The State Fair of Texas is lowering admission and official parking prices for its 2026 run after fairgoers raised concerns about the overall cost of attending.
Adult daily admission will be $15 Monday through Thursday and $25 Friday through Sunday, a $2 reduction from 2025.
Seniors aged 60 and over can attend the fair on Senior Day Thursdays for just $7, Monday-Wednesday for $13, and Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for $20.
Children ages 3 through 12 will pay $10 regardless of the day, while children 2 and younger enter for free. Admission after 5 p.m. will be $10 for adults and seniors Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday.
Official State Fair parking will also drop by $5 to $25 per day.
More Ways To Save
The fair will continue several discount programs throughout its 24-day run.
On Opening Day, September 25, guests who bring two jars of peanut butter for the North Texas Food Bank can receive $10 admission.
Feed the Need Wednesdays will offer $7 admission to guests who bring five canned food items, while seniors can receive $7 admission every Thursday.
Active-duty and retired military members, veterans, first responders, and eligible law enforcement personnel can receive $5 off admission with valid identification.
Participating McDonald’s locations will also distribute coupons offering $5 off adult admission.
Big Tex Insiders can purchase $12 admission online on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a promotional code. The fair also offers free admission opportunities for students and teachers through participating school districts and other programs.
For visitors planning multiple trips, the 2026 digital season pass will cost $52 and provides admission once per day throughout the fair. A commemorative hard-card season pass will cost $60 at the gate or $62 online and includes additional benefits.
Fair Seeks To Provide Greater Value
The State Fair said the price changes followed feedback from visitors during the 2025 season. Organizers said they reviewed the overall cost of attending and worked with vendors and partners to identify ways to make the fair more accessible without reducing attractions or programming.
“Families have always been at the heart of the State Fair of Texas, and every year we listen closely to what our fairgoers tell us about their experience,” said Karissa Condoianis, senior vice president of public relations for the State Fair of Texas. “Our goal is to make it easier for families to plan a State Fair day that works for them and get the most from their time at the State Fair.”
Mitchell Glieber, president of the State Fair of Texas, said lower prices will not come at the expense of the fair’s attractions and traditions.
“Providing greater value does not mean compromising the State Fair experience,” Glieber said.
As a nonprofit organization, the State Fair uses revenue to support scholarships, agricultural education, youth programs and community initiatives. The organization said it has invested nearly $8 million in local and statewide initiatives since launching its Community Affairs program in 2016.
2026 State Fair Dates
The 2026 State Fair of Texas will run from September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies.”
Advance daily tickets will go on sale online on September 1, although online prices will include processing fees and may be higher than gate prices.
Provided by Dallas Express
