The Texas State Fair runs from September 30 to October 23.

> If you go, do not pay retail! Tickets are $16 at the gate. Use one of these handy ways to get a discount. This is what I've heard will be available:
> Advance ticket sales online: Get a ticket online here<https://your-ticket-order.com/statefairoftexas/> now, for $13.95. Kids and seniors are $10.95 advance. You can even order sheets of food coupons in advance too!
> Opening Day September 30: Bring a 20 oz. bottle of Dasani water (or any Coca-Cola product) for donation to the North Texas Food Bank containers at fair admission gates and get in for $5 per (per donation) per person.
> DART combo ticket: Available at Kroger Food Stores<http://www.dart.org/statefair/statefair.asp#kroger>, $17 buys one general admission to 2011 State Fair of Texas & round-trip transportation on DART the day of your visit. The Green Line drops off at front gate and a second station is located within easy walking distance to the MLK entrance. Advance ticket is $14.50 at Kroger without the DART pass. Already have a ticket and just need a ride? Read on.
> DART fair pass (transportation only): You can also pre-purchase just a DART pass for $4 to use on either Saturday, October 1 or Saturday, October 8 here<http://www.dart.org/statefair/statefair.asp#kroger>.
> Kroger/Cinemark season pass: Get a season pass at Kroger for $29.95, and it includes unlimited visits for the pass holder, one buddy pass for one visit Monday thru Friday only, and a Cinemark Movie pass good Sunday through Thursday that must be used by October 31.
> Dr Pepper $4 Tuesdays: Every Tuesday, bring an empty Dr Pepper can and enter for $4. Most rides on those Tuesdays (excluding the Thrillway, Texas Star, and selected other attractions) are 5 coupons.
> Dr Pepper $5 after 5 p.m.: Bring an empty Dr Pepper can to any State Fair admission gate after 5 p.m. and enter for $5.
> Kroger "Three for $2" Wednesdays: Admission is $2 for each visitor bringing three cans of food on Wednesday only for area food banks.
> Coke $5 Thursdays: Bring an empty 20 oz. bottle of a Coca-Cola product and enter the Fair for $5 admission on Thursdays.
> Coca Cola-sponsored student tickets: If your kid is a Dallas ISD student, they will most likely get a free ticket sent home with them. Look for it! Dallas ISD Fair Day is October 7 for elementary, and October 14 for middle and high school. (That means those kids are off school that day and being encouraged to go to the Fair with their free ticket.)
> Seniors Day sponsored by DRIVE4COPD: Free Thursdays for Senior Citizens 60 years and older.
> Dickies Day: Thursday, October 6, wear and show your Dickies logo clothing item at the staffed tent outside the gate and receive a voucher. The voucher is for free admission on Thursday October 6 only.
> Any Day McDonald's Deal: McDonald's offers $4 off general admission with one of their State Fair coupons (available on tray liner or bag stuffers) any day of the fair. A free child ticket (with purchase of general admission) coupon is also distributed by McDonald's. Offer may not be combined with any other offer.
> Museum of Nature & Science members: Free admission for you! Members receive a voucher this week (I got mine last week) good for free admission for two adults and up to four children. Voucher is good on any week day of the fair. You're not a member?<http://www1.natureandscience.org/membership/default.asp> Join now, silly, and get your voucher!
> West Side Story<http://www.pegasusnews.com/r/80/143029/> at the Music Hall: If you buy a ticket to the West Side Story performance at the Music Hall at Fair Park<http://www.pegasusnews.com/r/34/404/>, it will include a same-day fair admission.