For decades, the State Fair of Texas offered free admission to schoolchildren, giving students a chance to explore exhibits, learn about agriculture, science and the arts, and experience the fair’s iconic attractions.
This year, however, high school students will no longer receive complimentary tickets. Free admission will continue for students in Pre-K through 8th grade, as well as for teachers from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Why Free Tickets Are Changing
The fair cites several reasons for the shift. The school ticket program has become costly to maintain, with over 2 million tickets printed each year but only about 10% actually used. At the same time, many school districts have eliminated “Fair Days” from their calendars, making it harder to organize visits.
Safety concerns have also influenced the decision. Officials say incidents involving high school students have increased, creating challenges for maintaining a family-friendly environment. The fair’s new agreement with the City of Dallas requires covering all Dallas Police Department expenses, which for the 24-day event totals more than $8 million. Large, unpredictable groups of high school students have added to the difficulty of managing costs and safety.
“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 through free admission for younger students, scholarships and educational programs,” a spokesperson for the fair told Local Profile.
Discounted Admission For High School Students
Although free tickets are no longer available, high school students still have the option to attend at a reduced rate. From Monday to Thursday, one-day admission tickets are $12 when purchased online with promo code 2025EDU. Students may use this offer for up to two tickets. Tickets can be purchased at BigTex.com/5HS…