State Fair basics: What you need to know before you go

The State Fair of Texas opens this weekend. Here are the basics for your trip to the fair.

Dates

The fair runs Sept. 25-Oct. 18.

Hours

Gates open daily at 7 a.m. Exhibit buildings open daily at 10 a.m. They close Sundays through Thursdays at 9 p.m. and Fridays through Saturdays 10 p.m. Museum and Midway hours vary.

Location

In the 277-acre Fair Park, just off Interstate 30, southeast of downtown Dallas.

Ticket prices at the gate

$18 general admission, $14 for children under 48 inches tall and ages 60 and older, free for children 2 and younger.

Discounts

There are plenty. We've done the work of finding all those ticket deals for you. Get the full details here.

Parking

Self-parking in State Fair lots (designated with "Official State Fair Parking" signs) is $15. Spaces for people with disabilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis in official lots (parking fees apply); fair organizers caution that there's extra demand for these spots on Senior Days and on weekends. Valet parking is available for $30 at Grand Gate daily and Parry-Haskell Gate on Saturdays and Sundays.