It’s that time of year again! The State Fair of Texas is here! We have all the tips and tricks and know-before-you-go information to ensure your family has the best time at the biggest fair in the country.
Plan Ahead
These finicky fall days can be scorching, so it’s important to alternate outdoor activities with indoor ones. Check out the indoor exhibits and shows, making sure to take the time to cool down and hydrate.
Explore some shows and events you may not expect everyone will like. You never know — your truck-loving kid may enjoy the car show.
Every Wednesday is sensory friendly from 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Midway lights and sounds are turned off from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. for a calmer experience for those who want to partake in the rides. Take a look at the guide for more information.
Be sure to bring a stroller or baby carrier if you have little ones. You will be doing a ton of walking! The fair also rents out strollers, wagons, and scooters starting at $20 per day. Note that you must reserve at least 24 hours ahead of your visit.
If bringing small children, sign up for the Safe Kids Program upon arrival. This program ensures your kids are safe if they are separated from your family. Stop by any information center to put your contact information on a wristband, and then wrap the wristband around your child’s wrist.
Tickets & Discounts
The State Fair of Texas is open daily from September 27 – October 20. Hours are Sundays – Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, the fair is open one hour later, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
General admission tickets are sold at the gate and online. Prices start at $15 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors, though prices vary depending on the day. Children ages two and younger get in FREE.
Here are dates and times to consider for discounted admission:
- Any day after 5:00 p.m., adults pay kid prices, saving up to $7.
- Any fairgoer can save $5 on any day (one coupon per person) with fair coupons from McDonald’s. Discount coupons are available at participating McDonald’s locations throughout North Texas on tray liners and inside meal bags.
- Active military, retired military, veterans, and first responders save $5 every day when they present a valid badge or ID card from their department or organization. Their families also receive discounted admission.
- Get $3 off when you purchase advance tickets from a participating local Kroger.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays are value days. On these days, purchase tickets online for only $10. Only Big Tex Insiders receive the promotion code for this deal, so be sure to sign up before September 27.
- On opening day, Friday, September 27, bring two jars of peanut butter to donate to the North Texas Food Bank for a promotional price of $10 admission at the gate. This discount is only available at the gate.
- On Wednesdays, bring five cans of food for donation to the North Texas Food Bank, and receive a $5 admission ticket. (Bonus: Wednesday mornings at the fair are sensory-friendly.)
- Every Thursday, senior citizens ages 60 and better get into the fair for just $5.
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Parking Tips
Parking at official state fair lots costs $30 per space. If you want to save money on parking and time waiting in long lines of traffic, arrive by train, rideshare, taxi, or bike.
The Dart green line stops at Fair Park Station and MLK, Jr. Station near the main entrance and Gate 6. The Denton A train drops you off at Fair Park Station via Trinity Mills Rail Station. If coming from the west, take the TRE and transfer to the DART green line at Victory Park.
Rideshares and taxis drop off and pick up fairgoers at 4206 Gurley Avenue near Gate 1.
There are bike racks located at gates 5, 6, and 11.
Restrooms and Baby Care
There are more than 18 restrooms scattered throughout the fairgrounds. Changing stations are in all of the women’s restrooms and in many of the men’s restrooms.
There are two baby care centers where you can change diapers and/or nurse your baby away from the crowd. Electrical outlets are also available. One baby care center is next to the Children’s Aquarium, and the other is near the swine barn. See map for exact locations.
Coupons
To purchase any food, drinks, games, and rides, you will need coupons (and lots of them). State Fair of Texas coupons are sold for $1 each at coupon booths located throughout the fair or online.
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Bag Policy
All diaper bags and medical bags are permitted without size limitations, but will be inspected at entry. Small, soft shell coolers are also allowed inside the fairgrounds.
Hard shell coolers and bags larger than 9 inches x 10 inches x 12 inches are not permitted.
Absolutely check the website for prohibited items. This is a very extensive and specific list, such as alcohol, glass containers, and metal knives and forks. No one wants to arrive at the gate only to find out part of your fair cargo is not allowed.
Family Fun
Below are some of our favorite family-friendly options for getting the most out of your trip to the State Fair of Texas.
- Each night at 7:15 p.m., the State Fair presents the Starlight Parade, a lighted procession featuring spectacular floats, lively music, and dazzling costumes.
- Be sure to enjoy the fireworks show nightly at 8:00 p.m., known as Illumination Sensation.
- There is a Kidway area inside the Midway that features scaled-down rides for young fairgoers. On Tuesdays, most rides are discounted to three to four coupons per ride.
- A State Fair favorite is the petting zoo. Get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, as well as some exotic ones. Make sure to visit the nursery where babies are on display.
- Be sure to check out the schedule for pig races, dog shows, and more.
- The Children’s Aquarium and Discovery Gardens will be open normal hours.
Food and Drinks
There are plenty of food and drink options throughout the fair.
Some new additions include cookie butter nachos, hot cheetos, Korean corn dogs, and fried matcha.
Fair classics are also available, such as turkey legs, Fletcher’s corny dogs, and funnel cakes.
Kona Ice, smoothies, and other refreshing drinks are located throughout the fair as well.
On Thursdays, participating food vendors offer a signature menu item at a discounted price.
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Days to Avoid
If you want to avoid a super crowded state fair experience, then we don’t recommend going Saturday, October 12. University of Texas and University of Oklahoma come together for the Red River Showdown. The game is played in the Cotton Bowl Stadium on the fairgrounds. So if you are not a fan of larger-than-normal crowds and lines — or if you aren’t a Longhorn or a Sooner! — take a break from the fair that weekend.
Dallas ISDs “fair days” are October 10 and 11, so that Thursday and Friday will be more crowded than usual, too.
We hope you enjoy the fair with your family and create many lasting memories and traditions!
