How to do the State Fair of Texas on a budget

By Alyson Rodriguez
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
Website: https://www.dallasnews.com/

For the past 138 years, Dallas locals and visitors from near and far have flocked to the State Fair of Texas to enjoy all the rides, games, and food the annual event has to offer. But the cost of all those festivities adds up really quickly.

Attending the Texas State Fair doesn’t have to break the bank though. There are plenty of smart ways to save money while still getting the most out of your visit.

Here are some deals, tips, and ideas for those looking to enjoy the State Fair of Texas on a budget.

Think about taking DART

One way to save is to skip the gas expenses, traffic hassle, and $30 parking fee and instead opt for riding the DART instead. Park for free at any DART Station, download the GO Pass app, and use the discount code the app offers to save money on admission to the fair. Find more details here.

Participate in a discount day

To save on admission, instead of paying $18 to $25 for adults and $5 to $18 for children, you can sign up for the value day promo code on the Big Tex website, which offers $10 tickets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additional discounts are available on Senior Thursdays, Help Those in Need Wednesdays, and other special discount days, which can be found here. Military personnel and first responders are also eligible for discounted tickets in appreciation of their service.

Go on a Thrifty Thursday

On Thrifty Thursdays which occur on October 3,10, and 17, fairgoers can experience special food pricing at any vendors who have the Thrifty Thursday discount sign. The state fair publishes a map every year that has the details on the vendors participating and their locations.

Buy a season pass

Save both time and money by going to the Big Tex website to look over all of the events and attractions to plan your visit. If it makes you think, “I can’t do all that in one trip,” then a season pass may be just the thing. You can buy a season pass for $60 at the door or $50 online to go to the fair an unlimited amount of times over the 24 days. Season passes include even more discounts and perks.

Your coupons don’t expire

At the fair, coupons are required for all of the games at the midway, rides, and food purchases. Each coupon costs a dollar, but if you’ve saved coupons from previous years, you can save money by recycling those coupons for this year’s fair.

Bonus: Free entertainment galore when you step inside

Visitors of the fair can also enjoy free concerts and entertainment that are included with all admissions. Some talents that visitors can dance the night away to include Los Pescadores, Flip Turn, Grace Potter, Palmer Anthony, and The Commodores.

What to know before going

To find out more information about what you need to know before going to this year’s state fair, we have you covered with this story.