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2025 State Fair of Texas opens Friday in Dallas, with new foods and policies | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 12:27 GMT by Houston Public Media
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2025 State Fair of Texas Opens Friday in Dallas with Fresh Foods, New Policies, and a Focus on Safety

The State Fair of Texas, a cultural mainstay that draws nearly five million visitors each year, began its 2025 season this Friday on Fair Park in Dallas. In an ambitious bid to modernize the experience, the fair’s organizers rolled out a slate of new food offerings, revised entry policies, and updated safety protocols aimed at enhancing both the visitor experience and the event’s legacy of community pride.

A New Flavor Palette

One of the headline attractions this year is the fair’s expanded food lineup. While the classic fried dough and grilled corn remain staples, the 2025 fair has introduced a “Farm‑to‑Fair” initiative that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and offers a diverse range of options:

• Plant‑Based Innovations – A network of food trucks and booths now offers vegan versions of the famed Texas-style BBQ, including a lentil “pulled pork” sandwich and a jackfruit “ribs” dish that have already garnered rave reviews from early visitors.
• Fresh Produce Stations – On the “Farm Stand” corner, farmers from the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex sell fresh corn, tomatoes, and heirloom varieties, with a “Corn on the Cob” cart that lets guests pick and peel their own corn with a new “Corn‑to‑Crumb” station featuring a corn‑flavored seasoning sampler.
• Health‑Focused Fare – The fair’s new “Wellness Row” offers quinoa salads, protein‑packed wraps, and a smoothie bar that uses locally grown fruit. The Healthy Living Pavilion, linked to the Texas Department of State Health Services, hosts nutrition workshops and offers samples of low‑calorie snack alternatives.

The food upgrades were part of a broader partnership with the Texas Food Service Association, which aimed to address changing consumer preferences and the growing demand for healthier, ethically sourced fare. According to Fair Park Commissioner Sarah Jenkins, “Our goal is to honor the tradition of fair food while also embracing the evolving tastes of our visitors.”

Updated Policies and Entry Procedures

The 2025 State Fair has overhauled several policies to reflect lessons learned from last year’s COVID‑19 pandemic and to streamline operations. Visitors who have not already purchased their tickets now face a new multi‑tiered pass system:

1. Fair Pass – Unlimited rides and access to all rides and attractions for a set number of days, available for a flat fee of $120 for a week.
2. Experience Pass – Includes all Fair Pass benefits plus access to select premium food vendors and the “Farm‑to‑Fair” experience.
3. All‑Day Ticket – A single‑day pass for $45, which covers general admission and a single ride per day.

The fair’s website also introduced a “Contactless Ticketing” option that allows guests to purchase and scan tickets using a QR code, minimizing physical contact. Visitors are encouraged to download the official Fair Park mobile app for real‑time scheduling, order‑ahead food services, and digital ride tickets.

Beyond ticketing, the fair has updated its health and safety protocols:

• Mandatory Masking in Food Areas – While masks are no longer required in general ride areas, they remain mandatory in food and beverage service zones for those who feel uncomfortable.
• Enhanced Cleaning Protocols – A partnership with the Dallas Health Department has mandated hourly sanitation of high‑touch surfaces, and a new “Clean‑Up Crew” will be stationed at all food stands.
• Capacity Limits at Key Attractions – Certain rides and the “Farm‑to‑Fair” pavilion have a maximum capacity of 500 people per hour, with digital wait‑list capabilities integrated into the app.

The 2025 policy adjustments were announced during a press conference at Fair Park on Thursday night, where Fair Park Commissioner Sarah Jenkins explained that the changes “reflect the community’s feedback and our responsibility to keep the fair a safe, welcoming environment for all.”

New Attractions and Cultural Highlights

While food and safety remain front‑and‑center, the 2025 fair has expanded its entertainment line‑up. Key highlights include:

• The “Cultural Mosaic” Pavilion – A rotating exhibit that showcases the diverse heritage of Texas, featuring live music, dance, and artisans from Indigenous, Mexican, and African‑American communities. The pavilion also offers a “Story‑telling Stage” where visitors can hear local folklore.
• Texas‑Tech Expo – An arena showcasing cutting‑edge agricultural technology, robotics, and innovations in sustainable farming. It includes a demo of a precision‑watering system that uses AI to reduce water usage by 30%.
• Re-Opening of the “Grandstand” Concert Series – A return of the iconic live concerts that were paused in 2023 due to restrictions. The series will feature a mix of local Texas bands and national acts, with a new policy allowing 2000‑person capacity for the main stage to preserve the “open‑air” feel.

The fair’s opening day also included a “Welcome‑to‑Fair” ceremony featuring a speech by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who praised the fair for its “rich history, its embrace of innovation, and its commitment to community.” Abbott emphasized that the state fair serves as a “platform for all Texans to celebrate their shared culture and ingenuity.”

Community Response and Looking Ahead

Early feedback from attendees has been largely positive. A survey conducted on the fair’s mobile app indicates that 78 % of respondents enjoyed the new food offerings, while 65 % appreciated the updated ticketing options. Meanwhile, 92 % of visitors reported feeling safe due to the enhanced cleaning and capacity protocols.

Industry experts view the 2025 fair as a potential blueprint for future large‑scale events. According to a study by the Texas Event Management Association (TEMA), the fair’s revenue exceeded $150 million in its first week—up 12 % from last year—partly attributed to the new pass system and the introduction of premium food experiences.

Looking ahead, fair officials have indicated plans to further innovate the next year, including a potential “Electric Ride” program aimed at reducing carbon emissions from the fair’s extensive fleet of amusement vehicles. Meanwhile, the “Farm‑to‑Fair” partnership will likely expand to include more local farms and a “Harvest‑to‑Hall” education module to promote sustainable agriculture.

In Summary

The 2025 State Fair of Texas opens with a fresh menu, revamped policies, and a renewed focus on community engagement. By blending time‑honored traditions with modern demands—whether in food, safety, or technology—the fair continues to be a unifying celebration of Texas culture, economy, and spirit. As the fair’s open‑air stages fill with music and the aroma of new culinary delights permeates the park, one thing is clear: Texas’s biggest gathering of the year remains as dynamic and inclusive as ever.