The State Fair of Texas, set to open September 26 and run through October 19 at Fair Park, is revising its long-standing free ticket program for students.
Starting this year, high school students in grades 9 through 12 will no longer receive free admission, though Pre-K through 8th-grade students and all teachers from Pre-K through 12th grade will continue to enjoy complimentary entry.
Fair organizers cited rising costs, low ticket redemption rates, and safety concerns as key reasons for the change. According to a spokesperson, the fair prints and distributes over 2 million free tickets annually, but only about 10% are used.
“We know some families may be disappointed, but this decision helps us continue providing a safe, family-friendly, and sustainable Fair experience while still investing in youth,” organizers said in a statement to WFAA.
The decision, which has been under consideration for years, also reflects challenges with unpredictable attendance. Many school districts have phased out designated “Fair Days,” complicating efforts to manage crowd sizes. Safety issues involving high school students have further prompted the change, with the fair noting recent incidents that disrupted its family-friendly atmosphere.
The fair now faces increased security costs, with new city contracts requiring it to cover all Dallas Police Department expenses — totaling over $8 million for the 24-day event. To address safety, the fair will maintain its policy requiring minors 17 and under to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone after 5 p.m. Visitors will also encounter weapons detection scanners at every gate, a clear bag policy, and patrols by the State Fair Safety Team.
High school students can still attend at a reduced rate, with one-day admission tickets priced at $12 from Monday through Thursday, using the promo code 2025EDU. The offer, limited to two tickets per student, is available online at BigTex.com/5HS.
The State Fair of Texas continues to balance accessibility with operational and safety demands, ensuring a welcoming environment for families and younger students while adapting to new challenges.