US Family Guide

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 2026 season. Due to inclement weather at the beginning of this year's Fair, 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 18. 

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 14.2 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 know the weather at the beginning of this year’s Fair impacted plans for many families, and we want to make sure students still have every opportunity to use their free ticket and experience the Fair,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. “By expanding these tickets to include weekends for the remainder of the Fair, we hope to give families greater flexibility to find a day that works for them and enjoy the traditions, educational experiences, and fun that make the State Fair of Texas so special.” 

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 receives discounted admission after 5 p.m. daily. 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 13 days left, we hope students and families will come out to enjoy the remainder of the 2026 State Fair of Texas, which runs through Sunday, October 18, 2026.