A Raven Writes DFW recap of the State Fair of Texas 2026
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After a 24-day run from September 25 - October 18, the 140-year Texas tradition of the State Fair is over.
This was my first year attempting to do onsite coverage of The State Fair of Texas. I've covered events and awards leading up to the fair, in previous years, but this was in a way different scope than I'd experienced in my years of reporting.
Alongside our RWDFW multimedia specialist, we enjoyed and covered most of the fair from previews to fundraisers to parades to food.
Speaking of the food, some of what we ate included the brisket pierogies, Korean corndog, gobbler rolls, fried cacio e pepe, banana pudding cheesecake, and lobster fried bruschetta. Food averaged around 12-15 coupons per item.
The Fair had several new features this year. New concepts included Chamoy Secrets, Tracy's Concessions, outdoor beer garden-style The Old Mill, and Howdy's Value Menu. That last mention featured fair favorites and award-winners at discounted rates, which was a good find for those on a budget or looking to save costs.
Headliner concerts were held at the brand new indoor Chevrolet Main Stage, and Dallas FC games and the Red River Rivalry were held at the legendary Cotton Bowl Stadium.
There were at least 40 brand new food items this year, as highlighted in the guides and maps sprinkled throughout the fairgrounds.
Big Tex celebrated his 74th birthday with Dr. Pepper and cake, and he wasn't the only one having a big celebration. Mundo Latino, the Latino heritage exhibit within the Hall of State Building celebrated 30 years, and it was also the first year without one of the exhibit's visionary founders, Rafael Luna, who died earlier this year. His daughters now lead it.
The exhibit featured Dia de los Muertos alters and art, Latino artifacts, historical contribution walls, glow-in-the dark merch and art, and more.
Even before the grand preview of that celebration, there was the Saddle Up fundraiser for the Youth Livestock Auction at The Rustic, complete with mini games and food.
The State Fair in Numbers
110,665 pounds of of food collected and donated to the North Texas Food Bank.
Big Tex Urban Farm donated more than 22,000 pounds of fresh produce to the local community.
Big Tex scholarship program awarded more than $1.2 million in college scholarships.
More than $2.7 million raised for Texas students through the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs.
Food and beverage concessionaires donate unused and leftover food items to local Fair Park area food pantries and shelters as part of the State Fair Cares initiative. The amount of food available for a donation directly correlates with how much food the Fair’s concessionaires have left over following the closing of the 2026 State Fair of Texas.
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Enjoying Raven Writes DFW? Help us continue spotlighting the people, places, and creativity that make this metroplex unique. Every contribution helps sustain independent journalism and local storytelling. Make donations to $RaesViolet or Venmo @ Rae-Jordan.
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