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DALLAS, TX — Families heading to the 2026 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS will see lower admission and parking costs this fall, including a major new change for younger fairgoers: children ages 3 through 12 can enter for $10 every day of the Fair.
The Fair says the pricing changes follow feedback from the 2025 season and a broader review of the total cost of a State Fair visit. The result is a combination of lower daily prices, discounted evening admission, reduced official parking, and returning food-donation promotions.
$10 Kids Admission Every Day
Children ages 3–12 will pay $10 for admission on every day of the 2026 Fair. Children age 2 and younger remain free.
Adult daily tickets are also being reduced by $2 compared with the prior pricing structure. In addition, the Fair is expanding after-5 p.m. savings. Monday through Thursday, admission after 5 p.m. will be $10. Friday through Sunday, adult and senior admission after 5 p.m. will be $20.
Official State Fair Parking Drops to $25
Parking in official State Fair lots will cost $25 per day, a $5 reduction from 2025. The Fair describes the change as part of a wider effort to make planning a day at Fair Park more predictable for families.
Donation-Based Discounts Return
Opening Day will again connect discounted admission with support for the NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK. Guests who bring two jars of peanut butter on Friday, September 25 can purchase $10 admission at the gate.
Feed the Need Wednesdays also return. Guests who bring five canned food items on Wednesdays can receive $7 admission while supporting the North Texas Food Bank.
The admission announcement is one part of the Fair’s wider value strategy for 2026. Separate changes include lower prices on most Midway rides and games, an Every Day Values collection, and a list of more than 200 food and beverage options priced at $10 or less.
The State Fair of Texas is a nonprofit organization, with Fair activity helping fund scholarships, agriculture education, youth programs, community investment, and support for Fair Park.
Daily tickets go on sale online September 1, while gate sales begin on Opening Day. The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas.
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Source information courtesy of the State Fair of Texas.
