State Fair of Texas announces its national birthday-inspired 2026 commemorative art
The State Fair of Texas has announced the inspiration of its 2026 theme: celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Concurrent with the nation’s birthday, the State Fair of Texas will also celebrate its 140th birthday.
“Deeply woven into the fabric of America’s history for over a century, state fairs have been trusted places where Americans from all walks of life can come together and celebrate their state’s history, culture, and future,” a media release shared. “As a member of this time-honored tradition, the State Fair of Texas is proud and honored to be one of the oldest and largest exhibitions in the country. 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 that monumental accomplishment by incorporating national pride into our annual commemorative art.”
The 2026 commemorative art incorporates the fair’s iconic Big Tex with fun and patriotic artistic elements.
“Big Tex embodies all Texans, and while Texans have a genuine pride in calling the Lone Star State ‘home,’ we are also proud Americans who honor our country’s 250th milestone,” the release reads.
The 2026 commemorative art was developed in partnership with graphic designer and illustrator Tony Caranza at the Deep Ellum-based agency, The Matchbox Studio.
“[He] shared our vision of leaning into the idea of a ‘throwback’ poster design,” the release reads. “Inspired by his own love of vintage posters, Tony (first) designed rough sketches that kept Big Tex as a central figure.”
From initial sketches on through the process, the fair’s creative team and Caranza worked together on the 2026 commemorative art. Among the final touches was the addition of Big Tex’s signature greeting, “Howdy, folks,” while also utilizing predominant colors of red, white, and blue, which, the team notes, are the colors in both the U.S. and Texas flags.
“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 release reads. “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!”
For more information, visit the State Fair of Texas’ website here, where you can also sign up for the Big Tex Insider newsletter. The 2026 fair runs from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 18. Registration for the cooking and arts and crafts competitions is now open. Visit here for details and deadlines.
