Your Guide to the 2026 East Texas State Fair in Tyler

(East Texas) It's fair time, y'all! You'll soon be able to get all your fair food favorites: corn dogs, cotton candy, turkey legs, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and deep-fried goodness at the East Texas State Fair in Tyler. In addition to the fair-food favorites, there will be special exhibits, vendors, shows, carnival rides, a rodeo, a monster truck show, and so many other activities at the fair from September 25 through October 4.

The East Texas State Fair has been entertaining East Texans for more than 110 years. The big draws to the fair are, of course, the carnival rides, food, and live entertainment, but there's much more to it. It's also a way for artists, bakers, photographers, and others to show off their creations and skills while competing for Best in Show.

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How to Win East Texas State Fair Tickets

You can be there to experience the sights and sounds and see the special creations for yourself. Simply interact with us using the contest entry points below, and you could win admission tickets to the fair.

READ MORE --> The 2026 East Texas Fall Festival & Events Guide

PRCA Rodeo Action At The East Texas State Fair

The PRCA-sanctioned rodeo is back this year. The rodeo will pay out $45,000 in prize money to cowboys and cowgirls during opening weekend.  You'll see bareback riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, mutton bustin', saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, and tie-down roping with competitors from across Texas and the U.S.  There is an additional charge to watch the rodeo.

Live Music at the East Texas State Fair

You won't want to miss out on the entertainment on the main stage at the fair this year. See performances from Paul Cauthen, Band Reeves, 803Fresh, Chris Colston, Heath Walker, Low Company, and others. See the schedule to find out when they'll be performing on stage, which you can see as part of your admission to the fair.

East Texas State Fair Hours

The fair will be open daily September 25 through October 4. The fairgrounds are open weekdays at 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Friday-Sunday. Carnival rides open at 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends. The fair will also feature pig races, dairy demonstrations, and other events throughout the 10-day run.

Monster Trucks Come to the East Texas State Fair

See monster trucks in action during the final weekend of the fair. The show will feature stunts, intense racing, and car-crushing action from some of the nation's top monster truck drivers. Stunts, intense racing, and car-crushing action will be filling the arena. Tickets are available separately from fair admission.