Here’s How to Get the Best Deals and Discounts at the State Fair of Texas

From the Panhandle to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the West Texas deserts to the East Texas pines, nothing says state pride quite like the State Fair of Texas.

As much a rite of passage in this great state as an attraction itself, the Fair offers Texans the opportunity to eat, drink, watch, show, and celebrates what makes Texas… well… Texas!

Remember that the 2021 State Fair of Texas runs until October 17 in Dallas, Texas, so don’t wait to purchase tickets and make plans. You can hop online and buy your tickets here.

If you’re looking for great ways to see the great State Fair of Texas without leaving your wallet as empty as the wide-open spaces, here are a few ideas:

Big Tex Insider Deals

Sign up to become a Big Tex Insider for early access to Fair information, merchandise deals, and ticket discounts directly in your email inbox.

Big Tex Insiders receive a special promo code every Monday of the Fair that gives them access to $10 tickets on Dr. Pepper Value Days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) of the Fair.

Season Pass

Visitors who want to enjoy the Fair several times over the course of its 24-day run can purchase a season pass for $50 and receive other discounts, like a free ticket to “bring a friend”.

Daily Ticket Deals

Consider visiting the Fair on a weekday, when adult tickets cost $15 and senior/child tickets cost $10 (which is less than the weekend cost of $18 per adult and $11 per senior/child on the weekends).

Military & First Responders

A valid military ID, badge, or ID card can get you $5 off of weekday tickets or $7 off weekend tickets.

After 5

For the night owls, you can enjoy the Fair after 5:00 PM for just $10, online and at the gate.

Thrilling Tuesdays

Many rides at the Fair are discounted at 50% on Tuesdays.

North Texas Food Bank/Feed the Need

Coming in at the cheapest (and most charitable) ticket option is Feed the Need Wednesdays. Tickets to the Fair are only $5 if you bring 5 canned food goods on Wednesdays. 

This is the North Texas Food bank’s largest drive of the year, with 3250,000 pounds of canned goods donated in 2019.

Senior Day

Seniors 60+ can receive half-price admission (only $5) on Thursdays at the Fair.

Do you have leftover tickets?

If you have leftover tickets from a previous year of the Fair (or this year, no shame), keep them! Fair tickets do not expire from year to year, so you’re always welcome to return and enjoy.

Bonus Tip: Pack A Cooler

The State Fair of Texas does allow coolers, so you can pack your own snacks and drinks to save even more money. Just remember to leave the alcohol and glass containers at home.