Going to the State Fair of Texas is not cheap. Here’s what you need to know.
The State Fair of Texas is here, but how much would it cost to take a family to the southern fried event?
A day at the fair can set back a family of four between $170 to $206. Breaking this down: plan on $50 to $86 on tickets depending on the day you visit, add $20 for parking and another $100 in coupons for food and drinks. It is not cheap to go see Big Tex.
The State Fair at Fair Park in Dallas is held through Oct. 23. Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
While you plan your visit, here’s a breakdown of all the costs associated with going to the fair:
How much are state fair tickets?
Adult tickets for the fair range from $15 to $25 depending on the day and what discounts are available.
Monday to Thursday tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Tickets for seniors 60 and older are $10 Monday to Wednesday, but only $5 on Thursday. Tickets for children ages 2 and under are free.
Friday tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children and seniors. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for children and seniors.
For a family of two adults and two children in the 3 to 12 range, entry into the fair would cost:
- Monday-Thursday: $50
- Friday: $70
- Saturday-Sunday: $86
Tickets are available online or at the gates.
What’s the cost of parking and getting to the fair?
Parking and transportation costs vary at the state fair.
Official State Fair of Texas parking cost $20.
Another option is to take the train. The Trinity Railway Express can take passengers from Fort Worth to Dallas and then the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) can drop them off at the fairground gates.
A regional day pass costs $12 for adults and $3 for children under the age of 19. The regional day pass will get you from Fort Worth to Dallas and is good for both the TRE and DART services.
For a family of four it would cost $20 to park one vehicle in a lot, while taking the train for two adults and two kids runs about $30.
What about paying for food and rides?
You will need to buy fair coupons for food and amusement rides at the State Fair of Texas.
One coupon is worth $1 and there are several currency station scattered around the fairgrounds. The coupons can be used on food, drinks, games and rides.
While the state fair sets prices for tickets and parking, everything else is up to the businesses inside the fair. Most of the vendors inside the fair are small businesses who set their own prices on food, games and rides.
If you are looking for a deal, go to the fair on Thursdays, when it is “Thrifty Thursdays” and special food pricing is on the menu. Several food stands participate in the event offering discounts on all kinds of items.
A family of four might be able to get by with spending around $100 worth of coupons on a day at the fair.
What deals and discounts are available at the fair?
The State Fair of Texas has many discounts on admission tickets.
Visitors can purchase a premium one-day admission ticket at Kroger and get $3 off the regularly priced $24 ticket. The ticket has to be purchased at the check-out counter or service desk between now until Oct. 23.
At participating McDonald’s around North Texas, patrons can find discount coupons on their tray liners and inside their meal bags. This coupon can save $5 off weekday prices (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday).
Veterans, active and retired military members can save $5 on tickets during weekdays and $7 on weekends. All that is needed to get the discount is a valid military ID. Spouses with a valid military spouse ID and any accompanying children under the age of 18 will also get the discount.
First responders can save $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends, with valid department badge or ID. After 5 p.m. during any day of the week, adults pay child prices for general admission thanks to a deal sponsored by Oncor.
Every Tuesday and Thursday is Dr Pepper Value Days, where patrons can purchase admission tickets online for only $10. To take advantage of this, you have to sign up for the Big Tex Insiders newsletter for the promotional code.
On Wednesdays, bring five canned food items with you and entry costs only $5 courtesy of the North Texas Food Bank. On Thursdays, seniors 60 and older only pay $5 to enter.
This story was originally published October 6, 2022 at 9:35 AM.
