The weird and wonderful things you'll experience at the Texas State Fair, USA. Photo / Getty Images
The weird and wonderful things you'll experience at the Texas State Fair, USA. Photo / Getty Images
Deep-fried everything, cotton candy bacon beer and culinary creations that seem to have been invented by ChatGPT - the State Fair of Texas is a food lover’s dream … or nightmare, writes Ash Jurberg
The sweet aroma of cotton candy (candy floss) mingles with smoky bacon as I stare dubiously at the pink-tinged beer. “Trust me, it’s better than it looks,” the bartender assures me, gesturing to the sugar-rimmed glass. After a day of sampling increasingly outlandish dishes, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected.
“Okay, two cotton candy bacon beers, then,” I say and take the glasses. Welcome, y’all, to the State Fair of Texas– America’s largest and oldest state spectacle that draws millions to its carnival of excess.
Married to a Texan, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the state, but this was my first time visiting the state fair. Even though it was early autumn, the sun was intense, and the morning temperature was pushing 30C as I joined the early crowd streaming through the gates, ready to experience this iconic event. After a day of exploring the grounds, taking in the sights, and sampling the flavours, I was officially converted and can understand why it is so popular.
Everything is bigger in Texas, and this fair is no exception. Held at Dallas’ Fair Park, the fairgrounds cover an enormous 112ha and house more tha 70 rides, shopping pavilions, concerts, rodeos, and even football games. Despite being armed with a detailed map, I constantly got lost in the maze of food stalls and carnival rides. Thankfully, Big Tex, the 16m-tall cowboy mascot who greets visitors with his booming “Howdy, folks!” provides a perfect landmark. Whenever I felt lost in the sprawling fair, I’d look for his towering figure to reorient myself.
Big Tex, the fair’s giant cowboy mascot, has welcomed visitors since 1952. Photo / Ash Juberg
While the attractions were tempting, my mission was clear: to sample the most unique foods at the fair. Vendors compete in the prestigious Big Tex Choice Awards, where only the weirdest and most inventive dishes make the cut. Armed with a list of recommendations, I set out to try the award-winning creations.
Since my day started at 9.30am, I decided to ease myself into my future food coma and start with perhaps the most iconic fair food item- the corn dog. A staple at these events across the US, it’s a hot dog dipped in cornbread batter, deep fried, and then topped with sauces and condiments. The perfect breakfast dish. My Texan friends insisted I start with Fletcher’s, the originator of this classic fair food. Despite the early hour, a long queue had already formed, but it moved quickly. Soon enough, I had my first bite of a classic Fletcher’s corn dog, and to my surprise, it was delicious—crispy on the outside, soft inside, with the sauces making it an appealing savoury dish. My culinary adventure was off to a promising start.
The fair’s famed corn dogs were invented by Fletcher’s, a Texan staple. Photo / Ash Juberg
I was now ready to tackle the more adventurous offerings. A Big Tex Choice finalist caught my eye: Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs—yes, another fried dish—there was a pattern emerging. This masterpiece consisted of brisket wrapped with shredded potatoes, bacon, and cheese, deep fried, and then covered in raspberry chipotle barbecue sauce. It was as indulgent as it sounds, but the combination of flavours somehow worked and made it well worth the calories.
Burnt end bombs. Photo / Ash Juberg
As the day got warmer, my friends and I continued our culinary exploration. With more than 100 hectares to cover, we clocked countless steps, which provided the perfect excuse to sample more. I tried crookies (a half croissant, half cookie hybrid loaded with sugar), S’mores sweet potato fries, and even deep-fried Reese’s chocolate and ice cream. By Kiwi standards, it’s excessive, but by Texas State Fair standards, we’re showing remarkable restraint.
Beyond the food, the experience was something special. As a State Fair virgin, I was given a “First Time Visitor” badge, which was a conversation starter with locals. Sitting near Big Tex, sipping water from my oversized souvenir cup, a friendly woman sat beside me. Noticing my badge, she asked, “Enjoying your first fair?” I nodded enthusiastically, telling her the food and atmosphere were unlike anything I’d experienced.
Deep-fried delicacies like Reese’s and burnt end bombs are among the most popular items. Photo / Ash Juberg
She smiled and shared that this was her 49th year attending the fair. She said her family comes every year, pointing to a multi-generational group waiting in line for bacon-wrapped cotton candy while munching on giant turkey legs. “It’s our favourite time of year,” she added, and I could see why—the fair makes even first-timers feel part of a longstanding Texas tradition.
By mid-afternoon, nursing my unconventional beer, I’ve consumed enough deep-fried delicacies to last until next year’s fair. The food was excessive, but the warmth of the locals and the festive atmosphere made me eager to return. Next time, I’ll bring a bigger stomach and maybe looser pants.
Travel Tips
The State Fair of Texas will run from September 26 to October 19, 2025.
Admission ranges from US$15 ($25) to US$25 for adults.
Fair food, drinks, rides, and games are all paid for using State Fair Food & Midway Coupons. Each coupon costs US$1. The food I tried ranged from 8 to 15 coupons per item.
Visiting during the week will have lower crowds than on weekends. In addition to having fewer crowds, mornings are better as the temperature is cooler.
