Hey, Texans! Are y’all ready for the State Fair? For the year of 2018, the State Fair of Texas is officially open on September 28th and runs though October 21st. It’s a great place to enjoy yummy unique fried foods and explore Texas culture with friends and family. But if you’re not careful, you may end up breaking the bank. Fortunately, the Fair offers plenty of discounts so you can save on admission, food, and rides. If you’re looking to go, make sure you start planning your trip with our guide on how to save at the State Fair of Texas this year!
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Special Days to Save:
General admission ticket cost $18 for adults and $14 for kids and seniors. Here are some days you can save on your ticket purchases.
Opening Day / Military Appreciation Day (September 28th):
- The State Fair officially opens on this day. Fair-goers can grab tickets for only $9 by bringing a full 20 oz. bottle of Dasani water or a full 20 oz. Coca-Cola product to the gate. Make sure these drinks are unopened! Donations benefit the North Texas Food Bank. One donation per person. This discount may not be combined with any other offers.
- In addition, in honor of Military Appreciation Day, the Fair will be offering free admission to all active military, retired military, and veterans. Spouses of service men and women with a valid Military Spouse ID and accompanying children under the age of 18 also receive free admission. This deal is in partnership with Texas Lottery Commission.
First Responders Day (October 12th):
- The Fair will recognize all first responders and their contributions to the community with a special day honoring their service. The Fair will be offering free admissino to all active and retired public law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency service agencies when they present a valid badge or ID from their department or organization. Also, up to three admission tickets will be available for their family members.
Dr. Pepper Half-Price Tuesdays (October 2nd, 9th, and 16th):
- Bring an empty Dr. Pepper can and get an admission ticket for only $9. One can per person. This discount may not be combined with any other offers.
- Plus, most rides are reduced price on Tuesdays at the Midway. Midway discounts exclude the Thrillway and the Texas Star.
Donation Wednesdays (October 3rd, 10th, and 17th):
- Bring four cans of food to the Fair gates as a donation towards the North Texas Food Bank on any Wednesday and receive an admission ticket for only $4. One four-can donation per person. This discount may not be combined with any other offers.
Senior / Thrifty Thursdays (October 4th, 11th, and 18th):
- Every Thursday throughout the Fair, seniors 60 years of age and above can enjoy free entry.
- Plus, every Thursday, most food items, including corny dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cakes, are between two to seven coupons. Participating food vendors also offer one of their signature menu items, ranging from mini versions to regular-size items. This will save you almost half the cost on most items. You can check back on the official Thrifty Thursdays page for the full list of specials.
Any Day:
- Hit the State Fair for half-price any day after 5 pm by bringing an empty Dr Pepper can to the gate. One can per person. This discount may not be combined with any other offers.
Other Ways to Save:
Ride DART. Save the hassle of finding a parking spot and take the DART train to Fair Park Station. Day Passes start at $3 per person. If you’re a University of Texas at Dallas student, you can ride DART free with a DART Student Transit Pass. Plus, purchase your discounted tickets for up to $2 off to the Fair on your DART GoPASS app. Admission tickets are just $16 and child/senior tickets are $12.
Head to Kroger. Kroger offers advance purchase general admission for $16.50 or season passes for $39.
Eat McDonald’s. Before you throw away your McDonald’s leftovers, check the tray liner or takeout bag for a $5 off general admission coupon or for half price off a children’s ticket with purchase of a general admission ticket. Coupons can be redeemed any day of the fair. One coupon per person. This discount may not be combined with any other offers.
Shop at NorthPark Center. Head to NorthPark and purchase advance tickets to the Fair for $15. $4.50 from each ticket will benefit Family Getaway, an organization providing stability and life-changing services to families with children affected by homelessness. Tickets are sold at the NorthPark Concierge located on level one.
Purchase tickets online. Buy in advance online and save $1.50 on fair tickets for any day of the week. With this discount, general admission tickets cost $16.50 and child/senior tickets cost $12.50.
Get a season pass. If you plan on attending the fair more than a couple times, look into getting a State Fair of Texas season pass. The pass only costs $45 ($65 for a two-pack) and you’ll receive all of the following:
- One FREE single-day bring-a-friend ticket (valid Monday – Friday only)
- One FREE State Fair reusable bag (available to the first 8,000 season pass holders who redeem)
- One FREE Midway Race Game (water, derby, balloon, or roll-a-ball)
- One 10% OFF coupon for State Fair gear at official merchandise stands
- Special discounts on Fair food and Midway rides
Bottom Line:
The State Fair of Texas this year runs from September 28th though October 21st in Dallas. Above, I’ve provided some money saving tips on admission tickets and more, so you can ride and eat to your hearts desire! If you have any more tips and tricks to save money on this year’s State Fair of Texas, let us know down below! Check out more ways you can save money and if you’re looking to spend less on food and more on rides (but why would you?), take a look at our list of free food deals!
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