Dallas, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The State Fair of Texas experienced lower than expected attendance during its opening weekend, raising concerns about affordability for families. Many are voicing their frustrations over rising costs related to tickets, food, and parking. While fair organizers acknowledge seasonal attendance trends, they anticipate that overall attendance will grow over the course of the 24-day event. New attractions have been introduced this year, and steps are being taken to keep visits affordable, including options for bringing food and discounted ticket promotions for various community groups.
Dallas
Low attendance at State Fair of Texas raises concerns about rising costs and affordability
The State Fair of Texas saw noticeably lighter crowds during opening weekend, sparking discussion about rising costs and whether the event remains affordable for many families. Longtime content creator Jared Guynes noted fewer crowds at the State Fair of Texas on opening weekend, which he found alarming. His social media posts about the fair’s attendance garnered thousands of reactions and comments, with many citing affordability as a barrier to attendance.
What organizers and vendors say
Fair leadership and vendors acknowledged the impact of higher prices and seasonal attendance patterns. Taylor Pulfer, Director of Communications for the State Fair of Texas, acknowledged the impact of inflation on fair attendance and costs set by vendors. Vendors reported that attendance is typically lower during the first 10 days and that the fair usually becomes busier in the later weeks. Fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis stated that attendance remains stable, as the first days of the fair tend to be slower.
Costs and how families are responding
Many families expressed frustration about the cost of visiting the fair such as ticket prices, food, and ride costs, leading them to choose between fair attendance and essential expenses like rent. The overall cost for a family of four to attend the fair can range from $150-$180 on the low end to $280-$350 or more on the high end. Average adult admission tickets range from $15 to $25, with parking around $30 and food prices between $7 and $20. These price ranges have driven some families to skip the fair or limit how much they spend while there.
To help keep visits affordable, the State Fair continues to offer options and promotions. Families can bring their own food and beverages to the fair and enjoy free attractions such as livestock barns, live music, and parades. The State Fair aims to provide options for various budgets, including discount tickets and public transportation options like the DART train.
Attendance patterns and expectations
Organizers expect attendance to grow as the fair progresses. The fair’s attendance usually doesn’t exceed 100,000 visitors per day until the 14th or 15th day of its run, with previous years showing similar trends. Fair organizers expect attendance to exceed 2 million people over the 24-day event. Vendors and organizers note that the first week tends to be slower, with larger crowds arriving later in the schedule.
New features and safety changes
This year’s fair added new attractions and tightened entry procedures. New attractions at this year’s fair include two new rides: the Thunderbird swing tower and the Defender propeller ride. The fair implemented a clear bag policy similar to those at sporting events, with exceptions for medical and parenting necessities.
Community impact and charitable work
The State Fair plays a significant philanthropic role in the region. The fair is a fundamental fundraiser for community support, contributing $19.5 million towards philanthropic efforts last year. Nearly 180,000 canned goods were collected for the North Texas Food Bank through discounted ticket promotions, and over 69,000 discounted tickets were provided to military members and first responders. More than 2 million free tickets were distributed to North Texas school children, who participated in various events and activities during the fair.
Public response and outlook
Public reaction to the opening weekend images and posts was strong, with many users linking attendance to cost concerns. Guynes hopes that the fair will still attract large crowds despite current financial concerns affecting families. Organizers say they will continue to monitor attendance and offer budget options to keep the fair accessible.
FAQ
Q: Who reported the low attendance at opening weekend?
A: Longtime content creator Jared Guynes noted fewer crowds at the State Fair of Texas on opening weekend, which he found alarming.
Q: What reaction did social media posts about attendance get?
A: His social media posts about the fair’s attendance garnered thousands of reactions and comments, with many citing affordability as a barrier to attendance.
Q: What reasons did families give for skipping the fair?
A: Many families expressed frustration about the cost of visiting the fair such as ticket prices, food, and ride costs, leading them to choose between fair attendance and essential expenses like rent.
Q: Can families bring food and what free attractions are available?
A: Families can bring their own food and beverages to the fair and enjoy free attractions such as livestock barns, live music, and parades.
Q: How much does it cost for a family of four to attend?
A: The overall cost for a family of four to attend the fair can range from $150-$180 on the low end to $280-$350 or more on the high end.
Q: What are the typical ticket, parking, and food prices?
A: Average adult admission tickets range from $15 to $25, with parking around $30 and food prices between $7 and $20.
Q: How does attendance normally behave during the fair?
A: Vendors reported that attendance is typically lower during the first 10 days and that the fair usually becomes busier in the later weeks.
Q: When does daily attendance usually exceed 100,000 visitors?
A: The fair’s attendance usually doesn’t exceed 100,000 visitors per day until the 14th or 15th day of its run, with previous years showing similar trends.
Q: What budget and transportation options does the State Fair offer?
A: The State Fair aims to provide options for various budgets, including discount tickets and public transportation options like the DART train.
Q: What overall attendance do organizers expect?
A: Fair organizers expect attendance to exceed 2 million people over the 24-day event.
Q: What new rides were added this year?
A: New attractions at this year’s fair include two new rides: the Thunderbird swing tower and the Defender propeller ride.
Q: Did the fair change its bag policy?
A: The fair implemented a clear bag policy similar to those at sporting events, with exceptions for medical and parenting necessities.
Q: What philanthropic work did the fair do last year?
A: The fair is a fundamental fundraiser for community support, contributing $19.5 million towards philanthropic efforts last year.
Q: How many canned goods and discounted tickets were collected or given?
A: Nearly 180,000 canned goods were collected for the North Texas Food Bank through discounted ticket promotions, and over 69,000 discounted tickets were provided to military members and first responders.
Q: How many free tickets were distributed to school children?
A: More than 2 million free tickets were distributed to North Texas school children, who participated in various events and activities during the fair.
Q: What did fair officials say about inflation and attendance?
A: Taylor Pulfer, Director of Communications for the State Fair of Texas, acknowledged the impact of inflation on fair attendance and costs set by vendors.
Q: How did fair officials describe early attendance?
A: Fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis stated that attendance remains stable, as the first days of the fair tend to be slower.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reported low attendance | Longtime content creator Jared Guynes noted fewer crowds at the State Fair of Texas on opening weekend, which he found alarming. |
| Public reaction | His social media posts about the fair’s attendance garnered thousands of reactions and comments, with many citing affordability as a barrier to attendance. |
| Family cost range | The overall cost for a family of four to attend the fair can range from $150-$180 on the low end to $280-$350 or more on the high end. |
| Ticket, parking, food | Average adult admission tickets range from $15 to $25, with parking around $30 and food prices between $7 and $20. |
| Attendance expectations | Fair organizers expect attendance to exceed 2 million people over the 24-day event. |
| New rides | Thunderbird swing tower; Defender propeller ride. |
| Charitable impact | Contributed $19.5 million; nearly 180,000 canned goods collected; over 69,000 discounted tickets for military/first responders; more than 2 million free tickets for North Texas school children. |
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Additional Resources
- WFAA: Viral posts spark debate over State Fair of Texas attendance costs
- Wikipedia: State Fair of Texas
- CBS News: Families say cost is keeping them from State Fair of Texas
- Google Search: State Fair of Texas
- Fox 4 News: State Fair Texas 2025 – What’s New?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: State Fair
- Lone Star Live: State Fair of Texas sees 2.4 million attendees
- Google News: State Fair of Texas 2024
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
