Updated: 09/06/05/2023
The State Fair of Texas, often hailed as the grandest state fair in the nation, is a true Texan institution that captures the spirit and essence of the Lone Star State. This annual extravaganza is a vibrant celebration of all things Texan, offering a mesmerizing blend of cultural diversity, culinary delights, entertainment spectacles, and good old-fashioned fun. Held in the heart of Dallas, the State Fair of Texas is a cherished tradition that draws visitors from far and wide, beckoning them to explore the rich tapestry of Texas’s past, present, and future, all within the confines of its sprawling fairgrounds.
From towering Ferris wheels to mouthwatering fried delicacies, and a showcase of the state’s agricultural heritage, this iconic event is a sensory overload and a testament to the larger-than-life ethos that defines Texas. So, join us on a journey through the captivating world of the State Fair of Texas, where traditions meet innovation, and where the true spirit of the Lone Star State shines brighter than ever.
The State Fair of Texas is a fun place to venture around with your friends and family. Doors are open from September 29th til October 22nd, 2023. We are HUGE fans of the State Fair of Texas, but like any event, if you’re not careful you can break the bank. Ticket prices rise each year and we can find a better deal to get in, then we’re all about it. Why spend more money when there is a way to legitimately save lots of money? We’ve gathered ways for you to save at the fair from going on certain days of the week to wearing certain clothes. Take advantage of these deals and spread the word.
Don’t pay full retail for your State Fair of Texas ticket.
Ticket prices at the gate for the 2023 State Fair of Texas have a few extra options this year.
Ticket sales start online on September 11, 2023 for single day admission tickets. Premium one-day admission tickets are valid on any of the 24 days of the Fair. Premium tickets work with your schedule and provide the most flexibility, allowing you to attend any of the 24 days of the Fair without having to select the day in advance. You can purchase a Premium 1 Day Admission to use any day of the State Fair for $24.00.
If you are not taking advantage of the State Fair discounts below, purchase your tickets online for a small discount!
2023 State Fair of Texas Season Pass
State Fair of Texas Season Passes are available for purchase online this summer for only $50.
- 24-day admission to the 2023 State Fair of Texas
- One FREE single-day, Bring-a-Friend ticket (valid Monday – Friday only) – not valid with the digital season pass
- FREE headlining concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage
Purchase State Fair of Texas Season Passes Here
2023 State Fair of Texas Discounts and Deals
Opening Day Savings on September 29, 2023
Valid ONLY Friday, September 29, 2023. Bring two jars of peanut butter to donate to the North Texas Food Bank for a special Opening Day promotional price of $10 admission at the gate.
Discounted State Fair Tickets at Kroger
Purchase in advance at your local Kroger and get $3 off Premium One-Day admission tickets. They may be purchased at the check-out counter or service desk from September 1 to October 22.
State Fair of Texas School Tickets
Every year, school districts in the area send children home with FREE admission tickets. Be sure to use and take advantage of them. If you know someone who won’t be using theirs, you can use them with no issues. They can be used for children. These tickets are for children admission and not adults so be sure to read any small print. Some tickets may be valid only on certain dates.
State Fair of Texas Discounts with McDonald’s Deals
Discount coupons are available at participating McDonald’s locations throughout North Texas on tray liners and inside their meal bags. With this coupon, any fairgoer can save $5 off on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday.)
Use Public Transportation to Fair Park
Parking at the State Fair costs $15 and sometimes even more if you end up parking on somebody’s property – which I don’t trust. Don’t waste your money on parking, just think of all the food you can buy with that money! Here a few options to get to the State Fair of Texas using public transportation
- Ride the Dart : State Fair visitors can ride the DART Rail Green Line to two stations – Fair Park Station, located on Parry Avenue at the entrance to the fairgrounds, and MLK, Jr. Station, located south of R.B. Cullum Blvd. and convenient to the MLK fairground entrance (Gate 6.) DART offers four great contactless options that make buying your pass fast, safe, and convenient:
- GoPass® app: Download the latest version of the app for free from the App Store or Google Play. Just be sure to activate your DART pass before you board.
- GoPass® Tap: Available at 7-Eleven and hundreds of participating retailers, GoPass Tap is the reloadable transit card that automatically gives you the best fare every time you ride. Simply tap your card to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus prior to boarding, and your fare is deducted automatically.
- Credit or debit card: Buy your DART pass with any contactless credit or debit card. Just tap your contactless card to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus prior to boarding — and you’re on your way to all the fun of the fair!
- Mobile device: Using your preferred mobile payment app — such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay — simply tap your mobile device to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus to buy your pass.
- Trinity Railway Express: State Fair visitors can ride the Trinity Railway Express from any of ten stations in Tarrant County or Dallas County to meet up with the DART Rail Green Line in Dallas.
- Denton County A Train: Traveling from Denton County? Take the A-train from one of five stations and transfer to DART’s Green Line at Trinity Mills.
- Uber: The Uber pick-up/drop-off area is conveniently located at the intersection of Pacific and Gurley, just outside Gate 1. When you’re ready to head home, exit the grounds before you request your ride. Head north towards Haskell to get to the designated Uber pickup area and meet your driver.
Use PROMO CODE from Dart
Using the promo code provided by the GoPass app, receive $5 off fair admission Monday-Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, you’ll save $7! To enjoy this special pricing, simply enter the promo code 23DART when purchasing your fair admission on the State Fair’s website. All aboard for savings!
First Responders Day Discount at State Fair is EVERY day
The State Fair would like to thank our country’s first responders by honoring our various active and retired public law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency services agencies. All first responders can save $5 off on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) when they present a valid badge or ID card from their department or organization at the gate or online. Spouses of first responders and accompanying children under the age of 18 also receive discounted admission.
Military Appreciation Day Discount is EVERY day at the State Fair
All active military, retired military, and veterans save $5 off on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) when they present valid documentation of military service at the gate or online. Spouses of service men and women with a valid Military Spouse ID and accompanying children under the age of 18 also receive discounted admission.
Kid’s Admission Pricing for EVERYBODY after 5pm everyday
Everyone is a kid at night at the Fair! On ANY night of the week, visitors receive reduced general admission after 5 p.m. No matter your age, all guests pay the child price for that particular day. Available at the gate and online, after 5 p.m. everyday.
State Fair Discounts Dr Pepper Days on Tuesday and Thursday
State Fair of Texas Value Days are every Tuesday and Thursday during the Fair when you can purchase your admission ticket online for a reduced price of only $10. Only Big Tex Insiders receive the promotion code for this exclusive savings so be sure to sign up today!
$5 State Fair Admission with North Texas Food Bank Wednesdays
By bringing five canned food items, fairgoers will receive admission for only $5. All canned donations go to the North Texas Food Bank, which helps feed members of the community. Discount may not be combined with any other offers. (Fun Fact: In 2018, more than 214,000 pounds of food were donated through this program, making it North Texas Food Bank’s largest canned food drive of the year. This is such a great way to give back to the community!)
Save big AND give back to the community with North Texas Food Bank’s Feed the Need Wednesdays. By bringing five canned food items, fairgoers will receive admission for only $5. All canned donations go to the North Texas Food Bank, which helps feed members of the community.
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get into the fair, this is one of the best ways.
Don’t forget, every Wednesday morning at the Fair is Sensory-Friendly!
Senior Citizen Discount
Grab your parents / grandparents / loved ones and take them to the State Fair on Thursday! Senior Citizens (anyone 60 and over) get in for $5 on every Thursday that the fair is open.
Group Ticket Discounts at the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas discounts our best Premium Admission tickets for groups of 25 or more when you buy early. The earlier you buy, the more you save. Group tickets are just $13.00 each until May 31. Plus you can add pre-loaded Midway game cards and food and ride Coupons to any group order.
State Fair of Texas Group Ticket Pricing:
- Purchase tickets April 12 – May 31: $13/each
- Purchase tickets June 1 – July 31: $14/each
- Purchase tickets August 1 – September 15: $15/each
- Purchase tickets September 16 – End of Fair: $16/each
The State Fair of Texas has added lots of great value packs that you can find on their ticket page.
While the State Fair of Texas can be a thrilling experience, it doesn’t have to break the bank. By employing some savvy strategies and keeping an eye out for special deals and discounts, you can enjoy all the fair has to offer without emptying your wallet. From planning your visit on discount days, purchasing tickets in advance, and indulging in shared meals, to making use of public transportation and opting for water instead of pricey beverages, there are numerous ways to keep your fair experience budget-friendly.
Remember, the State Fair of Texas isn’t just about the rides and fried foods; it’s a celebration of Texan culture and heritage, and by saving a few dollars here and there, you can savor every moment of this beloved tradition. So, embark on your money-saving adventure at the fair, and relish the joy of creating lasting memories without the financial strain. Happy fair-going!
Did we miss a deal? Leave a comment so we can add it! Now, let’s eat some FRIED FOOD!
The State Fair of Texas is located inside Fair Park, 3921 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210
No problem! No reason not to save on admission, especially when there are tons of fried foods to buy inside.
Btw, I just checked out your blog and LOVE it!
Is there any savings if we go on Monday’s!??
Can u save anything on Monday
Monday doesn’t have any set discounts. I would recommend grabbing tickets from Kroger to get a few bucks off!
A friend passed this info on to me. I know some you already have listed:
• $3 Tuesdays: Every Tuesday of the Fair, bring in an empty Dr. Pepper and enter for only $3.
• $2 Wednesdays: For every person that brings 3 cans of food (which is donated to food banks in the area) and enter for only $2.
• $4 Thursdays: Bring an empty 20 oz bottle of a Coke product and enter for $4.
• Like movies? Have a ticket stub from Cinemark? Use it to get in Free on Thursdays.
• Senior citizens over the age of 60 also get in free on Thursdays – sponsored by Mature Texas Magazine.
• Kiss FM Fridays at the Fair: Hop on over to Kiss FM’s site and print off a coupon for 1/2 price admission and 1/2 price rides after 5pm on Fridays.
• Members of the Museum of Nature and Science get in FREE. You should have received your vouchers already, if not give them a ring. You can still join to reap the benefits of free admission.
• Neighbors GO is giving away FREE tickets, all you have to do is register. You’re able to register every day to increase your chances. Each winner will win a family 4-pack valid all days of the fair.
• Participate in the “Cease The Grease” campaign taking place at Two Podners Restaurant. Drop off 1 liter or more of used grease or oil and receive 2 FREE tickets. (Only the Robert B. Cullum location is participating). – Examiner
• Every year, school districts in the area send children home with FREE admission tickets. Be sure to use and take advantage of them.
Where is two ponders restaurant? What is the address? Thanks
Two Podners
1441 Robert B Cullum Blvd, Dallas, TX 75210
We just take the old car oil
do you have scooters for seniors to rent those who have trouble walking
Wheelchairs, electric carts and baby strollers can be rented from an independent concessionaire from three locations in Fair Park – the Pennsylvania pedestrian gate, inside the Parry entrance, and the Grand gate.
You can make online reservations here: http://www.scooterbugmobilityrentals.com/txstatef…
Can you reuse state fair coupons for next year’s fair?
Yes, you can! Keep them for next year and don’t throw them away!
Thank you so much Betsy….I was wondering if you could use this year’s coupons for next year’s fair.
Great roundup!
Thanks! I can't wait for it to open 🙂
Beautiful smile and an awesome…well, "lungs" 🙂
For the Cinemark stub is there any specification as to WHICH type of Cinemark stub will work? The regular priced theatre or the dollar theatre?
I did not see exact details. It would be awesome if the dollar theater worked and I don't know why it wouldn't!
I used tickets from the Cinemark dollar theater last year. Don’t know why it wouldn’t be the same this year!
I wonder if the DCTA connects with the Dart. If so, that would save on gas and parking. It's been a long time since I went to the fair. Last time I was there the tickets per item were very high.
Is there a Dickies Day this year?
nevermind!
I just saw that oct 3 ( Saturday) is dickies day
I’ll double check but I think that was from previous years. They stopped doing Dickies Day in 2014.
Can you please confirm the Dickie’s details? You said Thursday October 3, but Thursday is October 2, and October 3 is a Friday. Thanks!
I am getting confirmation now, will update once I get the facts! Thanks for pointing that out to me!
Military?
I haven’t seen any, but will check with the State Fair!
I´m so happy now that i know i can save some money and get fun with my family. Thanks for the information.
Great info. I’m so excited for the fair, only a few more days till opening!
Is the Cinemark ticket stub valid this year?
Im an educator in deep south Texas and I would like to know where to obtain free admission tickets to the state fair?
They are given to educators at schools in the DFW area, they give them to us and the kids at school.
Any specials for the weekend?
I was wondering too, if the Cinemark Movie ticket stubs would be accepted again this year …
I was told that if you have a handicap sign you could park for free any truth to this??
Is there free parking for handicap ?
No, handicap parking costs the same as general parking.
That’s what I was checking in for, to see if Thursday was still free with a Cinemark stub.
I don’t believe they are working with Cinemark this year. I’ve put an email into them but haven’t received a response.
Do active duty military get discounts?
I’m really upset about the lack of a Dickies-Day at the 2014 Texas State Fair. What happened? Who can I complain to in order to get the Dickies-Day back??
I think we were all bummed! You can complain to the State Fair but I’m sure the decision was made by Dickies.
Hi do u knw of any other way to get adult discount or free tickets? What about purchasing a wristband to ride the rides? Only been in this state for two months… Don’t know to much about this but plan on going with my children on Monday.. Any info would help thxs!!
KISS for. $12 is the only Fri discount? That’s still a lot.
Thanks for the tips! They are quite helpful. See you at the Fair, everyone!!!
I contacted Dickies regarding the information about there being no Dickies Day at the 2014 Texas State Fair. They informed me that Dickies Day was actually Thursday, October 2, 2014. Seems like I remember Dickies Day being closer to the end of the fair in previous years, but they did have one this year.
Thanks for letting me know! I heard different but I didn’t contact Dickies direct! I appreciate you giving me an update.
Can we used the tickets they received from school on Sunday or is it just their fair day.
No mon-fri
Any specials on Saturday?
Is the fair accepting dr pepper cans to get in for $8. Oct19
I thought the fair ended Oct. 18th?
It does!
Hello there! I’ve never been to the State Fair of Texas and this website is awesome. By the way, I just want to be certain that on the website it mentions that if you bring a can of Dr. Pepper AFTER 5PM any day is a half price off, is this correct ? I would really appreciate your reply. Thank you!
Thanks so much for stopping by! That’s correct. You can get in for half price any day after 5pm if you bring a can of Dr. Pepper.
These are great! I also just did a post on the state fair! There are so many great tips and tricks!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Is there any discounts or parking for disabled Veterans? Thanks
I am looking for a discount on Mondays as that is our day off. Also looking to find where we can locate handicap parking???
I would stop by McDonalds and grab a coupon, if you have to go on a Monday. You can find handicap parking spots within the parking lots, they are closest to the doors. You will still be required to pay for parking.
what day do the kids get free tickets from school?
Every school is different, they should receive the tickets within the next week!
On the school ticket can they be used on the weekend before the date printed? My district’s fair day is October 12, but we were going to go on October 11th. Will I be able to use it then or is only on days after printed date?
They usually state M-Friday only.
Also curious about military discounts and disabled parking.
I can’t find any discounts for military but will keep looking. Handicap parking is in the same lots as regular parking. You will still have to pay the same amount but the spots are very close to the entrance.
Are there any wrist bands to purchase for rides
In order to play games at the State Fair of Texas, you must purchase a Big Tex Game Card. These cards can be purchased at booths and kiosks adjacent to the gaming areas.
What about the Kroger season pass deal for 34.95? Is that still going on?
For “Coca Cola Thursdays: Bring an empty 20 oz. bottle of a Coca-Cola product” would Minute Maid lemonade and or Dasani water be accepted, considering that they are products of Coca-Cola ?
Please and thank you!
As long as it’s a Coca Cola product, it will work!
What does it cost to rent electric cart? Also the addy above for rental reservations does not come up
It’s $50 for a scooter and $20 for a wheelchair. You can find more info about them here: http://www.scooterbugmobilityrentals.com/reserve.cfm?vid=130&CFID=236764&CFTOKEN=ed79dd3fd1d751a6-8532ECC8-9549-9A93-8650C9A6FB617A64
It’s actually $55.00 for scooter this year.
does anyone know the cost of food/ride tickets at the fair?
The cost of food greatly varies depending on what you order. Plan on bringing a friend or two and split the cost for food so you can try many items. The average ride is 10 to 12 coupons and coupons are 50 cents each.
I have some leftover coupons from last year, can they be used this year as well?
Yes! I used leftover tickets this year and they had no problems!
I just looked on the big tex website and it says that you have to bring 4 cans of food TO the North Texas Food Bank and they will give you a coupon to bring to the fair for $4 admission. You can’t just bring the canned goods to the fair for the Food Bank. http://bigtex.com/discounts/
That’s incorrect – This is what it says “Bring 4 cans of food for donation to State Fair gates any Wednesday of the Fair and receive a coupon for a $4 admission ticket. Enjoy the Fair for just $4 and help stock the North Texas Food Bank.”
Oh yay! I read it wrong. I’m glad you corrected me because the food bank is way out of the way from where I’m coming. I would have wasted a bunch of time. Thanks
No problem! You never know – sometime those discount rules can be tricky. 🙂
Is there any deals for Mondays or the 5th of Oct?
There are no specific deals for Monday. But you can purchase General Admission tickets in advance at Kroger for $16.50.
What discounts on Monday?
There are no specific deals for Monday. You can purchase your tickets in advance at Kroger for $16.50
How many tickets to ride rides at the fair. Trying to gauge how many tickets to prepurchase on average.
Hi Angela! On average, the rides cost between 5-10 tickets.
I went on a weekday morning to the state fair (I can’t remember which day) and all the rides were half off. It was about 5 years ago and I’m trying to go this year as well. Do you happen to know anything about this? Is there a specific time range for tickets to be half off because it’s in the daytime? Matinee maybe?
I read after 5 pm, 1/2 off admission with dr. pepper can…can you confirm this?
Oops, just read that it’s true.
Where is a McDonald’s location that has the discounts? Iv went to one & they had no clue what I was talking about.
They should be located on the tray liners or stuffed in the bags of the food.
my boys already went to the fair. can they reuse there fare tickets?
If you’re asking about the tickets from school – they are only good for one time use.
Do you have any more details on DART? I have looked on their website but I’m still confused. Where do I park my car (and how much is that) in order to ride the DART? How do I know which DART line to take? Does it go to and from the fair all day or are there only select times? I’d really like to try it this year but for some reason just can’t figure it out lol!
Hey Valerie! A lot is going to depend on where you are coming from. There is a link that you can put in your address and the State Fair Address and it will give you details on how to get there – https://www.dart.org/riding/traveltoolsandapps.asp
The DART will drop you off at the entrance to the fair and is worth it.If you need more info, feel free to email me Betsy@thedallassocials.com
Thank you! Also, do you know if I can bring a diet Dr. Pepper can for $5 Tuesday or does it have to be regular DP? I’ve googled and can’t find an answer.
Do you know of for Dr Pepper Tuesday, do the accept Diet Dr pepper or jut regular?
Any discounts on sundays?
Does the Cinemark stub have to be from that specific Thursday?