DALLAS — The State Fair of Texas officially opened Friday, kicking off 24 glorious days of fried food, rides, midway games and more.
If you’re a first-timer or State Fair veteran, getting to the fair may require figuring out some logistics before the fun. Here’s everything you need to know before you head to Fair Park.
When does the State Fair open and close?
The fair will run from Sept. 27 to Oct. 20, 2024. Gates will open Friday, September 27, at 10 a.m.
The fair will be open:
Sundays – Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.Fridays – Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. The last entry time is 9 p.m.
Parking gates and ticket booths open daily at 9 a.m.
Where and how much is parking at the State Fair?
There are several options for parking at the State Fair. The most convenient is reached by entering Gate 2, located at 925 S. Haskell, the fair said. Parking is $30 per space at official lots. Bicycle racks are located inside Gates 5, 6, and 11.
How much do tickets cost? Are there discounts available at the State Fair?
The price of tickets depends on the age of the purchaser and the day you’re looking to visit the fair. Weekdays are typically cheaper. Here’s how much tickets will generally cost:
General admission: $25-$15Child (ages 3 to 12): $18-$5Child two and younger: FreeSenior (ages 60 and older): $10-$18Seniors ½ price every Thursday: $5
If you’re looking for a discounted ticket, consider going on Wednesday with five canned food items to benefit the North Texas Food Bank for a $5 ticket. Every Thursday, those 60 years or older can get in for $5. If you bring two jars of peanut butter on opening day, you’ll get in for $10. For a full list of discounts, go here.
You can also purchase a season pass for $60 and it comes with extra perks.
Getting to the State Fair with DART
Use the DART Rail Green Line to access the State Fair from two stations: Fair Park Station, located on Parry Avenue at the entrance of the fairgrounds or MLK, Jr. Station, located south of R.B. Cullum Blvd. and convenient to the MLK fairground entrance.
How do Coupons work at the State Fair?
Coupons are the main currency at the state fair, and each one is worth $1. They can be purchased online in advance or at booths inside the fair. If you have coupons left over from last year, those coupons are still valid!
Can a minor go to the State Fair by themselves?
After 5 p.m., all minors have to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone over the age of 21. One adult cannot be responsible for more than six minors at a time.
What is the bag policy at the State Fair?
Only certain bags are allowed into the State Fair. Bags must be:
- 9 inches x 10 inches x 12 inches (9” x 10” x 12”) or smaller
- Medical bags and parenting/childcare bags
All bags are subject to search. Spectators of football games at the Cotton Bowl must have a clear bag.
What are you allowed to bring into the State Fair?
Notably, guns were banned at the State Fair this year unless carried by on or off-duty peace officers. Attorney General Ken Paxton is currently challenging that rule in state court. As of Thursday, Sept. 26, an appeals court has upheld the State Fair’s ban.
RELATED: Court blocks Ken Paxton’s appeal, gun ban will stay in place at State Fair of Texas
Also not allowed in the fair are knives with blades over 5.5 inches, air guns, BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, slingshots, firearm replicas, including non-firing imitations, toys, and their components. Hardshell coolers are also not allowed.
Fairgoers are allowed to bring in their own food and drinks.
Who is performing at the State Fair?
Performers will be on the State Fair’s three main stages throughout the day. For a full list of performers and the schedule of performances, go here.
When is the State Fair rodeo?
The State Fair rodeo will be held on various days and weekends throughout the fair in the Fair Park Coliseum. Rodeos held on Sunday begin at 2 p.m., and all other rodeos start at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free with the price of your State Fair ticket. ForFor more information go here.
When is the Texas vs. OU game?
Texas will face off against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl on Oct. 12 at 2:30 p.m. Fans can park overnight before the game in designated RV parking lots. Space is allocated on a first come first served basis. For more information about RV parking, go here.