FAQ Search Results

• No bags or soft shell coolers larger than 9″ x 10″ x 12″ inches.
• No weapons or ammunition of any kind, including guns, tasers, or pepper spray.
• Hard-sided coolers, including loose or dry ice (reusable ice packs recommended.)
• Hydration packs larger than 9” x 10” x 12”.
• Firearms, ammunition, a knife with a blade over five and one-half inches, lasers, and weapons of any kind, including replicas, facsimiles, toys, and likenesses.
• Fireworks, sparklers, or explosives.
• Smoke or fog machines.
• Aerosol can (except sunscreen.)
• Illegal drug, substance, enriched product, or paraphernalia.
• Drones
• Horns, whistles, megaphones, or artificial noise makers.
• Costume, mask, or face covering not for medical reasons (exceptions for children 10 and under on a case-by-case basis.)
• Alcoholic beverages or glass containers (excluding baby food jars or similar.)
• Pets (ADA-certified service animals are exempt.)
• Skateboards, Hoverboards, roller and inline skates, and shoes installed with wheels.
• Foot or electrically powered scooters, bicycles, tricycles, and unicycles.
• Flags, signs, banners, and balloons.
• Selfie sticks or camera extensions of any kind.
• Audio, video, or camera equipment for commercial use (holders of State Fair Media Credentials are exempt.)
• Collapsible and folding chairs.

Yes. Parenting, childcare, or diaper bags may be brought into the Fair and do not have to be 9” x 10” x 12” or smaller but they will be searched at all entry gates.  

What is considered an approved “Parenting, childcare, or diaper bag”?
Parenting, childcare, or diaper bags contain necessary items for childcare including but not limited to diapers, wipes, baby formula, and small snacks.   

Yes. Medical bags may be brought into the Fair and do not have to be under 9” x 10” x 12” but will be searched at all entry gates. 

What is considered an approved “medical bag?”
Medical bags contain medically necessary items, including but not limited to insulin, medication, portable oxygen, small soft pack coolers, and breast pumps. 

How does a fairgoer ensure they can bring their medical bag in?
Upon entry, fairgoers should inform the security member who checks their bags that they or someone in their party has a bag containing medically necessary items. 

Prohibited Bags | Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:  

• All bags larger than 9” x 10” x 12.” 

• Hardshell coolers (Unless medically necessary.) 

• Medical bags are subject to search. 

To continue providing a safe environment for the public and significantly expedite fairgoers’ entry into the park, the State Fair has implemented a policy that limits the size of bags that may be brought into the State Fair. Exceptions to this policy will be made for medical bags and parenting bags after proper inspection.  

• Approved Bags | The following outlines bags that are permitted: 

• Bags and soft-shell coolers that are 9 inches x 10 inches x 12 inches (9” x 10” x 12”) or smaller. 

• Medical bags and parenting/childcare bags. 

• These medical and parenting/childcare bags do not have to be 9” x 10” x 12” or smaller but will be searched at all entry gates. 

• All permitted bags are subject to search. 

How will the State Fair enforce this new policy? 

• The State Fair is working diligently with its security partners to plan for the implementation of this policy.   

• Security team members will receive ample training to enforce this new policy. In addition, the State Fair has made significant financial investments in the security technology OPENGATE ® – a Weapons Detection System designed for screening people as well as their bags. OPENGATE is one piece of the overall security screening process at every entry gate. 

What about bags for the football games in the Cotton Bowl? 

The Cotton Bowl has followed a clear-bag policy for several years and will continue to. Please note the Cotton Bowl does not allow childcare/diaper bags, but items normally carried in a diaper bag may be put into a clear plastic bag for venue entry. For specific details prior to attending a football game in the Cotton Bowl we encourage fans to visit BigTex.com/Football.  

The State Fair of Texas prohibits fairgoers from carrying all firearms, knives with blades over 5.5 inches long, clubs, explosive devices, ammunition, chemical dispensing devices, replicas or hoaxes, or weapons of any kind. This includes concealed carry and open carry of firearms anywhere on the fairgrounds including Cotton Bowl Stadium. This policy does not include elected, appointed, or employed peace officers.   

How will the State Fair enforce this new policy? 

• The State Fair is working diligently with its security partners to plan for the implementation of this policy.   

• Security team members will receive ample training to enforce this new policy. In addition, the State Fair has made significant financial investments in the security technology OPENGATE ® – a innovative Weapons Detection System designed for screening people as well as their bags. OPENGATE is one piece of the overall security screening process at every entry gate. 

How is the weapons policy different from last year? 

• Previously, our weapons policy allowed licensed concealed carry. Now it does not. 

Why did the Fair change its weapons policy? 

• Every year, the State Fair of Texas has an ongoing safety and security assessment, adding and adjusting security measures to ensure a safe environment for all fairgoers, employees, and vendors. For us to continue offering a safe event for all, we feel this is an important measure to implement.   

• Other events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and Rodeo Austin follow similar weapons policies as well.

State Fair of Texas Guest Code of Conduct 

The State Fair of Texas is a nonprofit organization that’s mission is to celebrate all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. We want to make sure the Fair is a fun – and safe – place for all our fairgoers, vendors, and Tex Team members.   

When you join us on the fairgrounds and attend the Fair, all fairgoers are expected to respect and abide by the following rules:   

• We expect all fairgoers to be Fair-friendly and respectful of your fellow fairgoers.  

• Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, offensive, or illegal is not allowed on the fairgrounds.  

• Disruptive running is not allowed on the fairgrounds.  

• Improper or illegal use of motorized scooters or similar items will not be allowed. Dangerous behavior or failure to abide by scooter rules will result in loss of privilege to operate a scooter and subject the offender to possible eviction from the fairgrounds.   

• After 5 p.m. Minors Policy: Starting at 5:00 p.m. daily, all minors, age 17 and under, must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone (21+) when they enter the Fair. Parents, guardians, or chaperones may accompany no more than six minors 17 years of age and under.  

• In addition to our safety measures on the fairgrounds, we also encourage guests to lock their vehicles and ensure they have properly stowed away any personal items or valuables.  

• Entry to the fairgrounds is contingent on a security screening process. All guests will be screened for weapons either by a walk-through or hand-held detection device. Bags, purses, coolers, and similar containers will be searched to determine if any illegal, prohibited, or suspicious items are present that may pose a safety or security concern within the property. For a full list of prohibited items, visit: BigTex.com/FAQ.  

• We ask that everyone remain “Fair Aware.” If you see something that doesn’t look right on the fairgrounds, please say something to a uniformed police officer or State Fair Safety Team member. Let’s all do our part to keep the State Fair safe.   

• Dress appropriately for a family-oriented and mostly outdoor event. Clothing must adequately cover the body. Visible undergarments are not permitted. Guests may be asked to remove masks, hoods, or other clothing that obscures the entire face of the person. Clothing likely to provoke a disturbance or involve other guests in open conflict is not permitted. Shoes must be worn at all times.  

• Not staging any form of public event or protest, soliciting, or distributing information of any kind without the prior written approval of State Fair of Texas management or security personnel.  

• Not leaving bags or baggage unattended. Any unattended bags are subject to search and possible seizure.   

• Only registered service animals that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are allowed. No pets are allowed. Dogs and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. The State Fair of Texas reserves the right to deny access or require removal of any service animal that is disruptive or poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.  

• Observing the hours of operation of the State Fair of Texas and its vendors, and promptly leaving at the close of business hours or as otherwise directed by State Fair of Texas management or security personnel.  

By attending the State Fair of Texas, you agree to abide by all the Fair’s rules, including all health and safety rules. Violation of these rules may cause forfeiture of your admission ticket and removal from the premises. For additional rules and legal disclosures, please refer to the back of your State Fair of Texas admission ticket or visit BigTex.com/FAQ. State Fair of Texas management and public safety personnel reserve the right at any time to disperse crowds or remove any person or groups of people from any area of the property when necessary or otherwise deemed appropriate. Any person engaged in any unlawful activity may face criminal prosecution.   

The State Fair of Texas respects the rights of all individuals and pledges the equitable enforcement of these rules, reserving the right to define and interpret conduct that may be unacceptable and to modify the terms of the Guest Code of Conduct at any time. The State Fair of Texas appreciates your cooperation in adhering to the Guest Code of Conduct.

All Bags, including backpacks. 

Purses that exceed 10” x 10”. 

Medical Bags will be inspected upon entry. 

All weapons of any kind.  

Outside alcoholic beverages of any kind. 

Artificial noisemakers (bells, horns, kazoos, whistles, etc.) 

Banners, flags, flag poles, signs, umbrellas, etc. 

Cameras with detachable lenses greater than 10”. Video cameras and tripods. 

Coolers 

Any explosive or flammable items. 

Outside food and beverages. 

Any items that are deemed a safety hazard or annoyance (balls, balloons, firearms, fireworks, frisbees, glass, hard plastic or metal water bottles, laser pointers, etc.) 

Pets (service dogs permitted). 

Strollers 

Tobacco products of any kind, including e-cigarettes. 

Any type of seat cushions or chair backs. 

Baby seats