Deeply woven into the fabric of America's history for over a century, state fairs have been trusted places where fairgoers from all walks of life can come together and celebrate their state's history, culture, and future. This year, as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, and as the State Fair of Texas celebrates its 140th birthday, the State Fair felt it was only fitting to pay homage to this monumental milestone by incorporating national pride into our annual commemorative art, “Stars, Stripes. And Howdies.”

In this year’s art, you will see a collaborative melody of elements reminiscent of both the State Fair of Texas and the United States of America. Big Tex, the iconic 55-foot talking cowboy, is always a focal point of the design, but this year, an extra step was taken to showcase national pride through the Fair’s beloved mascot in a fun, patriotic fashion. Big Tex embodies all Texans, and while Texans have a genuine pride in calling the Lone Star State “home,” the State Fair of Texas is also proud Americans who honor our country’s 250th anniversary.

Since its humble beginnings in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has had a history of producing advertising posters for various aspects of the annual exhibition. From attractions to music to livestock shows, the Fair’s admiration for vintage poster designs led to a wood-block style of poster printing and an obvious choice of red, white, and blue as the predominant colors of the art – just like the American AND Texas flags! Graphical elements that point to both the State Fair of Texas and a sense of nostalgic Americana are incorporated, including a specific call out to the country’s 250th birthday on none other than a coveted State Fair of Texas Creative Arts ribbon!

With a starburst of patriotic stripes and an emergence of colorful icons, typography, and, of course, Big Tex, the 2026 commemorative theme art is the perfect way for all those involved with the Fair to take a moment to celebrate this special anniversary. The State Fair of Texas is proud to be a part of the next 250 years of state fairs, starting with this year’s celebration of “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies!”

“The 250th birthday of our nation is a defining moment in history, and the State Fair of Texas is honored to celebrate this pivotal milestone by incorporating iconic themes and imagery into our 2026 commemorative theme art. Fairs across the country have been a staple for generations by serving as a place of community, pride, and creativity, all of which showcase the best of the United States,” said Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas president.

The State Fair of Texas welcomes you to join them at the Most Texan Place on Earth to celebrate the 2026 theme “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” starting September 25 and running through October 18 at historic Fair Park in Dallas. Merchandise is now available at BigTex.com/Store. Season passes are now on sale at BigTex.com/Tickets. More information on additional ticket opportunities for the 2026 Fair will be available later this month; sign up to be a Big Tex Insider and be the first to know.

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.

State Fair of Texas Unveils 2026 Commemorative Theme Art, “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies”