Come Hungry, Leave Happy: 

From over-the-top creations and Texas-sized favorites to global flavors and fresh takes on classic Fair food, the 2026 State Fair of Texas is bringing even more reasons for Fairgoers to come hungry. This year’s new food lineup showcases the creativity and culinary talent of State Fair concessionaires, with new dishes, drinks, concepts, and vendors joining the Fair’s legendary food offerings.

Among this year’s new offerings are the finalists and semi-finalists of the 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards, the annual competition that challenges State Fair concessionaires to dream up their most inventive creations. Fairgoers will have the chance to try all of the finalists and decide whether they agree with the judges’ selections for “Best Taste – Savory,” “Best Taste – Sweet,” “Best Taste – Sipper,” and “Most Creative.” Other 2026 semi-finalist dishes will also be available at the State Fair and are marked with an asterisk below.

In addition to the Big Tex Choice Awards creations, State Fair concessionaires are serving up even more culinary creativity in 2026, thanks in part to Scooter’s Coffee®, sponsor of this year’s new foods. The State Fair is proud to introduce four brand-new food vendors and four new concepts from existing concessionaires, alongside dozens of new dishes debuting across the Fairgrounds. Together, this year’s additions offer Fairgoers even more ways to discover something new, revisit an old favorite, and keep coming back for more.

The creativity of State Fair of Texas concessionaires never ceases to amaze. Behind many of the Fair’s most memorable bites are small business owners, entrepreneurs, and family-run businesses who pour their time, talent, and passion into creating something that Fairgoers can enjoy. For many, the State Fair provides an invaluable opportunity to introduce their food and businesses to hundreds of thousands of guests, build their customer base, and create meaningful opportunities for their families and employees. When Fairgoers discover a new favorite at the Fair, they are not just supporting a concession stand. They are helping support a small business.

For a full list of new foods that will be offered at the Most Texan Place on Earth® and where to find them this fall, visit BigTex.com/NewFoods.

New Fair Foods Debuting at the 2026 State Fair of Texas

3D Fruit Ice Cream 

EVERY DAY VALUE ITEM 

Yumi Ice Cream Co. 

Located at Yumi Ice Cream throughout the Fairgrounds 

Yumi Ice Cream brings your ice cream dreams to life with 3D Fruit Ice Cream! Creamy mango or peach ice cream is dipped in a thin chocolate shell shaped like a peach or mango. It’s a refreshing, delicious escape from the summer heat for just 7 coupons. 

All Shook Up* 

Michelle Edwards of J3M2 Services 

Located at Highland Park Soda Fountain in the Tower Building 

A wild blend of creamy banana pudding ice cream and rich peanut butter sauce is spun into the ultimate milkshake. Topped with a peanut butter cookie, thick and crispy bacon, caramel drizzle, fluffy whipped cream, and a cherry on top, this sweet-and-salty masterpiece is sure to leave you all shook up. 

Buffalo Breaded Cheese Curds 

Stefan T. Nedwetzky of Texapolitan Pizza 

Located at Texapolitan Pizza on Grand Ave. 

Introducing Buffalo Breaded Cheese Curds from Texapolitan Pizza! These delicious cheese curds are tossed in buffalo sauce and served fresh, making for the perfect walkable Fair meal. Enjoy these flavorful new bites with a slice of Texapolitan’s signature pizza. 

Butter-Dipped Toffee Crunch Nutty Bar* 

EVERY DAY VALUE ITEM

Josey and Tami Jo Nevins Mayes of Nevins Concessions  

Located at Nevins Nutty Bar on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Nevins Ice Cream on Nimitz Drive 

Nevins famous ice cream Nutty Bar gets a makeover for the 2026 State Fair of Texas! The fan favorite delicacy is drenched in creamy salted butter and rolled in a mixture of toffee pieces and peanuts, creating the perfect creamy crunch. To finish it off, the Nutty Bar is coated with a hefty drizzle of velvety caramel and topped with rich crushed Ritz® crackers. Enjoy this new creation for just 8 coupons. 

Candy Watermelon  

Kelly Villarreal of ARH Treats 

Located at Chamoy Treats on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd 

Looking for a sweet, fruity combo to beat the heat? Give this Candy Watermelon a try! A giant ice-cold watermelon slice the size of your head is wrapped in six feet of Fruit by the Foot®, drenched in sour Chamoy, and topped with a heavy sprinkle of Tajín®.   

Chan's Signature Pho Burger 

Andy Chan of Chan's Concessions 

Located at Chan's Chicken on a Stick on Coliseum Drive 

A handcrafted beef burger is infused with authentic Vietnamese pho spices and topped with fresh herbs, taking the well-known flavors of Vietnamese pho and stacking them into a burger with hoisin and Sriracha instead of the traditional mustard and ketchup. 

Chicken Fried Steak Biscuit 

Isaac Rousso of Taste of Cuba 

Located at Rousso's Fat Bacon on First Ave., Holy Biscuit in the Tower Building, and The Old Mill at Grand Ave. 

Get ready for a delicious southern-style bite with the Chicken Fried Steak Biscuit. Served on a warm, buttery biscuit topped with homemade bacon gravy, this savory bite is packed with a world of flavor sure to leave you wanting more! 

Cotton Candy Cooler 

Lacy Phillips of Cooking with Lacy 

Located at Mac Loaded on Nimitz Drive 

Frozen lemonade just got sweeter! This twist on a classic frozen lemonade is made with cotton candy syrup, then topped with cotton candy sprinkles. The Cotton Candy Cooler is guaranteed to get you through these hot Texas days! 

Cubano Flatbread 

Isaac Rousso of Taste of Cuba 

Located at Old Mill on Grand Ave. 

This stone-fired flatbread is brushed with mojito butter glaze, topped with slow-roasted Cuban pork, shredded ham, diced pickles, and melted Swiss cheese. Finished with a drizzle of mojito sauce, the Cubano Flatbread makes for the perfect mix of savory bliss. 

Deep Fried Bourbon Banana Bread 

Michelle Le and John Tcheng of Eat Crispies 

Located at Eat Crispies on Midway 

Warm, homemade-style banana bread is hand-cut, rolled in a ball, battered, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Finished with a rich bourbon brown sugar caramel sauce and dusted with powdered sugar, this sweet treat is the perfect mix of Southern comfort and State Fair of Texas indulgence. 

Deep Fried Ranch 

Tracy Scudday of Tracy's Concessions Inc. 

Located at Tracy's Long Fries on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd 

Get ready to experience a flavor like never before! Deep Fried Ranch is the perfect breaded, pocket-sized snack that Fairgoers can easily take on the go during their Fair visit. Stuffed with creamy ranch sauce then deep-fried, these bites are sure to wake up your taste buds. 

Deep Fried Thai Tea Tres Leches Cake* 

Cody and Lauren Hays of Texas Holy Catering and Concessions 

Located at Fusion BBQ & Wings in the Tower Building 

A dreamy twist on a classic dessert, this Deep-Fried Thai Tea Tres Leches Cake starts with a thick, fluffy piece of sponge cake soaked in rich French toast batter, then lightly coated in crisp tempura and fried to a perfect golden brown. The cake is delicately pierced and submerged in a homemade Thai tea tres leches blend, allowing every bite to soak up its sweet, creamy flavor. Served with homemade vanilla bean whipped cream, this indulgent treat is topped with fresh strawberries and chewy boba pearls for the perfect burst of flavor! 

Dirty Dr Pepper® Do-Si-Do Float* 

Brandon Coston of Coston Concessions  

Located at Dippin Dots® Ice Cream on the Funway 

Float down the Midway like never before with the Dirty Dr Pepper® Do-Si-Do Float — a bold, fizzy, frozen twist on the classic dirty soda! This over-the-top Fair treat starts with a drizzle of creamy coconut and an ice-cold Dr Pepper®, then topped with real Dr Pepper® Dippin’ Dots®, fresh lime, whipped cream, festive red sprinkles, and a Dr Pepper® jellybean! Served with both a straw and spoon, this one-of-a-kind creation can be sipped and scooped for the ultimate sweet-and-fizzy State Fair experience! 

Ferris Wheel Fizz 

Royce West Jr. Of 2-5 Concessions 

Located at Cajun Swamp Treats on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd 

Take a break from the Texas heat with the Ferris Wheel Fizz. This refreshing drink combines Sprite®, lemonade, and blue raspberry syrup. Rimmed with a strawberry glaze, topped with Nerds Gummy Clusters® ice cubes, and garnished with additional gummies, this sweet sip is perfect for your Fair day! 

Fettuccine Nutella Crepe 

Brice Noutoua of Crepes and Co. 

Located at Crepes and Co. in the Tower Building 

Nutella lovers, this one is for you! This Fettuccine Nutella Crepe slices the crepes into ribbons, drizzles them with Nutella, and tops them with fresh seasonal fruits and whipped cream. Try this sweet and savory dish to see how each bite opens a world of flavors like never before. 

Focaccia alla Porchetta e Salsa Verde  

EVERY DAY VALUE ITEM 

Massimiliano Tosi of Eataly 

Located at EATALY in Cotton Bowl Plaza 

Soft, golden house-made focaccia layered with slow-roasted porchetta and finished with a vibrant salsa verde delivers a savory, flavor-packed bite with every mouthful. A perfect balance of richness, tenderness, and authentic Italian flavor found in this one dish. Enjoy this new food for just 7 coupons. 

Foot-long Fries 

Tracy Scudday of Tracy's Concessions 

Located at Tracy's Concessions on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd 

Fry fanatics, get ready for a spin on your favorite potato treat. A foot-long, deep-fried, mashed-potato-style fry is seasoned or drizzled with your choice of sauce and seasoning, making a delicious Texas-sized treat you won’t want to pass up! 

Fried Broccoli 

EVERY DAY VALUE ITEM 

Shavonne Gay of Thee Kitchen Beast 

Located at Thee Kitchen Beast on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd 

Did you know you could find veggies at the State Fair of Texas? Treat yourself to Fried Broccoli from one of our Big Tex Business Masterclass graduates and new vendors, Thee Kitchen Beast! This tempura-battered broccoli is deep-fried and drizzled with honey garlic sauce, creating a bold snack full of deep flavor in every bite. Enjoy this new creation for just 10 coupons. 

Fried Butter Chicken 

Lindsey and Justin Guest of Be R Guest LLC 

Located at Naan Better on Grand Ave. 

Check out one of the Fair’s newest vendors on Grand Avenue, Naan Better, with their fan favorite Fried Butter Chicken. Chicken potstickers are fried and tossed in tomato gravy (butter chicken sauce) and served over aromatic basmati rice. 

Fried Gobbler Roll* 

Glen and Sherri Kusak of Yoakum Packing Co.

Located at Hans Mueller on Nimitz Drive, Farm Pac on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, and Borracho Nacho Bar in Cotton Bowl Plaza 

This State Fair-inspired egg roll is loaded with smoky chopped turkey leg meat, fire-roasted corn, sweet peppers, rich cream cheese, and a bold blend of savory seasonings. Hand-rolled and deep-fried until perfectly crispy and golden brown, this savory bite is served with your choice of sweet-and-spicy honey hot sauce or a cool, creamy cilantro sauce for the perfect finish. 

Fried Green Tomato Lobster Bruschetta  

Clint and Gretchen Probst of Concession Staffing Services LLC 

Located at Lobster Lounge on Grand Ave. 

Need a midday pick-me-up? Grab this refreshing, and unique take on a bruschetta salad — Fried Green Tomato Lobster Bruschetta. Taking fried green tomatoes to another level by topping them with lobster salad, chopped tomato, and balsamic glaze, are you ready to dive in?    

Frozen Ranch Water 250 

Craig Spivey of FairGuys, LLC 

Located at The Beer Barn in Cotton Bowl Plaza 

Beat the heat with this tasty frozen treat! The Frozen Ranch Water 250 celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States with a red, white, and brew twist. Fairgoers can enjoy a swirl of original, blueberry, and strawberry frozen ranch waters in one delicious sip! 

Limonata Fresca Float* 

EVERY DAY VALUE ITEM 

Justin Martinez of Fiesta Enterprises Inc. 

Located at Granny's by the Coliseum and Foot Long Corn Dogs on Grand Ave. 

Sparkling Limonata, crafted from authentic sun-ripened Italian lemons, meets house-made fresh watermelon purée for the ultimate refreshing fresca base — cool, vibrant, and bursting with real fruit flavor. Crowned with a scoop of velvety Italian lemon sorbet, served in a lemon sugar-rimmed cup, and kissed with fresh mint, this treat is the perfect escape from the Texas heat, one sip at a time. Enjoy this new refreshing sipper for just 10 coupons. 

Loaded Lone Star Rings* 

Christi Erpillo and Johnna McKee of Winter Family Concessions LLC 

Located at The Dock on Nimitz Drive and Fernie’s Funnel Cake Factory on Grand Ave. 

Why settle for one iconic Texas treat when you can have three in one? Loaded Lone Star Rings combine crispy, crunchy onion rings, spicy jalapeño popper filling, and smoky beef fajitas for the ultimate Texan bite! This loaded basket is served with local Texas pickles and a side of Fernie's award-winning secret sauce to complement the trifecta. 

Love Me Jam Sandwich* 

Michelle Edwards of J3M2 Services 

Located at Highland Park Soda Fountain in the Tower Building 

“The King” of rock 'n' roll never did anything subtle, and neither does this sandwich. The Love Me Jam Sandwich is a bold Southern-style sandwich stacked on buttery, grilled Texas toast with melty peanut butter, homemade banana jam, thick-cut bacon, and a crunchy layer of crushed potato chips. A fiery little mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy that will drive you wild. 

Mango Strawberry Shortcake* 

Jerry Shrier of Beyond Ice LLC 

Located at Rita's Italian Ice in the Tower Building 

Layered with smooth vanilla custard, bright mango strawberry ice, and buttery Nilla Wafers® cookie crumbles, this refreshing dessert delivers the perfect balance of tart, sweet, creamy, and crunchy in every bite, made for the bold tastes of the State Fair of Texas crowd. Topped with a scoop of creamy custard and a classic Nilla Wafer® cookie, this over-the-top frozen treat is inspired by the nostalgic flavor of classic strawberry shortcake and brings a Fair-food twist to a timeless favorite. 

Matcha Parfait* 

Keith Tran of Perfect Timing Concepts LLC 

Located at Sandoitchi in the Tower Building 

See this sweet treat from afar, and you’ll be green with envy! This delicious dessert combines creamy matcha layers, soft sponge cake, and fresh seasonal fruit piled high into a colorful parfait that tastes like Tokyo dessert culture meets Texas-sized indulgence. 

Midnight Ruby Rush* 

EVERY DAY VALUE ITEM 

Tony and Terry Bednar of Tony's Taco Shop LLC 

Located at Tony's Taco Shop in the Tower Building 

Midnight Ruby Rush is a bold, handcrafted refresher made with authentic Jamaican flavors. A vibrant hibiscus infusion layered with fresh strawberries, velvety frosted foam, cool mint, and a chamoy-kissed rim, ensures every sip delivers a crisp burst of berry flavor that is smooth, refreshing, and unforgettable. Eye-catching and perfectly balanced, Midnight Ruby Rush is a one-of-a-kind drink experience designed to keep you coming back for another flavor-packed sip. Enjoy this refreshing drink for just 10 coupons. 

Mini Smoked Turkey Leg 

Glen and Sherri Kusak of Yoakum Packing Co.

Located at both Hans Mueller stands on Nimitz Drive 

Are turkey legs your go-to Fair food snack? Well, now, the iconic, beloved staple is hitting the fairgrounds in a new way – and size! Cured with the same spices as a holiday ham, the Mini Smoked Turkey Leg is smaller, but still tender, and juicy, with flavor that packs a punch. 

Mixed Fruits Tanghulu 

Sijie Lu of HGG Tanghulu 

Located at Tanghulu in the Tower Building 

HGG Tanghulu is bringing a taste of China to the State Fair of Texas! Mixed Fruits Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack where sweet meets crunch. Juicy strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and green grapes are placed on a skewer and coated in a thin, crunchy sugar shell – the perfect treat to eat while walking around the Fair. 

New Orleans Nachos 

Terrence, Lisa, and Trevor Henderson of A Taste of New Orleans 

Located at A Taste of New Orleans on Grand Ave. and ATNO's Bayou Kitchen in the Tower Building 

Experience getting a taste of New Orleans while experiencing the sights and sounds of the Fair! Fairgoers can enjoy crawfish etouffee served over crispy kettle-style chips topped with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeños for a flavor-packed bite. 

The Niece* 

Terrance Smith of Smith Spot BBQ 

Located at Smith Spot BBQ in the Tower Building 

Introducing The Niece – a savory, gooey grilled cheese brisket sandwich on French toast! Smith Spot BBQ’s newest Fair treat comes with bacon and scallions, and is dusted with a sweet touch of powdered sugar. Bourbon sauce joins the flavor party, tying the mixed flavors of The Niece together. 

Not'cho Average Sundae 

Christopher Easter and Nicole Sternes of SouthSide The Realest, LLC 

Located at Southside Steaks and Cakes in Cotton Bowl Plaza  

A crispy waffle bowl is filled with Dorito Nacho Cheese® chips, steamed rice, grilled chicken cheesesteak, and warm Ro*Tel® Famous Queso Dip. Drizzled with hot honey and secret sauce and topped with applewood bacon crumbles, these groundbreaking nachos are sure to leave you wanting more, chip after chip! 

The PBR (Pickles, Bacon, Ranch) 

Cheyne Hickey of Lil Red's 

Located at Stay Cheesy in the Tower Building 

Stay Cheesy is back with another delightful grilled cheese sandwich for Fairgoers to indulge in. Grilled cheddar and mozzarella cheese are topped with pickles, bacon, ranch, and fresh hand-cut fries and served on toasted sourdough bread, sure to make you melt! 

Rude Boy Yaki Noodles 

Stephen Alade of Doc's Street Grill 

Located at Doc's Street Grill on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd 

Rude Boy Yaki Noodles is the newest food sizzling over at Doc’s Street Grill! Yakisoba noodles are stir-fried with shrimp, carrots, scallions, ginger and bell peppers in a fusion sauce that gives off a spicy kick.  

Soft Serve Smoked Peach Bourbon Smash* 

Rick and Tammy Stiffler of Stiffler Concessions LLC 

Located at Stiffler’s Moms Cookie Factory on the Funway and Stiffler’s Music Lounge  

The Soft Serve Smoked Peach Bourbon Smash combines premium smoked whiskey infused with Texas Post Oak, a lush peach Bellini Prosecco base, and vanilla soft serve. Served in a Fair cup with a chili-lime salt and chamoy rim, this ultimate Midway treat is garnished with a nostalgic peach ring. It’s creamy, smoky, sweet, and undeniably Texas! (Also available as a mocktail!)  

Spicy Carbonara Ramen Korean Corn Dog 

Leslie Chan of Chan's Eatery 

Located at Korean Corn Dogs by the Coliseum 

Korean corn dogs just got an upgrade! An original, signature Korean corn dog is wrapped in crispy Buldak Ramen Carbonara® noodles and finished off with a drizzle of Buldak Ramen Carbonara® sauce and cheese powder, creating the ultimate savory, smooth, crunchy treat for your Fair visit. 

Texas Brisket Pierogies 

Tanya Rose of Pierogizilla LLC 

Located at Pierogizilla on the Funway 

Pierogies have made their way to the Lone Star State! Fried potato and cheese pierogies are topped with Texas smoked brisket, creamy lime signature sauce, tangy pickled red onions, pickled Fresno peppers, and fresh cilantro. 

Triple Chocolate Flautas* 

Palmer Fortune of Palmer's Hot Chicken 

Located at Palmer's Hot Chicken on the Midway 

Ready for a triple threat and chocolate explosion? Crispy corn tortillas are stuffed with fudgy brownie, molten fudge, and melted chocolate chips, fried to golden perfection, and finished with billowy whipped cream, a chocolate drizzle, and a shower of chocolate sprinkles.  

Twinkle Twinkle Brisket Star* 

Brent & Juan Reaves of Smokey John's Inc. 

Located at Smokey Johnz Deli in Cotton Bowl Plaza & Smokey John's on Nimitz Drive and the Funway 

Introducing Twinkle Twinkle Brisket Star – Hollowed out Twinkies® get a smoky, creamy filling of slow-smoked brisket, bacon, fresh jalapeños, and cream cheese. Dipped in special batter, rolled in panko breadcrumbs, and deep fried to a golden crunch, the sweet and savory creation is finished with a drizzle of raspberry chipotle sauce and topped with bacon crumbles and fresh jalapeño slices, making for an undeniably Texas bite!