New “Thor” ride will be on the State Fair Midway in 2026 to offer up thrills and chills to those who ride it.
Handout/State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas is set to kick off its annual run Friday and will offer two new rides this year that will jostle, lift and thrill riders.
Fair officials say the new rides, named “Thor” and “Impact,” will complement the existing ride line-up.
“For 140 years, the Midway has been a beloved part of the State Fair of Texas experience,” said Taylor Pulfer, communications director for the fair. “Part of what makes the State Fair Midway special is the mix of iconic attractions and high-energy thrill rides.”
Article continues below this ad
Fair officials describe Thor as “one-of-a-kind.”
Related: Say howdy to these new additions at this year’s State Fair of Texas
The pendulum-based ride rockets riders up to 86 feet off the ground as passengers rotate, while the individual rows of seating perform continuous 360-degree vertical flips. According to Pulfer, this is the only ride of its size and kind that currently operates in the U.S.
“Impact” is a new ride making its debut at the 2026 State Fair of Texas.
Special/State Fair of Texas
Impact rotates its central column, elevation and lowering of the arm up to nearly 30 feet in the air while its suspended cars swing to and fro. Fair officials said the ride was designed for “thrill-seekers.”
Article continues below this ad
These new rides will take their place alongside the Midway’s current lineup, which includes the historically popular attractions Love Bug, Pirate Ship and Crazy Mouse – all fan favorites from last year, according to park officials.
Related: Tiny fairgoers, big fun: Family-Friendly things to do at the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair Midway offers over 70 rides, including popular attractions such as the Top o’ Texas Tower, which offers a city view of downtown Dallas, and the iconic Texas Star Ferris Wheel, said to be the largest in the state.
“For many Fairgoers, favorites like the Texas Star and Texas Skyway are traditions they return to year after year,” Pulfer said. “While others come looking for the newest and most thrilling experiences.”
Article continues below this ad
Related: Do you go to the State Fair for the food, the music or the attractions?
Unlike many of their counterparts, the State Fair of Texas operates an “independent Midway” – a method of operation that allows it to use different thrill ride operators while cherry picking rides from different providers. The approach aims to create a diverse mix of attractions each year for North Texas fairgoers, organizers said.
The fair also includes safety in its selection process, according to officials.
Ride owners conduct what’s known as non-destructive testing, or NDT, that ensure the rides meet safety requirements. Fair safety inspectors will then review those test results. Independent safety inspectors also test the rides before opening day and conduct spot checks during the fair’s 24-day run.
State Fair aims for affordability
Fairgoers will also notice new ride costs for many rides and games at this year’s event after complaints about the costs last year for Midway rides and games went viral on social media.
Article continues below this ad
Related: Last year’s State Fair was marred by high prices. This year organizers are all-in on affordability
“Prices have decreased by an average of 17%, creating more opportunities for guests to enjoy their favorite attractions while making their Fair-day dollars go further,” Pulfer said.
The Kidway returns with a new, redesigned layout that offers families and kids a place to enjoy all types of entertainment, including rides, games, daily performances from the Showstoppers on the Dr Pepper® Kidway Stage and value-priced food and beverage options.