How to enjoy the State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas isn't cheap. Some families spend hundreds of dollars on a single visit.

Yes, but: There are ways to ball on a budget and make the most of your fair experience …

🤫 Avoid the crowds. The fair tends to be the busiest on Saturdays and during Dallas ISD's fall break, seeing over 100,000 visitors in a day.

• DISD's fair days are Oct. 10-11, the Texas-OU game is Oct 12, and Indigenous Peoples' Day is Oct. 14. Steer clear if you hate large crowds.

🎟️ Get a discount. Admission is discounted for seniors, military members and first responders. You can also donate canned food for $5 admission on Wednesdays.

• Sign up for the fair's Big Tex Insider emails to get coupon codes. DART has a code for $5 off fair admission.

🗺️ Plan your day. The 277-acre fairgrounds can require a lot of walking. Use this map to choose foods and activities. Concerts, rodeos and other shows are included with admission.

• The fair accepts past years' coupons.
• You can rent a wheelchair or electric scooter or bring a wagon, per the FAQ .

🌭 Save on food. Thursdays feature discounted foods. Share foods with friends to split the cost.

🚆 Carpool or take public transit. DART trains run more frequently to accommodate fairgoers. The Green Line stops at the fair.

• Official parking is $30. There are special spots for visitors with disabilities but they must have a license plate or tag .

🦋 Take a break. Visit the butterfly garden at the Texas Discovery Gardens, paddleboat with a view of the Ferris wheel or explore one of the fair's museums .

• Yes, but: "Don't stop for a rest with your wife in one of those tents that sells massage chairs. I made that $6,000.00 dollar mistake," one Reddit user said last year .

What's next: The fair opens Friday and runs through Oct. 20.