Big Tex returns as State Fair of Texas officials discuss security
DALLAS - With the start of the State Fair of Texas only a week away, Big Tex is returning to his spot at Fair Park on Friday morning.
Big Tex at the State Fair of Texas
A crane lifted Big Tex into place ahead of the fair’s 140th year.
This year, the 55-foot Cowboy is sporting a new look.
He’s rocking new boots that feature Lone Star State icons like bluebonnets, a longhorn, and accents of red and blue to honor the Texas flag.
He also has a denim upgrade thanks to Levi’s. His new pair of 501 jeans has a waist size of 380 and a length of 290. They were made with 85 yards of denim and weigh about 132 pounds.
Big Tex returns to State Fair of Texas with a new look
Big Tex goes back up again on Friday for the 2026 Stare Fair of Texas.
His Cavender’s pearl snap shirt is new too. The Western-style top is red with navy blue and white accents. It will be updated each year going forward with logos and designs depending on specific milestones for the fair, Texas, or America.
State Fair of Texas Security
While the installation is a visible sign of the fair’s arrival, much of the work to prepare for the event happens out of sight.
State Fair of Texas officials said safety is the fair’s top priority. At a Friday news conference, officials confirmed the ban on firearms is still in effect this season. Current and retired law enforcement officers are exempt from the firearm ban.
Fairgoers will once again pass through enhanced security screenings to enter the fair, which includes a weapons detection system.
A clear bag is not required to enter the State Fair of Texas, but officials strongly recommend one to help with the security screen process. Clear bags are required to enter events at the Cotton Bowl, such as the OU-Texas game.
Dig deeper:
The firearms ban was put in place after a 2023 shooting inside the food court in Fair Park that injured three people. The gunman was sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated assault.
State Fair of Texas Affordability
State Fair of Texas attendance lagged in 2025. A big complaint about the fair was the price of food, tickets, and parking.
This year, adult ticket prices are $2 cheaper, and the parking fee has been lowered. Kids 12 and under get in for $10 daily, while admission is $10 after 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday.
Ride prices have been lowered by nearly 20% year-over-year.
State Fair of Texas promotes cost savings, keeps firearm ban
A firearm ban is still in effect this year at the State Fair of Texas. FOX 4's Alex Boyer has more on that and how you can save more money at the fair this year.
What they're saying:
Karissa Condoianis, Senior Vice President of Public Relations for the State Fair of Texas, says the fair supports gun rights, but says the State Fair of Texas isn't the place for them.
"We support the rights of gun owners. One of our largest fundraisers of the year is the Big Tex Clay Shoot Classic at the Dallas Gun Club that raises money for Texas students. So that's an example," Condoianis said. "That's not what this is about. "This is a family event and creating a safe family environment."
Condoianis says vendors are delivering on dropping prices, ensuring more people can access the fair's unique foods.
"They're even thinking about having mini-sized items of their Big Tex Choice Awards available so that people can have access to those."
State Fair of Texas 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards winners include chocolate Corney dog, burger tacos & more
The winners of the 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards include several creative mashups, such as hamburger tacos in a tater tot shell and a dessert-flavored Fletcher's Corny Dog.
What's next:
The State Fair of Texas opens next Friday and runs through Oct. 18.
The Source: The information in this story comes from the State Fair of Texas.