Big Tex on a budget: 2026 State Fair of Texas deals and discounts

Your complete guide to saving on tickets, food and rides almost every day at the State Fair of Texas. The fair runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 18.

When you head out to Fair Park for this year's State Fair of Texas, the costs can add up fast, but there are deals and discounts to be had on tickets, food and rides.

This year, the fair runs from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 18.

Regular-priced tickets to the fair Monday-Thursday cost $15 for adults before 5 p.m. and $10 after. Seniors ages 60 and up pay $13 Monday through Wednesday and $7 on Thursdays. Friday through Sunday, fairgoers pay $25 before 5 p.m. and $20 after, while seniors pay $20 all day. Children ages 3 to 12 cost $10 every day. Tickets are available at the gate or online with a $2 per ticket service fee, but some deals listed below may only be available at one of the two purchase points.

Admission prices and discounts

• On Opening Day, Sept. 25, adults get a $10 admission at the gate all day if you bring two 16 oz. jars of peanut butter to donate to the North Texas Food Bank. This deal is only available at the gate and only on Opening Day.
• FLEX ticket packages allow fairgoers to purchase tickets in advance for any day and the 2-pack or 4-pack combo include $50 in food and Midway coupons.
• If you plan to head to the fair a few times, a digital season pass might be the ticket. $52 gets you inside the gates all 24 days.

Buy tickets online here from bigtex.com. Discount offers cannot be combined.

Deals by the day

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Weekend

State Fair of Texas discounts for Mondays

• $5 off at the gate with a coupon from participating McDonald's or by using the McDonald’s code at online checkout.
• $5 off for military, first responders and their families. (Must present a valid ID)
• Adults pay kids' prices after 5 p.m.

State Fair of Texas discounts for Tuesdays

Don’t forget that Tuesdays and Thursdays are Value Days at the fair, and by signing up to be a Big Tex Insider before Sept. 22, you can receive a promo code via email for a discounted $12 admission to the Fair!

• Big Tex Insider Discount: $12 online tickets with a special code you get if you sign up to be a Big Tex Insider.
• Thrilling Tuesdays: If you love the Midway, head out to Fair Park on Tuesdays. Most Midway rides are 4 coupons with Kiddie rides down to 3 coupons. Details and exclusions available here.
• $5 off at the gate with a coupon from participating McDonald's or by using the McDonald’s code at online checkout.
• $5 off for military, first responders, and their families. (Must present a valid ID)
• Adults pay kids' prices after 5 p.m.

State Fair of Texas discounts for Wednesdays

• $7 tickets at the gate with a donation of five canned food items. Donations will benefit the North Texas Food Bank.
• $5 off at the gate with a coupon from participating McDonald's or by using the McDonald’s code at online checkout.
• $5 off for military, first responders and their families. (Must present a valid ID)
• Adults pay kids' prices after 5 p.m.

State Fair of Texas discounts for Thursdays

• Big Tex Insider Discount: $12 online tickets with a special code you get if you sign up to be a Big Tex Insider.
• Senior Day Discount: $7 admission for fairgoers 60 and older.
• Thrifty Thursdays: Fair food lovers can stretch their coupons on Thursdays. Various participating food vendors offer discounted prices on dozens of signature menu items. Check out the dishes, prices and locations here - you'll find everything from classics to past Big Tex Choice Awards winners on the list!
• $5 off at the gate with a coupon from participating McDonald's or by using the McDonald’s code at online checkout.
• $5 off for military, first responders and their families. (Must present a valid ID)
• Adults pay kids' prices after 5 p.m.

State Fair of Texas discounts for Fridays

• $5 off at the gate with a coupon from participating McDonald's or by using the McDonald’s code at online checkout.
• $5 off for military, first responders and their families. (Must present a valid ID)
• Adults pay $20 after 5 p.m.

State Fair of Texas discounts for weekends

• $5 off at the gate with a coupon from participating McDonald's or by using the McDonald’s code at online checkout.
• $5 off for military, first responders and their families. (Must present a valid ID)
• Adults pay $20 after 5 p.m.