Quick Summary
- The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas and will introduce new free entertainment, including the Stars of the Fair drone show October 2-4.
- The new drone show will feature Big Tex and other State Fair icons, while additional free attractions include daily fountain shows, new Hall of State exhibits, live performances, Little Lone Stars Land, the Starlight Parade, Pig Races, and more.
The State Fair of Texas is bringing new free entertainment to Fair Park in Dallas for its 2026 season, including a new three-night drone show featuring Big Tex and other iconic State Fair imagery.
According to CultureMap Dallas, the 2026 State Fair of Texas will run from September 25 through October 18 and will include a number of new entertainment options in addition to the fair’s returning attractions.
For Dallas residents, families, visitors, and anyone looking for things to do in Dallas this fall, the new lineup gives the State Fair of Texas another reason to visit Fair Park this year.
New Stars of the Fair Drone Show Coming to Fair Park
One of the biggest new additions for the 2026 State Fair of Texas is Stars of the Fair, a three-night drone show scheduled for October 2, 3, and 4.
The show will feature images of Big Tex and other State Fair icons lighting up the Dallas sky. The drone show was created by Coppell-based Sky Elements.
There will be two shows each night, beginning at approximately 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
That makes the drone show one of the notable new things to see at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas in 2026, particularly for visitors who want to experience something beyond the traditional fair attractions.
More New Free Entertainment at the 2026 State Fair
The drone show is only one part of the new free entertainment planned for the 2026 State Fair of Texas.
Visitors will also find Wacky Chad, an interactive stunt comedy performer, along with daily fountain shows at The Esplanade of State. The fountain shows will run every 30 minutes from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Hall of State will also introduce two new exhibitions, while Texas in the Saddle will offer an educational horse show.
These additions are part of a larger selection of free activities available throughout the State Fair of Texas, giving visitors options beyond rides, food and shopping.
Nearly 100 Artists Will Perform Across Four Stages
Music will remain a major part of the State Fair of Texas experience in 2026.
The fair’s live music lineup will feature nearly 100 artists performing across four stages. The reimagined Chevrolet Main Stage will be located inside Fair Park Coliseum.
Enjoying this content?
Join Fnu Milat’s private newsletter to receive biweekly Dallas market updates, local development news, and positive insights impacting the DFW Metroplex.
According to CultureMap Dallas, performers scheduled for the Main Stage include Clint Black, La Alianza Norteña, Bowling for Soup, Paul Wall’s Fall Ball, Kansas, 3OH!3 and Gym Class Heroes, among others.
Additional performances include ¡Fiestas de Marionetas!, featuring more than 85 handmade marionettes, and World of Magic, which will feature award-winning illusionists and futuristic elements.
New Little Lone Stars Land for Kids
Families visiting the State Fair of Texas will also have a new children’s area to explore.
Little Lone Stars Land will feature kid-friendly entertainment throughout the fair. Wacky Chad is scheduled to perform September 25 through October 6, followed by USA Breakdancers from October 7 through October 18. Strongman Mighty Mike will also be part of the children’s entertainment.
The area will also feature State Fair-inspired inflatable characters, including Little Big Tex, Amy-Dillo and Champ.
For families searching for kid-friendly things to do in Dallas, Little Lone Stars Land will be another attraction to put on the list.
Returning State Fair Favorites
The 2026 State Fair of Texas will also bring back several popular attractions.
The Starlight Parade will take place throughout all 24 nights of the fair, featuring floats, life-size puppets, animated characters, and performers in elaborate costumes as it travels through the Fair Park grounds.
Car enthusiasts can visit the Texas Auto Show to see the latest vehicle models. Chevrolet will also introduce a new version of its Ride & Drive event, where qualified drivers can get behind the wheel of select vehicles.
And, of course, the Pig Races are returning to Chevy Park Plaza. The racing piglets will run the course four times each day.
Visitors can also find interactive experiences, photo opportunities, games, product samples, and giveaways offered by State Fair of Texas partners.
My Take on the 2026 State Fair of Texas
What stands out to me about the 2026 lineup is the amount of free entertainment being added to an event where it can be very easy to spend money.
The new drone show is particularly interesting because it adds a completely different nighttime experience to the traditional State Fair atmosphere. Having Big Tex and other State Fair icons featured in the sky over Fair Park should make those three October nights especially memorable.
I also like the variety in the lineup. There are options for families with children, music fans, car enthusiasts, and people who simply want to walk around Fair Park and experience the entertainment.
If you’re planning to visit the State Fair of Texas in Dallas this fall, I would pay attention to the specific dates for the attractions you want to see, especially the October 2-4 drone shows.
According to CultureMap Dallas, the 2026 State Fair of Texas will run September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park, with the Stars of the Fair drone show scheduled for October 2-4. A complete lineup of attractions and entertainment is available through the State Fair of Texas at BigTex.com/Attractions.
Planning to Buy or Sell a Home in Dallas or DFW?
If you’re considering a move while following what’s happening across Dallas and the DFW area, I can help you navigate the local real estate market.
Click here to contact me if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Dallas or the surrounding DFW area.
If you’re a Dallas homeowner trying to navigate this 2026 market, you need a pivot strategy. Click here to access my free 2-page Seller Strategy guide.
If you are looking for new construction homes in DFW and Texas, I have direct-to-builder access to real-time inventory and incentives, including homes that haven’t hit the MLS or public sites yet. Click here for your personal link to my portal.
Thinking of selling your home this year but don’t know the process? Grab my FREE Home Seller’s Guide! Click here to get your instant download.
Thinking of buying a home this year but don’t know the process? Grab my FREE Home Buyer’s Guide! Click here to get your instant download.
Related Dallas Content
If you’re interested in another major part of the State Fair experience, check out my article, “2026 State Fair of Texas Unveils 40 New Foods and Drinks,” for a look at the new food and beverage lineup coming to the fair.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 State Fair of Texas?
The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs from September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.
When is the State Fair of Texas 2026 drone show?
The Stars of the Fair drone show is scheduled for October 2, 3 and 4, 2026. Two shows are planned each night at approximately 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
What is included in the new State Fair of Texas drone show?
The Stars of the Fair drone show will feature images of Big Tex and other State Fair icons lighting up the sky above Fair Park.
What free events are available at the 2026 State Fair of Texas?
Free entertainment in 2026 includes the new Stars of the Fair drone show, daily fountain shows, new Hall of State exhibitions, Wacky Chad, Texas in the Saddle, live music and performances, Little Lone Stars Land, the Starlight Parade, Pig Races, the Texas Auto Show and other interactive experiences.