LGBTQ Day at State Fair of Texas

Update 2023: GO here for the updated list of discounts for this year!

The State Fair of Texas opens this week and we’re counting down the days. The fair offers plenty of discounts to save on admission so you can put your monies toward the important stuff such as a ride on the Texas Star, a fried twinkie, or handmade goods featured in the Creative Arts Building.

You can make any day a gay day or LGBTQ day at the State Fair during LGBTQ history month but we thought we would go along with the bears this year and close it out with a grand finale! While National Coming Out Day is on the 11th and Lesbian day is on the 8th you can see there are so many days to pick from! Sunday always seems to be the best day because most of us are off work.

This year the LGBTQ Day at the State Fair of Texas falls on Sunday, October 22nd. Groups such as the Dallas Bears will have meet ups throughout the day and there are groups meeting over at the beer gardens wearing purple, trans, or rainbow gear. We suggest purple for the anti-bullying campaign.

The Dallas Bears will meet up at the front gates around 11am and head into the fair about 11:15am.

If you are with the Bears: Join the Dallas Bears for the last day of the State Fair of Texas!
Meet inside the front gates in between the to Auto Show buildings at 11am, they will start walking about 11:15 am. Wear your Dallas Bears club shirt if you wish. They plan on eating their way around the Cotton Bowl on the final day of the fair.

October: LGBTQ History Month
October 8: International Lesbian Day
October 11: National Coming Out Day
October 15: National Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
October 19: National LGBT Center Awareness Day
Third Wednesday in October: International Pronouns Day
Third Thursday in October: Spirit Day
Last week in October: Asexual Awareness Week
October 26: Intersex Awareness Day

Here’s how to save at the gate during the entire run of the fair:

Go here for updated 2023 list

• Buy your tickets online. Not only can you skip the line, but tickets are $1.50 less than when purchased via BigTex.com.
• Buy a season pass! A $45 season pass allows you 24 days of admission.
• Discounted tickets are also offered through DART, Dallas’ public transportation system. General admission tickets purchased through the DART GoPass app are $16; child/senior tickets are $12.
• Kroger has $16.50 general admission tickets and season passes for $39.95.
• AFTER 5pm: bring along an empty Dr. Pepper can for half off a general admission ticket.
• Before you recycle your McDonald’s leftovers, check the tray liner or takeout bag for a $5 off general admission coupon.The coupon can also be used for half price off a children’s ticket (with purchase of a general admission ticket). 

How to save on Opening Day

• Active and retired military and veterans receive free admission. Valid documentation of military service must be presented at the gate.
• Bring a full 20 oz. Bottle of Dasani water (or any 20 oz. Coca-Cola product) to get for $9 on Opening Day. The donation will go to the North Texas Food Bank.

Other day-specific discounts:  

First Responders Day

The Fair will recognize all first responders and their contributions to the community with a special day honoring their service. All active and retired public law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency service agencies will receive free admission to the Fair when they present a valid badge or ID. Additionally, up to three admission tickets will be available for their family members.

Tuesdays

• Come to the Fair for Dr. Pepper half-price Tuesdays. Bring an empty Dr Pepper can and receive a $9 admission ticket. 
• Head to the Midway and save – most rides are a reduced price on Tuesdays.  

Wednesdays

• Bring four cans of food to the Fair gates as a donation towards the North Texas Food Bank on any Wednesday and receive a $4 admission ticket. Keep in mind – one four-can donation per person!

Thursdays

• Experience the Fair during Thrifty Thursdays! Every Thursday, most items, including the popular cotton candy, corny dogs and funnel cakes, are between two and seven coupons, saving almost half the cost on most items.
• Senior citizens 60 years and better get into the Fair FREE every Thursday.
• Bring an empty 20 oz. bottle of any Coca-Cola product and receive $9 admission.