Organizers say several factors led to the decision to revise the policy, including rising costs, low redemption rates, and safety concerns.
DALLAS — Big changes are coming to the State Fair of Texas’ school ticket program this year.
For generations, students and teachers have enjoyed free admission to the Fair, but starting this year, only Pre-K through 8th graders will get free tickets. High school students, grades 9th through 12th, will no longer receive free admission but will have access to discounted tickets.
“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 Fair says this change has been in the works for several years.
Printing and distributing more than 2 million free tickets each year is expensive, and only about 10% are actually used, a spokesperson told WFAA. On top of that, many schools have stopped scheduling “Fair Days,” making it tricky to plan trips and manage attendance, fair officials said.
Safety has also been a driving factor in the change.
The Fair has seen an uptick in incidents involving high school students in recent years, a spokesperson said. With new city contracts requiring the Fair to cover all the Dallas Police Department’s expenses and security costs—more than $8 million for the 24-day event—unpredictable attendance spikes from high school groups have become a bigger concern.
The policy requiring minors 17 and under to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone after 5 p.m. will also remain in place.
High school students can purchase one-day admission tickets for $12 from Monday through Thursday using promo code 2025EDU through the Fair’s website. The offer is valid for up to two tickets per student.
Pre-K through 8th grade students and all teachers from Pre-K through 12th grade will continue to receive free admission.
Last week, the fair announced it’s implementing its clear bag policy. Visitors will again walk through weapons detection scanners at every gate, and the State Fair Safety Team will continue patrolling the grounds.
For high school students looking to snag discounted tickets, all the details and promo codes are online at BigTex.com/5HS.