US Family Guide

State Fair of Texas Announces More FREE Live Music for 2026 Season 

All Live Music Included with Fair Admission 

DALLAS – July 21, 2026 – Visit the 2026 State Fair of Texas for the ultimate FREE Texas-sized music festival! In addition to the Chevrolet Main Stage lineup that was announced last month, live music can be found across the fairgrounds all 24 days of the Fair. The Bud Light® Stage, near Cotton Bowl® Stadium, showcases local and regional talent, just steps away from all your fried food favorites. The White Claw® Spotlight Stage in partnership with Dallas Music Office, located at the Grove on Nimitz, will feature a variety of artists from Dallas Music Office’s roster of talent, all local to the Dallas music scene. In addition, the brand-new ZiegenBock® Stage will be unveiled at the newly renovated Old Mill Inn near Big Tex Circle, which will provide a fun atmosphere for fairgoers to enjoy a live-music experience paired with delicious food and beverages in the shadow of Big Tex.  

The Fair is proudly celebrating its eighth year of partnership with State Fair Records, the East Dallas-based label that programs and produces the Bud Light Stage and Old Mill Stage. With strong ties to local, regional, and statewide music scenes, State Fair Records brings the very best the Lone Star State has to offer to the State Fair of Texas. 

"State Fair Records continues to raise the bar, selecting several up-and-coming and established Texas musicians who fit the mold of the most Texan place on Earth. We're excited to grow our partnership and continue to host top-notch artists at our 24-day annual exposition," said Jason Hays, SVP of Brand Experience. 

Continuing the tradition of featuring a Resident Artist across our stages, this year’s Resident Artist is renowned jazz musician Ken Ebo. A retired United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant and current Senior Lecturer of Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas, Ebo and his jazz ensemble will perform across the Fair, bringing their signature sound to this year’s lineup.

If you're looking to get a taste of the live music scene even sooner, get amped up for the biggest pre-Fair party of the year, State Fair Saddle Up. State Fair Saddle Up returns September 10 with a night full of fundraising and memorable moments at The Rustic Dallas. Enjoy live music performances from headliner Cash Byers, accompanied by fan-favorite Midway games, delicious food and beverages, amazing auction items, and exclusive perks for VIP ticket holders — all in support of Texas students. Funds raised will support the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, so join us to kick off the 2026 State Fair of Texas at this one-of-a-kind Fair-themed party! Learn more about State Fair Saddle Up and purchase tickets at BigTex.com/Saddleup. 

With performances from hundreds of artists at the Most Texan Place on Earth®, see below for the full Bud Light Stage, ZiegenBock Stage, and White Claw Spotlight Stage lineups. The 2026 State Fair of Texas, themed “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” runs Friday, September 25, through Sunday, October 18. Season passes are now on sale at BigTex.com/Tickets. As we approach Opening Day, more information on ticketing for the 2026 Fair will be available in the coming months. 

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 About the State Fair of Texas

Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2026 exposition runs September 25 through October 18 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.