State Fair of Texas Parking: Lots, Prices & the DART Shortcut
Over 2 million visitors in 24 days — parking gets expensive and crowded fast. Here’s how to do it smart.
State Fair of Texas parking happens at Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave., South Dallas — a National Historic Landmark with over 14,000 parking spaces on-site, plus surrounding lots and street parking. Demand swings hard depending on the day and time you show up.
Book ahead and skip the lot search. Especially on weekends and Red River Rivalry weekend.
Find Fair Park Parking on SpotHeroLot prices at a glance
| Lot | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official Fair Park lots | $20–$40/car | Card or cash accepted |
| Gate 2 Lot (925 S. Haskell Ave.) | ~$30 | Easiest, most convenient official lot |
| Off-site / residential lots | Varies | Many are cash only — bring a backup |
Pro tip: Snap a photo of your parking spot when you arrive. Fair Park marks sections with giant icons — Penny the Cowgirl, Amy the Armadillo, Champ the Steer — because the lots are big enough to lose your car in.
Skip the lot entirely: DART Green Line
The DART Green Line runs directly to two stations at the fairgrounds: Fair Park Station (Parry Avenue, at the main entrance) and MLK Jr. Station (south of R.B. Cullum Blvd., convenient to Gate 6 and Cotton Bowl Stadium). Coming from Fort Worth or the suburbs? Transfer onto the Green Line from the Red, Blue, or Orange lines, or connect via the A-Train at Trinity Mills. During the Fair’s run, trains operate on a 20-minute frequency into the evening.
For a Fair that runs nearly a month and draws over 2 million visitors, DART genuinely beats fighting for a parking spot — especially on weekends.
Rideshare pickup and drop-off
The most efficient rideshare and taxi pickup point is staged between Haskell Ave. and 4206 Gurley Ave. in Dallas. You can request a ride from any gate, but using this specific address helps traffic move and usually means a faster pickup.
No overnight parking
Fair Park does not allow overnight parking — any vehicle left after hours is subject to towing at the owner’s expense. If you’re planning a long day with an evening concert at Dos Equis Pavilion, make sure you’re leaving with your car.
Best and worst times to arrive
- Worst: weekends, Red River Rivalry weekend (Texas vs. Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl), and closing weekend
- Best: weekday mornings and early afternoons, plus opening weekend through the first week — historically lighter crowds and easier parking
2026 State Fair of Texas
Big Tex’s 24-Day Run
The 2026 State Fair runs Friday, September 25 through Sunday, October 18. The Red River Rivalry (Texas vs. Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl) is the single biggest parking-demand day of the season — plan accordingly if that’s your visit day.
Book Fair Park Parking on SpotHeroFAQ
For a Fair this size, yes for most visitors — you skip the lot search, the walk from a far-flung space, and the exit traffic entirely.
Bring some as a backup. Official lots take card, but many surrounding residential and off-site lots are cash only.
The Gate 2 lot at 925 S. Haskell Ave. is generally considered the most convenient.
No — overnight vehicles are towed at the owner’s expense. Plan your exit before the show ends.
Red River Rivalry weekend — Texas vs. Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl. Arrive by DART or book well in advance if you’re driving.