When is the 2023 State Fair of Texas? Here’s what to know before you say howdy to Big Tex

It’s nearly time to say hello to Big Tex and snack on fried food concoctions.

The State Fair of Texas returns for its 137th year in Dallas this fall. Since 1886, the fair has been entertaining and celebrating Texas culture.

Here’s what to know:

When is the State Fair of Texas?

This year’s fair kicks off on Sept. 29 and last until Oct. 22. That’s 24 consecutive days of festivities all held at Fair Park in Dallas at 3809 Grand Ave.

The fair is open Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

When are State Fair of Texas tickets on sale?

Some State Fair tickets are available now, but a majority of them aren’t on sale until Sept. 11.

Daily admission ranges from $15 to $25 and can be purchased online or at the gate after Sept. 11. Military, first responder and McDonald’s voucher tickets are the same way.

Season pass tickets are on sale now and start at $50. Premium tickets are on sale as well for $24, which allow fair goers to attend any day they want.

How many people attend the State Fair of Texas every year?

The state fair last year was the most attended ever with 2.54 million visitors.

Texans finally getting out of the COVID 19 spell shattered the attendance record. The fair was closed in 2020, and only 2.2 million visited the fair when it reopened in 2021. The 2022 fair was just a tad higher than 2019’s 2.51 million.

On average, over 2 million people visit the State Fair of Texas every year.

This story was originally published August 11, 2023 at 3:20 PM.

Brayden Garcia

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Brayden Garcia is a service journalism reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Brayden mainly writes about weather and all things Taylor Sheridan-related.