The State Fair of Texas is kicking off the excitement early with a series of free pre-Fair horse shows starting August 8 and running on weekends at the air-conditioned Fair Park Coliseum. Events include RSNC Ranch Sorting, Youth rodeo, Barrel Race, and the new EWD Heroes and Hooves Show, which is designed for veterans and equestrians with disabilities to experience healing and teamwork through horsemanship. The AQHA/APHA/NSBA Show also returns, celebrating the iconic American Quarter Horse. Horse exhibitors can sign up and find updates at BigTex.com/Horse, and the public is encouraged to attend these family-friendly events leading up to the main Fair, which runs September 26 to October 19, 2025.
In addition, rodeo fans can look forward to the 36th Texas Black Invitational rodeo on July 26 at Fair Park Coliseum, featuring Black cowboys and cowgirls competing in various rodeo events for cash prizes. This popular, family-friendly event benefits the African American Museum, Dallas, and highlights the significant contributions of African Americans to the settling of the western U.S. The rodeo includes live music, kids’ activities, and trick lasso performances, with tickets selling quickly each year.
