Big Tex welcomes millions of fairgoers each year at the State Fair of Texas, but is your dog one of them?
Whether you’re planning to spend the day sampling fried food or attending concerts, here’s what to know about bringing your four-legged friend before heading to Fair Park for the State Fair, which runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 18.
Qualified service animals are allowed at the State Fair, Taylor Pulfer, State Fair of Texas director of communications, said in a statement.
However, Pulfer said service animals may be restricted from certain areas when necessary for the health or safety of the animal, livestock or other guests.
Unless your pet qualifies as a service animal, Pulfer said it will not be allowed at the State Fair.
Tickets can be purchased online at bigtex.com starting Sept. 1, but online ticket prices will be higher due to an online processing fee. Fairgoers can also buy tickets without the fee in person at any admission gate starting Sept. 25.
The State Fair of Texas lowered admission and parking prices for 2026 after reviewing feedback from fairgoers about the cost of attending.
More information about the State Fair’s policies can be found at bigtex.com/faq.