The 8 Biggest Reasons Why The 2025 State Fair Of Texas Was An Unforgettable Must-See Event
The State Fair of Texas (SFT), a global icon of Texan culture, concluded its 2025 run as one of the most talked-about events of the year, solidifying its reputation as "The Most Texan Place on Earth." As of December 24, 2025, the fair's impact continues to resonate, with attendees still buzzing about the new attractions, the jaw-dropping food creations, and the sheer scale of the event held at Dallas's historic Fair Park. The 2025 edition, running from Friday, September 26, through Sunday, October 19, celebrated the theme "Texas Shines Bright," drawing over two million visitors despite a slight dip in attendance compared to previous peak years, a trend organizers attributed primarily to affordability concerns.
This deep-dive into the 2025 State Fair of Texas provides a complete recap of the key highlights, from the highly anticipated Big Tex Choice Awards winners to the economic engine that is the AT&T Red River Showdown. Whether you’re a long-time fairgoer or planning your first trip, understanding the magnitude of this annual tradition—which includes everything from the towering presence of Big Tex to the simple pleasure of a Fletcher's Original Corny Dog—is essential to appreciating this massive cultural spectacle. The fair continues to be a crucial showcase for Texan agriculture, innovation, and, most famously, deep-fried culinary invention.
The 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards: A Deep-Fried Culinary Showcase
The culinary heart of the State Fair of Texas beats strongest at the annual Big Tex Choice Awards, a competition that crowns the most innovative and delicious new foods. The 2025 contest introduced a new "Best Taste — Sipper" category, reflecting the fair’s commitment to expanding its famous menu beyond just deep-fried savory and sweet items. This year's competition saw a fierce battle among finalists, with four winners ultimately taking home the coveted titles.
The Four Champions of Fried Food Innovation
The 2025 winners showcased a blend of Texas tradition and global flavors, proving that the fair’s food vendors are always pushing the boundaries of what can be served on a stick or deep-fried. The winning items immediately became the must-try sensations of the 24-day run, driving massive lines across the fairgrounds.
- Best Taste — Savory: Crab & Mozzarella Arancini. This winning dish by Stefan T. took an Italian classic—fried risotto balls—and infused it with a rich, savory seafood twist. The combination of fresh crab and melted mozzarella proved irresistible to the judges.
- Best Taste — Sweet: Chill & Thrill Delight. Created by Tony & Terry Bednar, this dessert was praised for its unique texture and bold flavor profile. It offered a refreshing, yet decadent, escape from the Texas heat, often described as an amalgam of French toast and bread pudding.
- Most Creative: Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels. Combining two Texas staples, tender, slow-smoked brisket was blended with beer cheese and wrapped in pretzel dough. This easy-to-eat snack was lauded for its perfect balance of flavor and portability.
- Best Taste — Sipper: Cookie Chaos. While details remain highly secretive, this new category winner quickly became the go-to beverage for fairgoers looking for a sweet, chaotic concoction to wash down their fried meals.
Other notable finalists that gained significant popularity included the Deep-Fried Deli Tacos, the Coconut Quadruple, and the Vietnamese Crunch Dog, proving that the competition for the Big Tex Choice Awards is getting tougher every year.
The Colossus of Fair Park: Big Tex and the "Texas Shines Bright" Theme
No discussion of the State Fair of Texas is complete without mentioning its 55-foot-tall mascot, Big Tex. The giant cowboy stands at Big Tex Circle, welcoming more than two million visitors with his iconic, booming "Howdy, folks!" For 2025, Big Tex's larger-than-life persona was the core inspiration for the "Texas Shines Bright" theme. This theme was visible in the celebratory decorations, the light displays, and the featured exhibits throughout the Hall of State.
The fair’s theme is more than just a tagline; it's a celebration of the state's diverse industries, from agriculture and technology to the arts. The Hall of State, a celebrated focal point of Fair Park, hosted special exhibits detailing the historical and cultural elements that make Texas unique. After the fair’s close on October 19, Big Tex was ceremoniously taken down by a crane on October 23, a traditional sign that the fair season has officially ended and planning for the next year is underway.
Key Attractions and The Economic Juggernaut of the Red River Showdown
The State Fair of Texas is a sprawling entertainment complex, offering much more than just deep-fried food and the imposing figure of Big Tex. The 2025 event featured hundreds of attractions, from the thrilling rides of the Midway to the educational exhibits in the barns.
The State Fair of Texas Midway and Entertainment
The Midway remains a staple, offering classic games and spectacular rides that light up the Dallas skyline every night. Beyond the Midway, the fair is a hub for free live music, with multiple stages hosting a variety of genres. The Bud Light Stage and the Bank of Texas Stage featured performances throughout the day, providing continuous entertainment for fairgoers. Other major attractions included the beloved butter sculptures, car shows, and the nightly Starlight Parade.
The AT&T Red River Showdown: Football and Fair Food
A critical component of the State Fair's annual calendar is the legendary college football rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners, known as the AT&T Red River Showdown. This game is played mid-fair at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium, located right within the Fair Park grounds.
The 2025 Red River Showdown, held on Saturday, October 11, with a 2:30 P.M. kickoff, is a logistical marvel. The game alone draws over 100,000 fans to the fairgrounds, creating one of the busiest days of the entire 24-day run. The atmosphere is electric, with the fair acting as the ultimate tailgating and celebration venue for the two fan bases.
The Enduring Legacy of Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs
While the Big Tex Choice Awards introduce new sensations every year, the true, undisputed food champion of the State Fair of Texas is Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs. Invented in 1942 by brothers Neil and Carl Fletcher, the Corny Dog is a Texas tradition and a fair staple.
In 2025, the demand for this "meal on a stick" remained as high as ever, with seven dedicated Fletcher's stands strategically located throughout the Fair Park grounds to handle the massive crowds. For many, a trip to the State Fair is incomplete without sinking their teeth into the iconic, perfectly fried Corny Dog, a testament to the enduring power of simple, quality fair food. The family, including members like William Fletcher, continues to be an integral part of the fair's food culture, ensuring the tradition lives on for future generations.
2025 Fair by the Numbers: Attendance and Shopping
The 2025 State Fair of Texas welcomed more than 2.02 million fairgoers, a testament to its massive appeal. While this figure was slightly lower than the record-breaking attendance of the previous year, the fair remains one of the largest and longest-running annual events in the United States. Organizers noted that the cost of admission and concessions was a factor cited by some families for the attendance drop, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing tradition with affordability.
Beyond the food and rides, the fair is a significant shopping destination. The 2025 event saw a total of 232 shopping booths, including 25 brand-new vendors. This diverse retail environment allows local artisans and small businesses to showcase their products, ranging from handcrafted goods to unique Texan apparel, further cementing the fair’s role as a major economic and cultural driver for the Dallas area.
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