As the much-anticipated State Fair of Texas approaches, fairgoers are looking forward to all the festivities, exciting attractions, and delicious food. However, with rising costs, it’s essential to find deals and discounts that make attending the fair more affordable. This year, the fair will take place from September 26 to October 19, 2025, and several options are available to help you save money on tickets, food, and rides.
Ticket Pricing Overview
The regular ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week, making it crucial to plan your visit accordingly. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Monday to Thursday: Adult tickets range from $19 to $29, while children and seniors are priced between $14 and $24.
- Friday: Ticket prices increase slightly, with adults paying $20 and children/seniors $15.
- Weekend: During the weekends, adult tickets are $25, and children/seniors are $18.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online, but the ability to avail of certain discounts will depend on where you buy.
Special Deals on Admission
Opening Day Special: On September 26, bring two jars of peanut butter to donate to the North Texas Food Bank, and receive a $10 admission ticket at the gate. This offer is exclusive to Opening Day.
McDonald’s Coupon: Throughout the fair, look for discounted admission tickets with a McDonald’s coupon that offers $5 off. These coupons are available at North Texas locations and inside to-go bags.
Military and First Responder Discounts: Active military, retired military, veterans, first responders, and their families can obtain a $5 discount on admission tickets by showing valid identification at the gate or online.
Late Night Discounts: After 5 p.m., adults can purchase tickets at kids’ prices, a great incentive for evening visits.
Big Tex Insider Offer: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, sign up as a Big Tex Insider for reduced ticket prices at $12 by texting BIGTEX to 877-724-4839.
Canned Goods Drive: For a philanthropic twist, bring five canned goods on Wednesdays before 5 p.m. and receive admission for just $7.
Senior Discounts: Seniors aged 60 and above can enter for $7 at the gate or $9 online every Thursday.
High School Student Offer: From Monday through Thursday, high school students can purchase tickets for $12 by using a promo code from their school, available only online.
FLEX Ticket Packages: For those planning multiple visits, consider investing in a FLEX ticket package that includes admission for any day and food coupons valued at $50.
- Digital Season Pass: For $52, the Digital Season Pass grants access to all 24 days of the fair, making it a cost-effective choice for avid fairgoers.
Daily Discounts and Offers
Each day of the week has unique deals designed to elevate your fair experience and help you save:
Mondays: Typically, not many discounts are offered, but consider Tuesday promotions that carry over for the following day.
Tuesdays: Enjoy Value Day benefits, including a special code for $12 admission. Many Midway rides are also discounted to four coupons.
Wednesdays: Besides the canned goods drive, discounts can be claimed through various promotional codes.
Thursdays: Seniors benefit from the $7 admission. Participating food vendors may also provide discounts on signature items, making it a culinary exploration day.
Fridays: While no unique discounts are highlighted, weekends can offer promotions through certain vendors.
- Weekends: Expect to pay regular ticket prices, but keep an eye out for special promotions in food and rides.
Conclusion
The 2025 State Fair of Texas is packed with opportunities to save, making it an enjoyable and affordable experience for visitors. Whether you’re an occasional fairgoer or a family who makes it an annual tradition, the various discount programs help stretch your budget. With the fair running for nearly a month, consider your options carefully, take advantage of promotional days, and enjoy the unique blend of attractions, food, and entertainment that the State Fair has to offer.
By planning wisely and utilizing available discounts, you can make the most out of your experience at the State Fair of Texas while keeping expenses in check. Remember, though some discounts cannot be combined, there are ample opportunities to explore the fair without breaking the bank!
