Must-Try Food & Drink Finalists at the 2025 State Fair of Texas

Fall in Texas is the absolute best. Friday night lights, corn mazes, Halloween fun, and cool, starry evenings are truly special in the Lone Star State.

It's also fair season, when so many towns have carnivals, live music, stock shows, and more to celebrate this abundantly fun time of year. And, of course, there's none quite as big, bold, and brazenly Texas as the State Fair of Texas.

What The State Fair Of Texas Has To Offer Foodies

The State Fair of Texas is Sep. 26 – Oct. 19 this year with tons of thrilling rides, a massive lineup of live music, and of course, the most decadent, innovative, and delicious fair food.

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For twenty years, the State Fair of Texas has held the Big Tex Choice Awards contest, seeking master chefs, mixologists, and just amazingly creative cooks to come up with unique fair eats, treats, and drinks.

The Wildest Big Tex Choice Contenders Of Previous Years

This contest has seen truly weird, wild, and wonderful entries in the past. Most importantly, they were delicious and exciting enough to win their respective categories, meaning these creative individuals pulled off something extraordinary.

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Here are some of my favorites: Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick, Fried Charcuterie Board, Big Red® Chicken Bread, Fried Jell-O, Fried Thanksgiving Dinner, Fried Bubblegum, and Fried Beer. Wow!

Big Tex Contenders And Recent Foodie Trends

This year, contestants did not ignore recent food trends. There are two that feature Dubai chocolate, an entry with Biscoff cookies, hot honey, and Boba.

Fair warning, these are all deeply tempting. We're going to have a full stomach this year at the fair!