texas

Do the State Fair of Texas on the Cheap

If you’ve ever taken a trip to the State Fair of Texas, or any state fair for that matter, the prospect of a day of cheap fun may seem far-fetched.

There are actually a lot of ways to save a little money when the fair kicks off on Friday.

Leaders with the fair have put together several options for people to save money throughout their visit this year.

Admission

Entry at the gates of the state fair can run as high as $18 per person for general admission, but by doing a little planning ahead you can save some money.

  • Buying online or through the DART GoPass app knocks $2 off of the regular ticket price
  • Walgreens and Kroger stores are offering tickets for $1.50 cheaper than the gate price
  • McDonald’s is giving away $5 off general admission and ½ off child admission coupons on their tray liners and to-go bag stuffers
  • After 5 pm every night an empty Dr. Pepper can will get you ½ off admission

Day of the Week Specials

  • Tuesdays: An empty Dr. Pepper can gets $5 off admission and there are discounts on the midway
  • Wednesdays: Bring a canned food for the food bank to get $4 admission
  • Thursdays: Seniors 60 and older get free admission. An empty 20 ounce Coke product bottle gets you $6 admission. It’s also Thrifty Thursday where many of the concession stands offer discounts
  • Fridays: $5 off admission through the KISS-FM website

Day-by-Day Specials

  • On opening day, Friday, September 30, a 20 oz bottle of Dasani water or 20 oz Coke product to donation to the food bank will get you ½ off admission
  • September 30 is also military appreciation day where any current or retired service members and their spouses and children get free admission with their military IDs
  • On Friday, October 14, active or retired First Responders who present their ID or badge get free admission for them and up to 3 family members for free

Other Ways to Save

  • Season tickets to the fair can still be purchased and will pay for themselves upon visit 3; offering holders entry at any time during the 24 day fair
  • Fair leaders remind visitors that food is also optional inside. Those looking to skip the costly concessions are free to bring their own food and drinks
  • A free visitors’ guide offered at the gates comes with a number of discount coupons visitors can cash in on
  • Visitors can avoid parking costs by taking the DART lines to the fair

Fair leaders also remind visitors that not everything inside costs money.

"You can definitely save money at the fair and still have a great time. We have more than 100 things included in your daily admission, so you can come out here and really enjoy those free activities,” said Fair representative Karissa Condoianis.

For more on ways to save at the State Fair of Texas, you can visit the fair website.

Contact Us