High prices spark attendance concerns at State Fair of Texas

Some fairgoers say rising prices are keeping them away from the State Fair of Texas this year, citing the high cost of admission, food, and parking. Reports of sparse crowds during the fair’s opening days have fueled debate on social media about whether the experience is still worth the expense.

According to WFAA, a day at the fair can easily cost a family of four around $350 once admission, parking, and food are factored in. Adult admission ranges from $15 to $25 depending on the day, parking costs about $30, and popular snacks can run anywhere from $7 to $20.

Content creator Jared Guynes, a longtime fairgoer, said he was surprised by what he saw this year.

“I couldn’t help but notice how scant the crowds were,” Guynes told WFAA. “It was alarming to me as a visitor to see.”

Guynes shared footage of his visit online, prompting widespread discussion among his followers about rising costs and accessibility.

“What I ended up accidentally cracking open was a lot of frustration that people have that they can’t go to the fair because of how much it costs,” he said. “People are saying they don’t want to have to choose between paying their rent and going to the fair.”

Fair officials say they’re aware of the complaints but aren’t worried about attendance trends just yet.

“Of course, we’ve seen the posts, and it’s disheartening,” said Taylor Pulfer, the fair’s communications director. “The State Fair of Texas isn’t immune to whatever is going on in the world, and that includes inflation and the economy. Our vendors set their own prices for things, and they have to make what makes sense for them from a business perspective.”

Fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis told CBS News that early attendance typically lags and tends to rise later in the fair’s 24-day run.

“The first eight days of the fair are usually our slowest days,” Condoianis said. “Then, as the fair carries on, that’s when you see the energy and traffic really pick up.”

Officials also highlighted several cost-saving options. The fair offers more than 100 free activities, and guests can bring their own food and drinks. Discount programs include Dr. Pepper Value Days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, $5 off admission on Wednesdays with canned food donations, and reduced evening rates after 5 p.m. Children under two enter free.

While inflation and a tight economy have tightened budgets, fair leaders remain confident attendance will rebound as the season progresses — even as some Texans decide that this year, the fair simply isn’t in their budget.