Dallas families can look forward to a budget‑friendly State Fair of Texas beginning Sept. 25. This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” celebrates 250 years of U.S. history and 140 years of the fair, while placing a renewed emphasis on affordability for the community.
Lower‑Cost Admission and Parking
Regular adult admission now ranges from $15 to $25 depending on the day and time. Fairgoers can take advantage of daily promotions, such as $7 admission on Wednesdays when they donate five canned food items, and reduced admission after 5 p.m. Parking rates have also been lowered, helping families stretch their dollars.
Every Day Values Program
The new Every Day Values program highlights more than 200 food and drink items priced at $10 or less, and most Midway rides and games are about 17 % cheaper than in prior years. State Fair coupons, each worth $1, can be purchased at booths or online and never expire, allowing visitors to plan their spending in advance. For example, bottled water costs two coupons, cotton candy six, and a Fletcher’s Original Corny Dog eight.
Thrifty Thursdays and Coupon Savings
Thrifty Thursdays on Oct. 1, 8 and 15 feature additional discounts on dozens of foods across the fairgrounds. Visitors can also use coupons for larger purchases, such as a commemorative 2026 drink cup for 13 coupons with four‑coupon refills.
Transportation Options
DART is expanding service to the fair with the State Fair Flyer, a weekend shuttle that runs Saturdays, Sundays and Oct. 12 from four transit centers directly to Lot 8 at Fair Park. The Green Line continues to serve Fair Park Station on Parry Avenue, and modified Orange Line service will run between DFW Airport and Buckner Station on weekends and Oct. 12, providing direct rail access to the fair. Additional rail cars will be added, and all lines will operate on a 20‑minute frequency.
Family‑Focused Attractions
New for 2026, Little Lone Stars Land offers a dedicated area for younger visitors, featuring kiddie rides, the Oak Farms Dairy Petting Zoo and the Mighty Mike strong‑man show. The petting zoo, previously located elsewhere, now resides in this family zone and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Parents will appreciate Baby Care Centers at United Ag & Turf Plaza and the Guest Relations complex, free Safe Kids ID wristbands, and a Safe Kids Corral for children who become separated from their families.
Entertainment and Traditions
The fair’s concert lineup, included with admission, features Clint Black, Bowling for Soup, Kansas, Paul Wall, Toadies, 3OH!3 and Gym Class Heroes. The iconic Big Tex has a fresh look with new Lucchese boots, a Cavender’s shirt, a Resistol hat and Levi’s jeans.
Daily activities such as the nightly Starlight Parade, All‑Star Stunt Dog Show, pig races, livestock exhibits, Dinosaurs at the Lagoon and Illumination Sensation fireworks remain staples. Some attractions, like the Children’s Aquarium Dallas and Texas Discovery Gardens, require separate admission.
Community Impact
The State Fair of Texas is a nonprofit organization, and proceeds support year‑round community programs, including the Big Tex Scholarship Program, youth livestock shows, Big Tex Urban Farms and historic preservation at Fair Park. All produce grown at the urban farms is donated to the surrounding community.
With lower prices, expanded transportation and new family‑focused areas, the 2026 State Fair aims to make the beloved Dallas tradition accessible to more families while continuing to celebrate Texas heritage and community spirit.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
