General
What time is the Fair open?
Fair Hours:
Monday - Thursday 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sundays 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Food vendors are open for lunch on weekdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (free admission).
Carnival Hours:
Monday - Thursday 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Saturdays 12:00 Noon - 11:00 pm
Sundays 12:00 Noon - 10:00 pm
*Carnival ticket booths will close one hour before rides close.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are $10 for adults (13+) and $6 for kids (6-12). Children under 6 are FREE!
Carnival wristbands are $30 each.
Buy early and save with pre-sale discounts!
Are pets allowed?
No. Any animals other than registered livestock or service animals are not permitted.
Is smoking permitted?
The Fair has a strict "no smoking" policy. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the fairgrounds.
Are licensed citizens permitted to carry a firearm?
While firearms are prohibited from entering the Fairgrounds, certain citizens licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (Handgun Licensing Law) will be permitted to carry a firearm in a concealed manner with a state-issued license-to-carry. The Fair, however, will not allow the open carry or open display of firearms and will post signs citing section 30.07 of the Texas penal code at all entrances.
Tickets & Wristbands
When can I get in free?
You must purchase a ticket to attend the fair during operating hours. However, you may come for lunch Mon-Fri 11:00 am - 2:00 pm free of charge. While the fair doesn't officially open until 2:00 pm on weekdays, most food vendors will be open and accessible for lunch.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $10 for adults (13+) and $6 for kids (6-12). Children under 6 are FREE!
Where do I get tickets?
You may purchase tickets from the ticket booths at either entrance on the day of the event or you can buy tickets online to use the express lane at the gate!
Food
Volunteer
How do I become a volunteer?
An online form is available for you to register your interest in volunteering during the Fair. You will be contacted by the appropriate person if volunteer needs matching your interest are available. Some training may be needed for some volunteer areas.
You can find the Volunteer Form and other volunteer information on the Volunteer Page: http://www.etstatefair.com/p/get-involved/194.
Competitive Events
What are the different contests that I can enter at the Fair?
There are several contests which are open to both adults and youth. They are Creative Arts, Horticulture, and Photography. Find out more about each of these on their individual pages under Get Involved, then Competitive Events.
Other contests are just for Youth and may have age restrictions. These include the Pasture & Wildlife Plant Identification Contest and the Public Speaking Contest. Learn more about these on their individual pages, under Get Involved, then Competitive Events..
Where can I see things entered in contests?
Entries for different contests are in various places on the Fairgrounds.
Creative Arts entries are displayed in Building A for the entire 10 days.
Horticulture entries are on display in Building C during the entire 10 days of the Fair.
Photography entries are on display in The Marketplace (Building E) for the entire 10 days.
The Pasture & Wildlife Plant Identification Contest and Public Speaking contest occur on the first Friday and first Saturday of the Fair. They are primarily closed to the public while they occur, but results are posted online after the contests.
Livestock
When can I see animals in the barns?
We are constantly changing animals. Depending on the type of animal you would like to see, check the livestock schedule to see what we will have in the barns. There are a few nights there will not be any animals due to cleaning of the barns for more animals to come in.
What precautions should I take in the barns and after leaving the barns?
Children should be supervised at all times. Avoid animals when they are being walked. Use caution around animals. Please do not startle the animals or approach an animal without permission from it's caretaker. Please do not bring strollers into barns. Wash hands with soap and warm water after leaving any animal facility.
Educational Fun