It’s that time of year again! The State Fair of Texas kicks off Sept. 29, 2023. But this year guests can expect some changes.
Here’s what to know:
Hours and Address
The state fair is located at Parry Ave &, Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75210 and runs from Sept. 29 – Oct. 22, 2023.
Gates open Friday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m.
Fair hours:
Sundays – Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fridays – Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Last entry time is 9 p.m.
Tickets
Purchase tickets here.
Daily Admission Ticket — $15-20
Valid only day selected. After 5:00 p.m., powered by Oncor - everyone pays child's price.
North Texas Food Bank Opening Day — $10
Valid ONLY Friday, Sept. 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.
2023 Digital Season Pass — $50
Provides 24-day admission, once daily, to the fair through the use of a digital QR code.
Premium 1-Day Admission — $24
Premium one-day admission tickets provide the flexibility to attend any day of the fair.
Premium Admission 2-Pack Combo — $98
Premium one-day admission package includes two (2) premium tickets and $50 in food and ride coupons.
Premium Admission 4-Pack Combo — $146
Premium one-day admission package includes four (4) premium tickets and $50 in food and ride coupons
Every Day Discounts — $15-20
Savings are available every day at the State Fair of Texas. Military and first responders receive daily discounts and all fair fans can visit any participating North Texas McDonald's for discount vouchers.
Parking
Self-parking
Look for “Official State Fair Parking” signs near 925 S. Haskell Ave. and pay $20 per space. Parking spaces for those with disabilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the lots. Valet service is not offered, but premium parking is available for $40. To access close-in parking, enter through gate 5 at Robert B. Cullum Boulevard and Grand Avenue/Al Lipscomb Way or Gate 2 (Saturday-Sunday) at Haskell and Parry Avenue.
DART
Take the Green Line to Fair Park Station or MLK Jr. Station.dart.org/statefair.
Ride Share
The drop-off and pickup area is off Haskell at 4206 Gurley Ave for Uber, Lyft and others. The taxi stand is at the intersection of Pacific and Gurley avenues, outside of gate 1.
Food and Drink
It’s not all corn dogs and turkey legs here! But we do recommend those as well.
Big Tex Choice Awards
This yearly competition pits the most creative dishes that State Fair concessionaires come up with, in sweet and savory categories.
Thrifty Thursdays
We love a great deal! Guests can save while snacking during Thrifty Thursdays, where participating food vendors offer one of their signature menu items at a reduced price, ranging from certain regular-sized food to miniature versions of the fair's classic treats.
State Fair Wine Garden
A gem for the adults, for sure! For every day of the fair, Texas’ best wines are gathered for all to taste. Whether red or white, it's all true to Texas.
Celebrity Chef Kitchen
This is where some of the most beloved chefs in Texas gather for a show of kitchen tips, stellar dish prep and (the best part) free samples for lucky audience members.
New Minor Policy
For the 2023 State Fair of Texas, fairgoers aged under 17 who enter the fair after 5:00 p.m. will need to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 21 years old. Additionally, all parents, guardians and chaperones are allowed to accompany up to six kids under 17 at a time.
According to the Texas State Fair’s announcement, parents, guardians or chaperones that accompany minors to the fair will be required to present a valid ID upon entry at 5:00 p.m. daily, although once inside they are not required to remain with the minor throughout their stay. The fair does, however, encourage adults accompanying minors to remain in communication with them and be aware of their location within the fairgrounds.
Security Measures
This year, the fair invested in a new OpenGate weapon detection system at each pedestrian entry gate, which automatically screens people in transit as well as their backpacks, purses and bags for the detection of metal threats including weapons. In addition to the Dallas police, Dallas ISD and DART police officers, the fair partnered with the private security and investigation company Andy Frain Services to staff the entrance gates and search people flagged by the screening system.
Dallas police officers, both in uniform and in plain clothes, will roam the fairgrounds to look for concerning behavior and provide aid to people who need it. According to Deputy Chief Teena Schultz from the Dallas Police Department, a tactical planning team spent between eight and nine months preparing for the fair. If you see something that doesn’t look right on the fairgrounds, please say something to a uniformed police officer or State Fair Safety Team member.
Sensory-Friendly Mornings
The State Fair of Texas will once again offer sensory-friendly mornings, scheduled for every Wednesday during the fair's opening.
On Oct. 4, 11 and 18, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., the fair will extend a warm welcome to individuals with autism, their families and anyone seeking a sensory-friendly experience. On these mornings, adjustments will be made across the fairgrounds to accommodate those with sensory sensitivities. This is the fifth year the State Fair of Texas will offer sensory-friendly mornings.
Visit the fair’s website for more information.
