Everything You Need To Know Before Going To The Texas State Fair

As much as other states might not want to admit, the Texas State Fair is fittingly even bigger than all the rest. The country’s largest and longest-running state fair, it runs for 24 days straight beginning the last weekend of September and ending in late October. Between swirling fair rides, live country music, competitive baking contests, rodeo tournaments, a Ferris wheel, and Big Tex—the welcoming Texan giant who welcomes visitors to the ground in a Dickie’s western-style shirt and 95-gallon cowboy hat—the Texas State Fair has so much going on that you don’t want to miss, which is why we’re here to give the lowdown on things to know before you go. Because, whether you’re a Lone Star native or someone traveling from out-of-state to attend, it’s important to make the most of any visit, deep-fried food and all. 

But before you plan a trip to the Texas State Fair, here is everything you need to know.

When is the Texas State Fair?

This year, you can visit from September 29 through October 22. On Sunday through Thursday, open hours are from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. On the weekends, the state fair stays open an extra hour until 10 p.m.

Where is the Texas State Fair?

Located just outside downtown Dallas, the Texas State Fair takes place each on the grounds of Fair Park, which is also home to the Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Where to Get Tickets (and How to Save Money)

How To Purchase Entry Tickets

You have options as far as when you buy and what kind of ticket you buy. You can purchase ahead online, as well as at the entrance gate. Tickets start at $15 for same-day entry and go up to $24 for premium, which can be used anytime over the course of the fair. Purchase tickets here.

Buy Your Food and Ride Coupons Before You Go

Food, drinks, rides, and games are all paid for using state fair coupons. No, you cannot use your credit card or cash. So it’s best to stock up beforehand to save yourself time and head straight to enjoying all of the activities. While coupons can be purchased at booths around the grounds, we recommend buying them in advance online here.

Save on Tuesdays and Thursdays

On Tuesdays, prices for fair rides are reduced; and on Thursdays, prices for fair foods are reduced. Therefore, depending on which fair activities you most enjoy, you can save a few bucks. 

Get a Discount on Tickets After 5 P.M. 

It’s no secret that the state fair can bring out the kid in all of us, but you can actually reap the benefits if you arrive and purchase entrance after 5 p.m. All tickets are priced at the childrens’ ticket rate 5 p.m. and after, so you can save a few bucks if choosing to head there later in the day. 

Consider a Season Pass 

The Texas State Fair goes on for around a month in hopes to give everyone plenty of opportunity to go at least once—or multiple times! With so many events and attractions, there’s no way to experience everything in one day, so you can easily go back for another visit. It makes more sense for those who are planning to attend the state fair more than once to purchase a season pass instead of individual tickets. You can visit once a day for all 24 days of the Texas State Fair. Think of all the deep-fried fair foods to try! 

What to Eat and Drink at the Texas State Fair

Plan Your Bites

Look at the online map to make sure you're not missing out on any fair food classics—such as the main booth for Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs, which is located near Big Tex—as well as the new dishes being introduced each year, which are listed on the website here. This year, some new standouts are Chicharron Loaded Nachos, Creole Étouffée Beignets, and Deep Fried Honey Butter Brisket Swirls.

Taste This Year's Winners

Each year, certain foods from the Texas State Fair are named winners in the Big Tex Choice Awards before the opening of the fair, which means you can go taste them for yourself. Expect some of the most interesting, creative, and (at time) wacky fair foods. This year's winners include deep-fried pho, over-the-top biscoff cheesecake, and bourbon-banana-caramel sopapilas. You can also explore the list of finalists for other unique eats that suit your fancy. See the list here.

More Texas State Fair Tips

Print Out the Daily Schedule Beforehand

With hundreds of events that vary depending on the date, it’s helpful to find out what will be going on at the fairgrounds during your visit, or even plan your visit around certain events you’d like to experience. You wouldn’t want to miss the pig races, pumpkin-carving demos, rodeo events, costume contests, and more, would you? Find the daily schedule and other resources on the State Fair of Texas website.

Be Prepared To Pay For Parking

Parking begins at $20, but you can also opt for premium parking for $40. While it can get hectic in the parking lots, they are your only bet unless you use DART, which is the public transportation that serves the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area. For those who don’t want to fool with parking, we suggest taking the DART Rail Green Line. 

Bring Your Own Water

Turns out, you can bring your own cooler of refreshments—though there is more than enough Texas State Fair food and drink to be enjoyed, including the many deep-fried winners of the Big Tex Choice Awards. Stock up on your own waters, especially if going during a warm day when you’ll be in the sun and walking many miles. However, alcohol, glass containers, and metal knives and forks are prohibited, and your cooler will be searched as you enter the grounds.

There’s an Online Map For Finding Bathrooms 

It can seem impossible to find a bathroom when you need one at these crowded public events, however the Texas State Fair made an effort to give you the information easily before you go. You can head to the online map on the website to find where bathrooms, baby care centers, and big attractions are located. 

Wear Comfortable Shoes 

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the state fair, which is the largest in the country. Expect to be walking miles to see and do everything on your visit. You’ll want to pay a visit to Big Tex, the ferris wheel, rodeo, museums, rides, and many different food vendors—so make sure you’re in shoes that will help you go the distance.  

Schedule Your Visit Around the Football Games at Cotton Bowl Stadium 

There are two football games that occur in the Cotton Bowl Stadium on site during the Texas State Fair, so you can plan your visit either to attend one—or avoid the extra crowds! Mark your calendar for the State Fair Classic and Red River Rivalry. However, if you purchase a football game ticket, it includes one-day admission to the fair.