State Fair of Texas Announces Attractions, Entertainment Lineup, and Weekend Rodeos for 2025 Fair

By Bridget Browning | August 1, 2025 | The State Fair of Texas is excited to announce the free entertainment lineup for the 2025 State Fair. Hundreds of activities are spread throughout the fairgrounds during all 24 days of the State Fair, free with your admission ticket. Celebrating all things Texan is central to the State Fair’s nonprofit mission and providing entertainment that appeals to our diverse mix of fairgoers – for the music lovers singing their hearts out at every concert, the auto enthusiasts browsing the latest and greatest models at the Texas Auto Show, the families looking for educational exhibits infused with Fair fun, and everyone in between. Below are the highlights for this year’s lineup, with the full lineup available on our website, BigTex.com/Attractions.  

What’s New and Not to Miss 

The State Fair is proud to introduce the State Fair Clásico, an all-new premier international soccer match taking place during the 2025 State Fair of Texas. Dallas Trinity FC will be facing off against legendary international organization Club América Femenil, bridging two vibrant soccer cultures at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 18. This high-profile friendly competition marks a major milestone for both Dallas Trinity FC and the State Fair of Texas, as both continue to grow their presence locally and internationally. Tickets are available for purchase at www.dallastrinityfc.com/clasico.Tickets purchased for the State Fair Clásico will include admission to the State Fair of Texas. 

Get ready to break it down with USA Breakdancers. Combining traditional high-energy breakdancing with their signature comedic stylings, you’ll witness an unforgettable fusion of slick moves and laugh-out-loud moments. Whether they’re spinning on their heads or engaging the crowd with playful antics, this crew brings a unique blend of talent and entertainment that keeps audiences of all ages on their feet. Also new on the Fringe Stage, Agents Honeymoon and Butterfly are on a mission: save humanity with laughter, one show at a time. Wearing ridiculous action suits, they perform a spectacular fire juggling act and enlist the help of civilian sleeper agents. Then, in Operation Grand Finale, they shoot the world’s only bow and plunger high into the sky and catch it atop a giant one-wheeled stealth cycle. An amazing and hilarious spy-fi experience, Her Majesty’s Secret Circus truly has a license to thrill.  

The State Fair of Texas Midway is welcoming two new thrilling rides to the lineup this year. Introducing the tallest portable swing tower in North America, the Thunderbird! Towering at over 177 feet tall, the Thunderbird gives riders a thrilling view of the Midway from one of the tallest vantage points on the fairgrounds. The Thunderbird is located in the Thrillway, just behind Top o’ Texas Tower and riders must be at least 48 inches tall to ride. In addition, the Defender is a spectacular attraction that is sure to grab the attention of fairgoers. This high-impact propeller ride dazzles riders with its fast action movements and LED light show. The Defender is located in the Thrillway and riders must be at least 55 inches tall to ride. 

The Hall of State is one of the most celebrated focal points of Fair Park in Dallas. During the 2025 State Fair of Texas, step into the Hall of State and visit the new home of the fan-favorite, Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos, presented by the Law Offices of Domingo Garcia. Previously housed in the Women’s Museum, Mundo Latino showcases their awe-inspiring exhibit, “Día de los Muertos,” celebrating the rich history and significance of the Day of the Dead through art installations, shopping opportunities, face painting, and more. In addition, the Dallas International Coffee Art exhibit presented by Coffee News will be hosted in the Hall of State Gallery, with 20 countries participating in this creative caffeinated gallery. 

Making its debut at the 2025 State Fair of Texas, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) proudly presents Jazz at the Fair—a vibrant celebration of jazz featuring exceptional talent, smooth rhythms, and soulful vibes. Performances will be held Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Women’s Museum, and are free with fair admission. In addition to live music, TBAAL will host a day of educational and cultural programming on Monday, October 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., also at the Women’s Museum. Fairgoers are invited to visit this exciting new Fair Park organization daily throughout the run of the Fair. 

In addition to the shows and exhibits, the State Fair’s live music lineup features more than 90 acts across three stages, playing all 24 days of the Fair. The Chevrolet Main Stage will host headlining performances from TLC, Paul Wall, The Band Perry, Hawthorne Heights, Hoobastank, and more. In addition, the Fair is entering its seventh year of partnership with State Fair Records, the East Dallas-based label that programs and produces the Bud Light Stage and Bank of Texas Stage. With strong ties to local, regional, and statewide music scenes, State Fair Records continues to bring the very best the Lone Star State has to offer to the State Fair of Texas. The Bank of Texas Stage will also feature Deep Fried Comedy, live stand-up, on Friday nights at 8:00 p.m.  

New this year, in partnership with our friends at Levi’s, a brand-new live music experience at the Levi’s Saloon in the Magnolia Beer Garden is set to take place each night of the State Fair of Texas at 8:00 p.m. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to buy and customize their new Levi’s merchandise at the activation. Alongside the famous Fair food you know and love and delicious and refreshing beverages, it’s a combination sure to satisfy all your Fair cravings in one go. You can find the complete listing of live music at the Fair at BigTex.com/livemusic. 

Dust off your boots and join us in the historic Fair Park Coliseum for the return of the State Fair of Texas Rodeo. Every weekend of the State Fair, Friday through Sunday, witness the best of the best in the ring – whether it’s rounding up cattle as part of the State Fair of Texas Ranch Rodeo or celebrating the variety of culture in rodeo as part of the Mexican Rodeo Fiesta. Returning for a fourth year, the State Fair of Texas is proud to welcome back the Year-End Finale of the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) to the Fair Park Coliseum this fall as part of the Fair’s rodeo lineup. See below for the entire rodeo lineup. 

What’s Back and Better than Ever 

Surrounded by lights and beautiful landscaping, a small village of more than 85 handmade marionettes come to life to celebrate a fiesta of color, culture, and creativity at “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!”, presented by McDonald’s. With a brand-new stage and concessions to indulge in while you watch in awe, “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!” is one of this year’s not-to-miss shows. Check out this family-friendly attraction with daily performances at the McDonald’s Amphitheater on First Avenue. 

The entertaining World of Magic has been expanded to include even more twists and tricks! Featuring award-winning illusionists and futuristic elements, this show is sure to captivate people of all ages, “World of Magic” showcases a display of neon lighting, lasers, and even a floating robot! You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind magic show at the Oak Farms Theatre in the Creative Arts Building. 

Featuring over-the-top spectacular floats, the Drive Like a Texan Starlight Parade will light up the Fair Park skyline. Created by Kern Studios of New Orleans, this nightly parade wanders through the fairgrounds all 24 nights of the Fair, bringing a colorful assortment of floats, life-size puppets, animated characters in ornate costumes, and more. This year, two new floats will glide through the fairgrounds, including a new coronation wagon. 

Fan Favorites Return 

Combining agricultural education with real-world demonstrations, the Majesty of the Horse is back to showcase equine beauty. Join renowned horseman Jerry Diaz and his family for an intimate presentation displaying the majesty and beauty of the horse. The exhibition includes multiple breeds of horses and showcases their unique color, size, and purpose.    

A bender of horseshoes, juggler of bowling balls and sledgehammers, and all-around charmer, strongman Mighty Mike’s funny performance showcases strongman strength techniques dating back to the 1920s and, dare we say, questionable dance routines. Audience members will laugh the entire show but also leave motivated and inspired by the culture of the old-time strongman.  

The fan-favorite Showstoppers return to the State Fair of Texas for a fifth year. Giant, State Fair-inspired inflatable characters entertain guests of all ages with their wild antics. Saddle up for a front-row seat at the Hall of State steps, and you might get roped into being a part of the show. 

The Pig Races are returning to Chevy Park Plaza. Dressed in fetching racing silks, the wiggly piglets run the course four times a day. Don’t miss this fan favorite! 

Two iconic football rivalries return to the Cotton Bowl Stadium field this year. On Saturday, September 27, the Grambling State University Tigers and the Prairie View A&M University Panthers kick off at 6:00 p.m. for another wild game and intense Battle of the Bands at halftime during the annual State Fair Classic. The Allstate Red River Rivalry between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas Longhorns returns for the 96th consecutive neutral ground showdown with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff in Cotton Bowl Stadium on Saturday, October 11. As of 2024, the two esteemed schools are now housed under the NCAA Southeastern Conference (SEC), making for an even more anticipated matchup. 

These are just the highlights of the more than 100 daily activities you and your family receive free access to with admission to the 2025 State Fair of Texas. To start planning your visit and see the complete entertainment listing, visit BigTex.com/Attractions. Season Passes and FLEX Tickets are now available for purchase at BigTex.com/Tickets. The 2025 State Fair of Texas will kick off on Friday, September 26, and run through Sunday, October 19, 2025. Join us for “Texas Shines Bright” at the Most Texan Place on Earth®!