The Oklahoma State Fair is set to open on Sept. 17 at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds and will run through Sept. 27. This year’s theme, “The Midway of the Mother Road,” celebrates the state’s historic connection to Route 66. Families, friends and community members can look forward to agricultural exhibits, manufacturing showcases, competitions, and a wide range of entertainment.
Hours and Admission
Fair buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday‑Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Outside vendors follow the same schedule, ending half an hour later on weekends. The carnival opens at 11 a.m. on Monday, at 1 p.m. Tuesday‑Friday, and again at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Box‑office hours are:
- Sept. 13: noon‑5 p.m.
- Sept. 14‑16: 10 a.m.‑5 p.m.
- Sept. 17‑26: 10 a.m.‑9 p.m.
- Sept. 27: 10 a.m.‑4 p.m.
Ticket Prices
Buy tickets early to save. Before the fair opens, outside‑gate admission costs $12 for adults (age 12+) and $7.50 for children (ages 6‑11). Season passes are $40 and can be purchased online only. Carnival armbands range from $25 (Monday‑Wednesday) to $40 (Friday‑Sunday). Parking is $15 per day, with a $75 season option.
During the fair, gate admission rises to $17 for adults and $10 for children (ages 6‑11). Children five and under enter free. Carnival armbands increase to $35‑$50 depending on the day. Parking rates remain the same.
Special Discount Days
The fair offers several discount days:
- Thrifty Thursday (Sept. 17 & 24) – Admission $8 (online) or $10 at the gate; ride‑all‑day armbands $25.
- Military Monday (Sept. 21) – Free admission for active‑duty, retired, veterans and spouses with ID; $5 wheel tickets.
- Taste of the Fair Tuesday (Sept. 22) – $4 admission, $4 food items, $4 ride tickets.
- Senior Day (Sept. 23) – Free admission for seniors 55+ with ID; $5 ride tickets and a free senior shuttle from Hurricane Harbor parking.
- College Day (Sept. 24) – Show a college ID for $5 gate admission.
Youth Attendance Policy
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or chaperone age 25+ after 5 p.m. An adult may supervise up to five minors. Official groups participating in fair competitions are exempt.
Parking Details
Paid parking is $15 per vehicle per day and is available at Gates 5, 6, 9 and 10. Free parking is provided at Gates 1, 3 and 6. ADA‑accessible spaces are offered at most entrances. All transactions are cashless; a 2 % processing fee applies to card payments.
Rentals
Visitors can rent lockers, electric scooters, wheelchairs, strollers and wagons at three locations: the Circle near Gate 2, inside Gate 6 by the OG&E Coliseum, and inside Gate 9. Prices include $15 for a stroller, $20 for a wagon, $25 for a wheelchair, $70 for a full‑day scooter, $5 for an all‑day locker, and $45 for an after‑5 scooter. Rentals are provided by a third‑party contractor and may change without notice.
Food Highlights
New and featured fare includes Mango Bourbon Pork Ribs by James Beard Award‑winning Chef Andrew Black, Al Pastor Fries with avocado‑pineapple aioli, Scotch Egg on a Stick, Brisket Cheese Curd Tacos, Birria Ramen, Bourbon Chicken over Cajun rice, and Sweet Heat Brisket Biscuit with bacon jam.
Getting There
The OKC Fairgrounds sit in eastern Oklahoma City, just off I‑44 near Northwest 10th Street. A map of the grounds and parking locations is available on the fair’s website.
With a blend of tradition, family fun and a nod to the historic Mother Road, the 2026 Oklahoma State Fair promises a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
