The best day to go to the State Fair of Texas depends on what you want most — cheaper admission, shorter lines, cheaper rides, or cooler weather. Here’s how to pick your day before the 2026 fair closes on Sunday, October 18.
Best Day to Go to the State Fair of Texas
The 2026 fair runs Sept 25–Oct 18 at Fair Park. Weekdays win on price and crowds — and each weekday has its own deal.
A Weekday
Adult admission is $15 Monday–Thursday versus $25 Friday–Sunday, with shorter lines everywhere.
Tuesday
Thrilling Tuesdays: most Midway rides are 4 coupons and select kiddie rides are 3.
Wednesday
$7 admission at the gate when you bring five canned food items for the North Texas Food Bank.
Saturday, Oct 10
Texas vs. OU at the Cotton Bowl brings 100,000+ extra people to Fair Park. The busiest day of the run.
2026 Deals by Day of the Week
Every day of the week has a different price or promotion, so the best day to go comes down to what you’ll spend your money on. Kids 3–12 are $10 every day.
| Day | Adult Admission | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | $15 ($10 after 5 p.m.) | Weekday pricing — no special promotion |
| Tuesday | $15 ($10 after 5 p.m.) | Thrilling Tuesdays: most Midway rides 4 coupons, select kiddie rides 3 (excludes the Thrillway and Texas Star) |
| Wednesday | $15 ($10 after 5 p.m.) | $7 at the gate with five canned food items |
| Thursday | $15 ($10 after 5 p.m.) | $7 for seniors 60+; Thrifty Thursdays — discounted signature items from participating food vendors |
| Friday–Sunday | $25 ($20 after 5 p.m.) | Busiest days — arrive at the 10 a.m. opening |
More ways to save any day: $5 off for military and first responders with ID, $5 off with a McDonald’s coupon, and $5 off a one-day ticket bought online with the promo code in DART’s GoPass app. Big Tex Insiders (free signup at bigtex.com) also get promo codes for discounted Tuesday and Thursday tickets online. Discounts can’t be combined.
Best Day Overall: A Weekday
For most people, the best day to go to the State Fair of Texas is a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Here’s why:
It’s cheaper. Adult admission is $15 on weekdays versus $25 on weekends — a $20 savings for two adults before you buy a single coupon. Stack a weekday with Tuesday’s ride deal or Wednesday’s $7 canned-food admission and the savings grow.
Crowds are manageable. Weekday attendance is far lighter than weekends. Lines for food, rides, and the auto show are shorter, and you can actually move around the fairgrounds.
Hotels are usually cheaper. If you’re coming from out of town, midweek hotel rates in Dallas typically run lower than Friday and Saturday nights during the fair. See our picks for hotels near Fair Park.
Weekdays left in 2026: October 5–8 and October 12–15. For rides, pick Tuesday, Oct 6 or 13. For the cheapest admission, pick Wednesday, Oct 7 or 14.
Days to Avoid
Texas–OU Saturday (October 10, 2026). The Red River Rivalry kicks off at 2:30 p.m. at the Cotton Bowl inside Fair Park, and the fair says more than 100,000 people travel to Fair Park for the game. Unless you’re going to the game, skip this day. If you are, see our Cotton Bowl parking guide.
Opening weekend. The fair’s first weekend is one of the most crowded of the run every year. For 2027, plan around it.
Weekend afternoons. Saturday and Sunday crowds build fast after lunch. If a weekend is your only option, get there when the gates open at 10 a.m.
If You Have to Go on a Weekend
Most people can only visit on a weekend — and that’s fine. The fair is still great, just busier. A few things help:
Pick the right weekend. For the rest of 2026, that’s October 2–4 or the closing weekend, October 16–18. Avoid October 10.
Arrive at opening. The fair opens at 10 a.m. The first hour or two is dramatically less crowded than noon onward — hit Big Tex, the auto show, and the most popular food vendors first.
Consider an evening visit. Weekend admission drops from $25 to $20 for adults after 5 p.m., and the fair stays open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Take DART. Official parking is $25, and weekend traffic around Fair Park adds real time to your arrival and departure. The DART Green Line drops you at Fair Park Station at the main gate for a $6 day pass. See our State Fair parking guide for full options.
What the Weather Is Like During the Fair
Late September (opening week): Still summer in Texas. Normal highs are in the upper 80s, and late-season heat waves into the mid-90s are common. Go in the morning, wear sunscreen, and use the air-conditioned exhibit buildings to cool off.
Early October: Temperatures start to ease — highs in the 80s on most days, with occasional hot stretches.
Mid-October (closing week): Normal highs drop into the upper 70s, and passing cold fronts can bring cooler days and rain. The most comfortable stretch of the fair — bring a light layer for evenings.
The fair runs rain or shine. Most of the fairgrounds are outdoors, so a rainy day means a wet Midway and livestock area. See our What to Wear guide for the full clothing breakdown.
Best Day Based on What You Want to Do
| If You Want | Best Day |
|---|---|
| Rides | Tuesday — most Midway rides 4 coupons |
| Cheapest admission | Wednesday — $7 with five canned food items |
| Food deals | Thursday — Thrifty Thursdays at participating vendors |
| Seniors | Thursday — $7 admission for ages 60+ |
| Families with kids | Tuesday — weekday crowds plus cheaper kiddie rides. See State Fair with Kids |
| An evening at the fair | Any Monday–Thursday after 5 p.m. — $10 admission |
| Coolest weather | The closing week, October 12–15 |
| The auto show without crowds | A weekday morning right at opening |
Want the full cost picture before you choose? See our State Fair ticket prices guide for admission, coupons, food, and parking.
Staying Overnight?
Find Your Hotel for the State Fair
Downtown and Deep Ellum are a short DART ride from Fair Park. See our picks for hotels near Fair Park or compare rates below.
Hotels.com → Expedia → VRBO →Best Day to Go — FAQ
What is the best day to go to the State Fair of Texas?
A weekday — Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Adult admission is $15 Monday–Thursday versus $25 on weekends, crowds are lighter, and each day has its own deal: cheaper rides on Tuesday, $7 admission with canned food on Wednesday, and food discounts plus $7 senior admission on Thursday.
What is the cheapest day to go to the State Fair of Texas?
Wednesday. Bring five canned food items and admission is $7 at the gate. Any Monday–Thursday after 5 p.m. is also $10 for adults, and kids 3–12 are $10 every day.
What day are rides cheaper at the State Fair of Texas?
Tuesday. On Thrilling Tuesdays, most Midway rides are 4 coupons and select kiddie rides are 3. The Thrillway and Texas Star Ferris Wheel are excluded.
When is the State Fair of Texas least crowded?
Weekday mornings, Monday through Thursday. The most crowded days are weekends — especially Texas–OU Saturday, October 10, 2026.
What is the weather like at the State Fair of Texas?
Late September is still hot, with normal highs in the upper 80s and occasional heat waves into the 90s. By mid-October, normal highs drop into the upper 70s. The closing week is usually the most comfortable.
When does the State Fair of Texas end in 2026?
Sunday, October 18, 2026. The fair runs 24 days, starting Friday, September 25.
More State Fair of Texas Guides
- → State Fair Ticket Prices & Costs
- → Hotels Near Fair Park
- → State Fair of Texas Parking Guide
- → First Timer’s Guide to the State Fair
- → State Fair Food Guide
- → State Fair with Kids
- → Things to Do at the State Fair
- → What to Wear to the State Fair
- → Cotton Bowl Parking — Texas vs. OU
Dallas Unscripted is an independent Dallas guide. Fair dates, prices, and promotions change annually — verify current information at bigtex.com before your visit. This post contains affiliate links; if you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.