creative Arts
232 shopping booths, including 25 new vendors.
Texas Auto Show featured 234 cars and eight golf carts.
19,530 State Farm bobbleheads were given away.
12,320 Creative Arts entries, with 6,000 ribbons awarded.
8,352 cookies competed in the Cookie Contest.
Food highlights included 550,000 Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs and nearly 20,000 Cookie Chaos Milkshakes served.
Livestock and Agriculture
Ag Awareness Day collected 28,520 pounds of food via 207 4-H, FFA, and FCCLA chapters.
61,100 attendees enjoyed 15 free rodeo events.
16,570 livestock entries.
The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction & Scholarship Programs raised over $2.1 million, with the Grand Champion Market Steer selling for $200,000.
Since 2018, the Fair has awarded $21.4 million in auction awards and scholarships.
The Livestock Birthing Barn celebrated 64 animal births: 49 piglets, 13 calves, and 2 lambs.
Looking Ahead
The State Fair of Texas looks forward to welcoming visitors for the 2026 Fair, running Friday, September 25, through Sunday, October 18, 2026, at historic Fair Park.