The 2026 State Fair of Texas is open now at Fair Park and runs through October 18.
Hours are:
Day | Hours |
|---|---|
Sunday–Thursday | 10 AM–9 PM |
Friday–Saturday | 10 AM–10 PM |
Last entry | 9 PM |
Daily adult admission currently starts online between $10 and $25 depending on the day, children ages 3–12 are $10, and there are additional discounts available. State Fair of Texas
And here's my first piece of advice after living in North Texas my entire life:
Don't automatically drive to the Fair.
For a lot of North Texas visitors, DART is worth considering.
Should You Drive or Take DART to the State Fair?
If you live in McKinney, Frisco, Allen or Plano, I know the instinct:
Get in the car. Drive South. Park and walk.
But the State Fair is one of those occasions when I'd at least compare that plan with taking the train.
The DART Green Line stops at both Fair Park Station, near the fairgrounds entrance on Parry Avenue, and MLK Jr. Station, convenient to Gate 6. State Fair of Texas
And there's something new for 2026.
New: State Fair Flyer Service
On Saturdays and Sundays, DART is offering special State Fair Flyer bus service from select locations, providing a one-seat trip to the Fair. DART
DART is also modifying Orange Line operations on Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day during the Fair, so check the current DART schedule before leaving. DART
If you do drive, official Fair parking is currently $25 per space. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
A word on caution about "unofficial" parking. Do NOT park in someone's yard or side street - even if they are directing you to. It might not be safe and could co$t you $$.
There's Also a DART Discount Most People Will Miss
This is one I'd save.
DART riders can get $5 off a one-day State Fair ticket.
The promo code is available through the GoPass app under Events, and the offer is valid for online purchases through October 18, with a limit of four tickets per order. DART
That's exactly the kind of little detail that makes planning ahead worthwhile.
What's Admission in 2026?
One important change in the way I'd talk about Fair admission:
Don't quote one ticket price.
The State Fair is using variable daily pricing.
Current online admission starts between $10 and $25, depending on the day, plus the applicable ticket fee. A flexible ticket that can be used any day starts at $27 including fees. State Fair of Texas
There are also military, first responder and other discounts. State Fair of Texas
So before you buy, check the actual date you're considering.
A little flexibility may save you money.
Should You Go on a Weekday?
If your schedule allows it, I would seriously consider it.
Not because the Fair isn't fun on a Saturday—it absolutely is.
But if your goal is to walk, eat, see exhibits and actually enjoy Fair Park rather than simply experience the biggest possible crowd, a weekday can make for a completely different day.
And there are weekday promotions worth checking before choosing your date.
The Fair's official site maintains its current discounts here:
State Fair of Texas — Official Discounts
What Is Actually Included With Admission?
This is another place where people can accidentally spend more than necessary.
The 2026 Fair advertises more than 100 attractions included with admission. Fair Park Dallas
That includes entertainment and exhibits beyond the Midway.
So don't make the mistake of treating your admission ticket as simply permission to enter a giant area where everything else costs money.
Before buying additional activities, look at what's already included.
My Fair Strategy
If I were planning a Fair day this year, I'd keep it very simple.
1. Choose the date before buying the ticket
Compare weekday and weekend admission.
2. Compare DART with driving
Especially once you factor in $25 official parking.
3. Arrive earlier than you think you need to
The gates open at 10 AM.
I would much rather have an easy first two hours than arrive in the middle of the afternoon crowd.
4. Pick a few "must-do" things
Not 25.
The State Fair is huge.
Choose the things you actually care about and let the rest of the day happen.
5. Wear shoes you're willing to walk in
This is not the day for aspirational footwear.
6. Leave some room for something ridiculous
You can research the new foods before you arrive.
But half the fun is walking past something you would never eat on a normal Tuesday and thinking:
Well. Apparently we're doing that now.
The State Fair Is Also a Dallas Neighborhood Day
Here's the part I'd add if you're relocating to North Texas.
Don't assume that "Dallas" means downtown skyscrapers.
Fair Park sits just east of Downtown Dallas and near some of the city's most established neighborhoods and cultural districts.
The experience of living in Dallas is fundamentally different from living in McKinney, Frisco, Allen or Plano.
And that's exactly why I include Dallas neighborhoods in conversations with relocation buyers when they fit.
Some buyers want newer suburban neighborhoods and master-planned amenities.
Others want historic architecture, mature trees, shorter access to central Dallas and neighborhoods that developed generations ago.
Neither choice is inherently better.
They're different lives.
That's something I've learned from living and working in North Texas my entire life—57 years.
State Fair of Texas 2026 FAQs
When is the State Fair of Texas in 2026?
September 25 through October 18. State Fair of Texas
Where is the State Fair?
Fair Park, 3809 Grand Avenue in Dallas. State Fair of Texas
What time does the State Fair open?
10 AM daily. It closes at 9 PM Sunday–Thursday and 10 PM Friday–Saturday. Last entry is at 9 PM. State Fair of Texas
How much are State Fair tickets?
Online daily admission currently starts between $10 and $25 depending on the date. Children ages 3–12 are $10 daily. Discounts are available. State Fair of Texas
How much is parking?
Official Fair parking is $25 per space. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Can I take DART?
Yes. The Green Line serves Fair Park Station and MLK Jr. Station. New weekend State Fair Flyer bus service is also available in 2026. DART
Can DART save me money on admission?
Yes. DART says a $5 discount code for one-day Fair admission is available in the GoPass app under Events. DART
Where should I check before leaving home?
State Fair of Texas — Official Website
About Michelle
I've lived and worked in North Texas my entire life, and I love helping people understand that living here is about much more than choosing a house.
It's Friday nights under the lights, Saturday mornings on a historic square, neighborhood restaurants, parks, traditions—and yes, an annual trip to say hello to Big Tex.
If you're considering making North Texas home, that's the part of the move I want to help you discover too. Book A Free Call To Start Planning https://tr.ee/free-call-to-start-planning
Michelle Gifford, REALTOR® | Real Broker
