The State Fair of Texas is extending a long-standing tradition of community support by expanding the validity of its free student admission tickets for the 2025 season. This year, tickets distributed to students in pre-K through 8th grade within a 100-mile radius of Fair Park will be valid any day of the Fair, including the final two weekends, through Sunday, October 19.

For decades, the State Fair of Texas has partnered with area schools to provide free admission tickets to students, encouraging families to experience the Fair’s educational exhibits, cultural programming, and family-friendly entertainment. Since 2018 alone, nearly 12.8 million free admission tickets have been given to students and teachers throughout North Texas. Traditionally, these tickets have been valid only on weekdays; however, after listening to feedback from parents and educators, the Fair is making this year’s tickets valid on weekends as well.

“We’ve heard from families who want to experience the Fair together but can’t always make it work on a weekday,” said Mitchell Glieber, President of the State Fair of Texas. “By expanding the validity of these tickets, we hope to make it a little easier for parents and guardians to bring their kids out on one of the final weekends this year, when they’re off work and can enjoy the day together.” 

The State Fair acknowledges that many families are experiencing the impact of today’s economy, and this change is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to affordability and accessibility. 

“The State Fair of Texas is not immune to what’s happening in the world,” Glieber added. “We know that rising costs and uncertainties affect everyone, and we want to make sure that a family’s ability to enjoy the State Fair doesn’t depend on their schedule or their budget this year.” 

In addition to free student admission for pre-K through 8th grade from participating school districts, the State Fair offers a discounted ticket opportunity for parents to receive $5 off admission – available online at BigTex.com/Parents.  

The State Fair of Texas also offers a wide variety of discounts online and at the gate, depending on the day, designed to help families save – for example, everyone is a kid at the State Fair after 5 p.m. daily with the discounted child admission price for all fairgoers. Whether you’re planning a weekday visit or a weekend adventure, there’s a deal for everyone. To explore all available discounts and purchase tickets in advance, visit BigTex.com/Discounts. 

The Fair’s mission as a nonprofit organization is to celebrate all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. Expanding access to students and families is one more way the Fair continues to invest in the people it serves. With only 11 days left, we hope students and families will come out to enjoy the remainder of the 2025 State Fair of Texas, which runs through Sunday, October 19, 2025.