Why This Year’s State Fair of Texas Is Basically a Millennial Fever Dream

Millennials, prepare yourselves. The 2025 State Fair of Texas lineup just dropped, and it’s hitting harder than your first iPod Mini shuffle.

This year’s Chevrolet Main Stage concerts read like a playlist you probably burned onto a CD titled "VIBES – Fall 2005." We’re talking TLC, Brian McKnight, Paul Wall, Hoobastank, Hunter Hayes, Blue October, and more. It's giving major TRL after school while eating Pizza Rolls energy.

And the best part? Every concert is free with your fair admission.

If you're anything like us, the nostalgia is real—and so is the craving for a corny dog followed by something deep fried and sugar-coated. There’s something magical about being surrounded by the lights of the Midway, belting out lyrics you haven’t heard in a decade, and realizing: this is the exact kind of chaos I needed.

Here’s what we’re hyped about:

• TLC on September 27 (you already know we'll be screaming “No Scrubs”)

• Brian McKnight on October 3 (prepare your emotional damage)

• Paul Wall on October 11 (grillz out, obviously)

• Hoobastank on October 18 (for those of us still apologizing… for The Reason)

• …and plenty more nostalgic gems through October 19!

Make it a millennial mission

The Fair runs September 26–October 19 at Fair Park. Whether you're in it for the concerts, the food, or the chance to relive your youth while wearing stretchy pants, this year’s event is a full-sensory throwback we can all get behind.

So dust off your favorite band tee, round up your group chat, and get ready to scream-sing your way through a basket of fried pickles. We'll see you at Fair Park—with side parts and snack plans in full effect.