State Fair of Texas 2025 Unveils Exciting New Food and Entertainment

Dallas, Texas — The 2025 State Fair of Texas kicked off on September 26 and will run until October 19, featuring an array of creative food options and live entertainment.

This year, the food team at The Dallas Morning News collaborated with local chefs to judge ten dishes competing for the Big Tex Choice Awards. Chefs included Tiffany Derry of Roots Southern Table and Dino Santonicola, a competitor known for his appearances in the Top Pizza competition.

The judges rated each dish from 1 to 5 based on taste, execution, and value. The standout savory dish was a crispy taco filled with smoked brisket, mashed potatoes, cheese, and chives from Smokey John’s Restaurant. Tiffany Derry remarked, “Something happens the more you eat it… It’s a bite that develops in flavor.” The taco received a perfect score of 5/5.

From the Hans Mueller tent, brisket-stuffed pretzel balls were critiqued for inconsistent baking, leading to a score of 3.4/5. At So Eggciting Deviled Eggs inside the Tower Building Food Court, wagyu cheeseburger sliders claimed the “most creative” title but scored lower at 3/5.

On the dessert front, this year’s sweet winner was an innovative dish combining French toast and bread pudding, garnished with Blue Bell ice cream. Derry jubilantly declared, “Do we got a winner!” and the dish also scored a 5/5.

Now the fair also features drinks, with new categories and an award-winning cookie butter milkshake, blended with popular cookies like Golden Oreos. Derry humorously noted, “Drink is a strong word for this,” suggesting it’s more like a dessert.

The fair offers numerous attractions, including rides, games, and live performances. Notable music acts include TLC and Brian McKnight performing this month. There are also various vendors, livestock shows, and even the iconic Big Tex, welcoming attendees at his usual spot.

The event has a clear bag policy this year for security reasons. Expanding beyond food, there are activities like cooking demos and the popular livestock birthing barn, adding to the fair’s charm.

As crowds gather and excitement builds, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for parking and ticket purchases, which range from $7 to $29 depending on the day. The fair promises something unique for every attendee, continuing its legacy as a beloved Texas tradition.