State Fair of Texas Tips and Tricks to Know Before You Go

1. 주차에 너무 많은 시간을 소비하지 마세요.

DART is a great option to save time getting to the fair. Just hop on a train to Fair Park Station and get dropped off right in front of the main gate. You can even buy your tickets through the DART GoPass app, where a current promo code gets you a discount off Fair admission. Driving instead? Parking runs $30 per space at official Fair lots, so budget a few extra minutes to find a spot on busy weekends. Either way, the time you save on transportation means more time at the Midway or a second (or third) Fletcher's Corny Dog.

2. 하루에 모든 일을 끝내려고 하지 마세요.

The State Fair of Texas is the longest running fair in the country with open gates for 24 consecutive days from Sept. 25 through Oct. 18, 2026, and for good reason. There's so much to experience, so don't feel like you have to cram it all in one day.

3. 너무 많은 비용을 지불하지 마세요.

Save on admission by buying a season pass. If you plan to go more than once (and we think you should), a season pass pays for itself fast. The Commemorative Hard Card pass includes unlimited visits, a free Bring-A-Friend admission ticket valid Monday through Friday, complimentary access to Texas Discovery Gardens, and a parking pre-purchase discount, while the lower priced Digital Season Pass skips those extras in exchange for a better price.

The State Fair of Texas also partners with local organizations to offer discounted admission throughout the run, including Feed the Need Wednesdays for anyone who donates canned goods to the North Texas Food Bank, half-price admission for seniors on Thursdays, and a special Opening Day rate for anyone who brings peanut butter to donate. Sign up as a Big Tex Insider for Value Day promo codes and other early access to savings.

4. Don't get caught off guard at the gate.

The State Fair uses a clear bag policy for security, so leave the oversized tote at home. Bags and soft-sided coolers need to be 9 by 10 by 12 inches or smaller, and if they aren't clear, they need to fit into an even smaller 4.5 by 6.5 inch clutch. Diaper bags and medical bags get an exception and will be searched at the gate instead. There's no bag check or lockers on-site, so anything that doesn't meet the policy has to go back to the car. Planning your bag ahead of time saves you a walk back to the parking lot.

Planning to step out for a break and come back later? Grab a hand stamp before you leave. Re-entry requires one, and if you leave the parking lot, you'll pay for parking again.

5. Don't forget it's coupons, not cash.

Food, rides, and games on the Midway all run on State Fair coupons instead of cash or card, so pick some up at a booth or buy them online before you go. Each coupon is worth a dollar, and the good news is they never expire, so any leftovers from a past fair are still good today. ATMs are available throughout the grounds if you need to reload, and you'll only need cash or a card for shopping with the fair's vendors.

6. Don't miss the icons

Big Tex

론 스타 대로와 그랜드 애비뉴를 따라 박람회장의 중앙에 자리한 빅 텍스는 텍사스 억양의 깊은 목소리로 모든 박람회 방문객을 맞이합니다. 또한 플레처스 코니 도그의 메인 가판대도 가까운 거리에 있어 셀카와 코니 도그를 모두 찍을 수 있는 이상적인 장소입니다.

Midway

흥분의 진원지인 페어 파크의 미드웨이에는 놀이기구, 게임, 가장 맛있는 음식이 가득한 곳입니다. 칠면조 다리를 두 번 다시 보고 싶지 않은 일행이 있을 수 있으니 놀이기구는 이른 시간에 타도록 계획하세요.

텍사스 스타 관람차

페어 파크 미드웨이의 중심에는 댈러스의 상징적인 관람차인 텍사스 스타가 있습니다. 지상에서 셀카를 찍고 하늘로 올라가 20층 높이에서 페어 파크와 달라스 스카이라인의 독특한 전망을 감상하세요.

플렛처의 코니 도그

집에 돌아와서 "줄이 더 짧을 때 다시 오겠다"는 계획이 완전히 실패했다는 사실을 깨닫는다고 상상해 보세요. 줄을 서서 기다리는 시간을 투자해 이 클래식한 간식을 맛볼 기회를 잡으세요. 기다릴 만한 가치가 있습니다. 채식주의자이신가요? 채식 콘도그로 유명한 콘도그에 대한 갈망을 채우실 수 있으니 줄을 서세요.

코튼 보울

Home of the famous Red River Rivalry and State Fair Classic, the Cotton Bowl is Fair Park's symbol of victory. This year also brings back the State Fair Clásico, a soccer match between Dallas Trinity FC and a surprise international matchup. Catch one of the exciting games set to take place on this legendary field, tickets and more information here.

홀 오브 스테이트

Set in the middle of the fairgrounds, the Hall of State is packed with historical artifacts, photos, and more, all focused on Texas history and culture. Check bigtex.com closer to opening day for this year's special exhibit, and make a visit to the Hall of State part of your time at the fair.