As the 2026 State Fair of Texas comes to a close Sunday, let’s take a look at this year’s costs to see if prices have truly gone down.
State Fair of Texas senior vice president of communications Karissa Condoianis previously told the Star-Telegram that leadership has made a concerted effort to lower prices in areas it controls — mainly parking and admission. Midway vendors and concessionaires are mostly small, family-owned businesses, but State Fair leadership encouraged them to do the same.
Also, fairgoers have to do their part to find the deals. To prepare attendees, the Star-Telegram put together an extensive list of every single money-saving tip and trick possible.
Let’s take a closer look at 2025 prices compared to this year:
Big Tex in his new uniform and custom Lucchese boots at the State Fair of Texas on Oct. 15, 2026 in Dallas. Ella Gonzales egonzales@star-telegram.com Comparing 2026 State Fair of Texas prices to 2025 prices
Note: This is not a scientific study, but it is a real reflection of prices at the State Fair of Texas during the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Obviously, overall costs for fairgoers will vary depending on what they want to do. Some prefer to splurge on concessions, while others save up for midway rides and carnival games. Some pack a cooler and take advantage of free live music and free museums. Because of this, the most accurate comparison lies in the parking and admission — the only costs that the State Fair of Texas non-profit has control over.
Parking and admission costs for 2025:
$30 for parking.$19 to $29 for adult admission and $14 to $24 for children and seniors.
$25 for parking$10 admission for all Monday to Thursday after 5 p.m. and $20 Friday to Saturday after 5 p.m. Otherwise, adults are $15 Monday to Thursday and $25 Friday to Saturday.Children are $10 every day.Seniors are $13 Monday to Wednesday, $7 on Thursdays and $20 Friday to Sunday. 
Midway rides and carnival games were crowded as ever on Oct. 15, 2026 at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Ella Gonzales egonzales@star-telegram.com Are prices lower at the 2026 State Fair of Texas?
Based on our pricing comparisons, it’s safe to say that State Fair prices have gone down.
Admission costs were reduced for all. And, there were more opportunities for attendees to score $10 admission through the after 5 p.m. deals and canned good Wednesdays.
Parking costs also went down for all. Though they are still high, attendees could get creative by using cheaper options — public transportation or ride-share services.
At the end of the day, money spent on admission and parking goes back to Texans year-round through education and agriculture. The State Fair of Texas is a non-profit organization, and the 24-day fair is its largest fundraiser.
$7 Focaccia alla Porchetta e Salsa Verde from Eataly at the State Fair of Texas on Oct. 15, 2026 in Dallas. Ella Gonzales egonzales@star-telegram.com 
Fernie’s Frozen Espresso-tini Bar is a finalist during the Big Tex Choice Awards on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 in Dallas. The bar is a blend of cold-brew espresso and Fernie’s Funnel Cake Cream Cocktail with a drizzle of chocolate on top. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.