The 2025 State Fair of Texas welcomes families from September 26 through October 19.
The State Fair of Texas has been a cornerstone of Dallas culture since 1886, drawing families from across the state and beyond. Running this year from September 26 through October 19, 2025, it remains one of the largest and longest-running fairs in the United States, welcoming more than two million visitors each fall. Guests return year after year for the same mix of tradition and discovery: iconic landmarks, new foods, dazzling rides, and plenty of family fun. This year, NECOA proudly joined the festivities to showcase how clean water can be part of everyday Texas life.
Big Tex stands tall as the symbol of the State Fair of Texas, drawing massive crowds each year.
The Heart of the Fair: Big Tex
Standing 55 feet tall, Big Tex has been the official greeter of the State Fair of Texas since 1952. Dressed in new clothes each year and equipped with a booming voice that welcomes visitors with a signature “Howdy, folks,” Big Tex is more than just a statue, he’s a cultural landmark that represents Texas pride and hospitality. Fairgoers gather around him to take photos, use him as a meeting point, and begin their fair adventure. For many families, a trip to the fair doesn’t feel complete until they’ve stood under his outstretched arms.
Fairgoers indulged in the endless fried food creations that the State Fair of Texas is known for.
A Feast of Fried Favorites
The State Fair of Texas is as much about food as it is about rides and attractions. Each year, the fair hosts the Big Tex Choice Awards, celebrating the most creative and indulgent culinary creations. From fried Oreos and deep-fried butter to this year’s new twists on barbecue and Tex-Mex, the food stalls keep both tradition and innovation alive. Families plan entire afternoons around trying something new, sharing plates, and seeing who can discover the most outrageous fried creation. It’s an experience that can only be described as uniquely Texan.
The midway shines bright with food, games, and rides every night of the State Fair of Texas.
Nights on the Midway
When the sun sets, the Midway transforms into a neon-lit playground. More than 70 rides fill the fairgrounds, ranging from classic carnival games to high-thrill roller coasters. Families line up for turkey legs and funnel cakes, test their skills at ring tosses, and wander through the flashing lights of food stalls and games. The atmosphere is electric, and for many, nighttime at the fair is when the real magic begins.
The Texas Star stands 216 feet tall, offering breathtaking views of Dallas and the fairgrounds.
The Iconic Texas Star
The Texas Star Ferris wheel is one of the most beloved attractions of the fair. At 216 feet tall, it is one of the largest Ferris wheels in North America, carrying up to 264 passengers at a time in its gondolas. Since its debut in 1985, the Texas Star has become one of the most photographed landmarks at the fair. Families ride it for sweeping views of Dallas, the Cotton Bowl, and the entire fairground, creating memories that last long after the fair closes for the season.
Families gathered at the NECOA activation to explore the benefits of our smart water purifiers.
NECOA at the State Fair
This year, NECOA was proud to bring our smart water purifier to the State Fair of Texas. As families explored the fairgrounds, many stopped at our booth to discover how easy clean, great-tasting water can be at home. For parents and kids alike, staying hydrated is essential during long days of walking, eating, and playing — which made NECOA’s activation a natural fit for the fair’s family-friendly environment.
A live demonstration of NECOA’s RO filtration turned dyed red water into pure, crystal-clear water.
RO Filtration in Action
One of the highlights of our booth was a live demonstration of RO filtration technology. Visitors watched as deeply dyed red water flowed through our system and emerged crystal clear on the other side. This hands-on demo showed how reverse osmosis reduces more than 80 harmful contaminants, including microplastics, heavy metals, and chemicals like chlorine. Families were impressed by both the simplicity and the effectiveness of the system, with many calling it their favorite part of the booth. It was a moment where science met everyday life, and the reaction was a resounding “wow.”
Find NECOA behind the Cotton Bowl at MLK Boulevard and Admiral Nimitz Circle.
Where to Find NECOA
Our booth is located in a prime spot behind the Cotton Bowl at the corner of MLK Boulevard and Admiral Nimitz Circle. This made it easy for families to swing by after a ride on the Texas Star or a meal at the food courts. For many, our activation was more than just a pit stop, it was an introduction to a better way of providing their families with safe, reliable hydration. For anyone looking for a firsthand NECOA review, the fair proved that our smart water purifier delivers quality and convenience in one. You can follow all of our State Fair of Texas Activities on our Instagram!
Closing Thoughts
The State Fair of Texas is about celebrating tradition while embracing innovation. NECOA was honored to be part of the 2025 fair, connecting with thousands of families and demonstrating the life-changing impact of clean water. From our live RO filtration demo to conversations with parents looking for healthier solutions at home, our presence at the fair was both exciting and rewarding. We look forward to making the State Fair a regular stop in our mission to bring pure, smart hydration to homes across Texas.
Learn more about the State Fair of Texas on their website: https://bigtex.com/