Editor’s note: We’re repeating some advice from past State Fairs, updated with new discounts for the 2016 fair, because thriftiness is timeless.
The State Fair can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. While it’s a good idea to bring some extra cash for fried Jell-O and cookie fries, there are enough discounts and free attractions in the Land of Big Tex that a trip to the fair won’t necessarily end with you losing your shirt.
The State Fair of Texas begins Sept. 30 and runs through Oct. 23. Standard general admission tickets are $18 — $14 for the exceptionally old and the exceptionally young.
Stick to the free stuff: Don’t get suckered in once you’ve made it through the gates. The grounds are full of free things to see and do. There are four stages with live music, and the main stage is hosting one of the best lineups the fair has had in years — particular highlights being Kacey Musgraves on opening day and Nelly on Oct. 15. Daily shows include pig races, nighttime parades, light shows, and slam dunking acrobatics. There’s always the auto show, and other attractions including history exhibits, the returning Budweiser Clydesdales, and an exhibition of Taylor Swift memorabilia. You can, of course, take in Fair Park’s Art Deco buildings and remaining museums. Gawking at your fellow man, a practice politely referred to as “people-watching,” doesn’t cost a thing, either.
Take public transportation: Save money on parking and take DART, by bus and/or rail, which has a stop directly at Fair Park. Buy State Fair tickets from the DART GoPass app for a $2 discount.
Buy tickets online, buy early, and buy in bulk: General admission tickets are $2 cheaper if bought online. Season passes and group tickets (for groups of 20 or more) are also less expensive online. You can also buy coupons — for food, games, and rides — online. It’s not any cheaper, and you’re stuck with a wait time contingent on the efficiency of the U.S. Postal Service, but you won’t have to wait in line at the fair itself.
Buy ahead of time at either Kroger or Walgreens to save $1.50 per ticket.
Ask your kids (or somebody else’s kids) for tickets: Shake your children down for the free tickets that always seem to get circulated at schools this time of year. Surely there are some extras floating around.
Go on opening day (Sept. 30): All active or retired members of the U.S. military, as well as their spouses and children, get free admission on opening day. Civilians can get half-price admission on opening day in exchange for a full 20 oz. bottle of Dasani water or 20 oz. Coke product. Expect crowds.
Take advantage of brand synergy: Rummage through tray liners and bag stuffers at McDonald’s for coupons. Stash away empty Dr Pepper cans and wait — after 5 pm any day of the fair, trade the can in for half-off admission.
If you’re making multiple trips, get a season pass: At about $40, you’ve made your money back if you pay at least three visits.
Daily discounts:
- Tuesdays: Trade a Dr Pepper can for a $5 ticket.
- Wednesdays: Trade four cans of food, to be donated to the North Texas Food Bank, for a $4 entry ticket.
- Thursdays: Bring a 20 oz. bottle of Coke for $6 admission. Seniors (60 and older) get in for free. And if you’ve got a real hankering for fried food, Thrifty Thursdays — a discount promotion on fair food — is back in full force.
- Fridays: Visit 106.1 KISS-FM’s website to print off a ticket for $5 admission.
