Saving Money at the State Fair of Texas
There are all kinds of ways to save money at the State Fair of Texas, from discounted tickets to capitalizing on all the free activities the annual event offers. While many food items, including the Big Tex Choice Awards winners and finalists (the average cost of finalists is $17.26), would not be considered affordable, there’s a night dedicated to food deals each week during the fair’s run from Sept. 26 through Oct. 19.
Thrifty Thursdays
Thrifty Thursdays provide fair visitors with dozens of food and drink deals across the fairgrounds for $10 or less. But if you’re looking for even steeper savings, especially if you have kids in tow, there are also offerings that are $5 or less, from a taco salad to an all-beef Angus hot dog, from a fried Hostess Twinkie to pineapple whip on a cone.
Food Deals Under $5
Below, you’ll see a map that shows where to find food deals that are $5 and under at the State Fair. There’s also a new vendor addition this year specializing in foods $10 and under. Their prices are available seven days a week, outside of Thrifty Thursdays.
Affordability Matters
“I hear it in my restaurant, I read about it in the news: Everybody thinks everything is too expensive, and they’re 100% right,” said Abel Gonzales, who has been a State Fair concessionaire since 2002. This year, Gonzalez opened a new stand on the Kidway called “Cheap Eats,” which serves items such as hamburgers, French fries, hot dogs, and eggrolls.
Big Tex Choice Awards
And one of the Big Tex Choice Awards finalists is an outlier for its price: the Candy Lemon Sour Face dessert, with slices of frozen lemon tossed in candy apple dip and coated with crushed Starburst and Lemon Heads, is $8.
The Candy Lemon Sour Face by Chef Heather J. Perkins in the sweet category during the State Fair of Texas Big Tex Choice Awards finalists announcement at Fair Park in Dallas on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer
Conclusion
The State Fair of Texas offers a variety of ways to save money, from discounted tickets to affordable food options. By taking advantage of Thrifty Thursdays, food deals under $5, and new vendor additions, visitors can enjoy the fair without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for classic fair food or something new and exciting, there’s something for everyone at the State Fair of Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Thrifty Thursday?
A: Thrifty Thursday is a night dedicated to food deals each week during the fair’s run, with dozens of food and drink deals across the fairgrounds for $10 or less.
Q: Where can I find food deals under $5?
A: You can find a map of food deals under $5 at the State Fair, and there are also new vendor additions that specialize in foods $10 and under.
Q: What is the Big Tex Choice Awards?
A: The Big Tex Choice Awards is a competition that recognizes the most creative and delicious food items at the State Fair of Texas, with finalists and winners announced each year.
Q: How can I stay up-to-date on the latest news and deals from the State Fair of Texas?
A: You can sign up for the State Fair of Texas newsletter or follow them on social media to stay informed about the latest news, deals, and events.
