State Fair of Texas 2026: What to Know Before You Go

Updated September 29, 2026

The State Fair of Texas is open at Fair Park in Dallas through Sunday, Oct. 18. It runs 24 days, and admission is cheaper this year after the fair cut prices for 2026. Here's what it costs, when to go, and how to skip the worst of the parking.

Ticket prices for 2026

Prices dropped this year. Buying online ahead of time adds a small ticket fee but saves the line at the gate.

Adults, Mon. to Thu.

$15 ($10 after 5 p.m.)

Adults, Fri. to Sun.

$25 ($20 after 5 p.m.)

Kids 3 to 12

$10 any day

Kids 2 and under

Free

Seniors 60+

$13 weekdays, $20 weekends, half price on Thursdays

Season pass

From about $52, good all 24 days

Food, drinks and midway rides take coupons, bought separately inside the fair.

Parking and getting there

• Take DART. The Green Line stops at Fair Park, which beats sitting in traffic on I-30 on a weekend.
• Official lots charge a flat rate per car, which the fair lowered to $20 for 2026. Private lots nearby charge more on busy days.
• Avoid OU-Texas weekend in mid-October unless you're going to the game. It's the most crowded weekend of the fair.

Tips from locals

• Go on a weekday afternoon. Shorter lines for the fried food, and the $10 after-5 tickets make an evening visit cheap.
• Eat first, ride later. The food lines peak around noon and 6 p.m.
• Bring sunscreen and water. Early October in Dallas can still hit the 90s.
• Say hi to Big Tex. He's the easiest place to meet up if your group splits.

Not going to the fair this week

You don't need a coupon book to eat well in Dallas-Fort Worth. Browse local BBQ joints, food trucks and Mexican restaurants near you on DFW Local. For more October plans, see our guides to DFW pumpkin patches and fall festivals.

Dates, hours and prices come from the State Fair of Texas and its 2026 pricing announcement, as of Sept. 29, 2026. Check bigtex.com before you go.