With Big Tex seeing fewer visitors last year, State Fair officials said Tuesday they are considering lower ticket prices and other measures to make the fair more affordable.
During the Park, Trails and Environment Committee briefing, fair officials cited economic factors, a federal government shutdown, weather conditions and immigration-related concerns as reasons for the decline in attendance in 2025.
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As the fair prepares for 2026, affordability is the focus, said Mitchell Glieber, president of the State Fair of Texas.
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“That’s going to be our No. 1 priority going into 2026, to do a deep dive on everything related to pricing at the fair,” Glieber said, “working with our vendors to try to rein in pricing, to make things more affordable and accessible for those who felt like they may have been priced out.”
During the 24-day run this past season, the fair drew about 2.02 million people, a drop of about 400,000 from the previous year.
The State Fair of Texas controls the prices for tickets and parking, and the food and ride vendors set their own prices, said Glieber. For 2025, the fair increased ticket prices $2.
Council members shared concerns about affordability and said they hear it over and over from their constituents. Ticket prices for admission ranged from $7 to $29.
The biggest complaint was “we just couldn’t afford it,’” said council member Adam Bazaldua.
Glieber said the fair tries to offer discounted tickets and opportunities for people to attend at affordable prices. Still, he said the 2025 economy was challenging.
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Bazaldua said fair officials always work with his office and nonprofits in South Dallas to provide discounted tickets, especially for children and teenagers.