The State Fair of Texas has been a Dallas staple since 1886, growing over the last century into the nation’s largest and most over-the-top 24-day extravaganza. This year, the fair kicked off Friday, September 26 and will last through Sunday, October 19.
Some regard the State Fair of Texas the Met Gala of gluttony, with photo-worthy, belt-busting eats that range from savory to sweet, and deep-fried to sippable. Among the standouts this year are the Big Tex Choice Award-winning crab and mozzarella arancini; the Columbian-inspired chill and thrill delight; the sugar-loaded cookie chaos milkshake, and Cajun-seasoned, panko-crusted Wagyu bacon cheeseburger deviled egg sliders.
With the fun of the fair foods come weighty price tags. The steeply priced annual tradition calls for a hefty budget with food, drinks, bottled water, and more worth “coupons” that cost $1 each.
To help stretch your dollar, we’ve rounded up tips and tricks to satisfy cravings without breaking the bank.
Season Passes
For fair fanatics, the season pass is the ultimate deal. The 2025 annual commemorative hard case season pass costs $60 and features collectible art, a free ticket for a friend, and access to the 7.5-acre Texas Discovery Gardens. With single-day tickets ranging from $19 to $29, the pass pays for itself in two to three visits.
Deal Days
Admission prices rose $2 this year, with an additional 50-cent online processing fee increase. High school students also lost their free fair pass, a hit to family wallets. Outside of the season passes, the fair still offers Texas-sized admission savings, often tied to good causes.
Mondays through Thursdays: One-day adult admission is $17 at the gates; children and seniors get in for $12.
Wednesdays: Bring five canned food items benefiting the North Texas Food Bank and get in before 5 p.m. for only $7. Last year, the fair collected almost 198,000 pounds of canned foods.
Thursdays: Seniors 60 and older get in for $7 at the gate.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: Admission is $12 with a special SMS promotion code. Text BIGTEX to 877-724-4839 to become a Big Tex Insider and receive the code.
Daily: Everyone pays kids’ prices after 5 p.m.
Military and first responders: Receive $5 off admission with a badge or valid ID. The discount is extended to accompanying family members.
Thrifty Thursdays
Tuesdays are for ride lovers as Midway rides are slashed down to four coupons, and kiddie rides are three. But, for foodies, Thursdays are the ultimate fair days. Not only is admission discounted, but select specialty food items are reduced in price. Search for the “Thrifty Thursday Discount Fair Food” seal at participating vendors to find mini- and full-sized eats for a fraction of the cost.
Low-Ticket Items
Hydration is key at the fair. Bottled water costs two coupons, across the fair grounds. In the Tower Building Food Court, Milo’s teas and lemonades are three coupons. The Oak Farms stand offers one-coupon Orange Rush and Fruit Rush, plus two-coupon milk.
The State Fair of Texas refillable cup is a buy-once, save-all-season deal. This year’s cup doubles as a souvenir, featuring “Texas Shines Bright” art. Fiesta Concessions also launched the Little Lone Stars Drinkwear stands. Their inaugural Little Big Tex pouch comes on a lanyard. It’s a one-time buy that gets you discounted refills on drinks like Red River Pickleade, Unicorn Cotton Candy, Dirty Cola, and sugar-free lemonade at two locations.
For treats, Yumi Ice Cream sells three coupon push-up ice cream and Original Bomb Pops. And this year, longtime concessionaire Abel Gonzales–known as Fried Jesus and the creator of the staple Fried PB&J–opened a CHEAP EATS food stand on the Midway. The menu offers nostalgic fair foods like burgers, fries, eggrolls, hot dogs, and chili cheese fries, all priced at 10 coupons or less.
Immersive Steals
The State Fair of Texas is brimming with free and budget-friendly activities. Stop by chef Pete Nolasco’s cooking demonstrations at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30p.m. in the Creative Arts Building for free samples.
Fashion brand Shein opened the doors to a new, limited-time Shein Saloon on the Nimitz Terrace. Visitors can score freebies like branded popsicles on weekends, embroidered bandanas, and even a free cowboy hat with a $50 purchase through Tuesday, October 7.
State Fair of Texas, 925 S. Haskell Ave., Dallas, bigtex.com
