State Fair of Texas Opens with Military Flyover and Big Tex’s New Look

Key points

• Opening day ceremonies began at 6:45 p.m. with a flyover by a B-52 Stratofortress, two F-35 Lightning IIs, and an A-10 Thunderbolt II, followed by an Oath of Enlistment for future Air Force members.
• The fair’s theme, 'Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,' includes the Freedom250 Mobile Education Truck, a 'Revolutionary Women' exhibit, and a 'United We Can' display made of canned jars.
• Big Tex debuted a new outfit featuring Levi’s 501 jeans, a Cavender’s shirt, and boots designed by Aaliyah McNeal, which feature Texas icons like bluebonnets and longhorns.
• Ticket prices were reduced by $2 for adults, and ride prices dropped by nearly 20% to address attendance declines in 2025, with children’s admission set at $10.
• Security measures include a continued firearm ban, weapons detection screening, and a recommendation for clear bags, though clear bags are not mandatory for fair entry.

Background

The 2026 fair follows a 2025 season where attendance dropped by approximately 385,000, prompting organizers to lower costs and introduce new attractions. The fair runs from September 25 to October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas, with daily hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends.

How outlets are covering it

NBC 5 emphasized the military and patriotic elements of the opening day, highlighting the flyover and America 250 exhibits. FOX 4 focused on practical details for visitors, including Big Tex’s new look, lower prices, and new food items like the Fletcher’s Chocolate Corny Dog. D Magazine provided a critical perspective, questioning the accuracy of Big Tex’s reported boot size, noting that the widely cited 'size 96' is mathematically incorrect based on the boots’ actual dimensions, a discrepancy that has persisted for over a decade.

Why it matters

The State Fair of Texas is a major cultural and economic event in North Texas, and its opening sets the tone for a season aimed at recovering from previous attendance drops. The combination of patriotic celebrations, cost reductions, and new attractions reflects efforts to attract families and boost local engagement, while security measures ensure a safe environment for tens of thousands of visitors.

What to watch

The fair will continue through October 18, featuring daily performances, the State Fair Classic football game between Prairie View A&M and Grambling State at the Cotton Bowl, and ongoing exhibits. Visitors can expect continued focus on America 250 celebrations and new midway attractions throughout the 24-day run.