Can I bring a camera to the Fair?
Yes! Fairgoers are welcome to take photos and videos for personal use and enjoyment while visiting the State Fair of Texas. Cell phones and compact cameras are permitted, as well as cameras with detachable or non-detachable lenses no longer than 3 inches.
Photography or videography may not interfere with Fair operations, compromise the safety of other guests, or interfere with another fairgoer’s enjoyment of the Fair.
Professional or extensive camera equipment and cameras with lenses longer than 3 inches are not permitted without prior approval and appropriate credentials from the State Fair of Texas Public Relations Department.
Photographers, videographers, media, or others interested in bringing professional or extensive camera equipment should visit BigTex.com/Media and complete the State Fair of Texas Media Credentials Request Form prior to the Fair.
What camera and recording equipment is prohibited?
Unless approved and appropriately credentialed by the State Fair of Texas Public Relations Department, the following equipment is prohibited on the fairgrounds:
• Cameras with lenses longer than 3 inches, whether detachable or non-detachable
• Tripods
• Monopods
• Selfie sticks
• Camera extension poles or similar devices
• Commercial or professional audio, video, or camera equipment
• Cameras or recording devices mounted to vehicles, carts, scooters, mobility devices, or other moving objects
• Other photography or recording equipment deemed unsafe or disruptive by State Fair management
Prohibited equipment should be left at home or in your vehicle. The State Fair reserves the right to restrict the use of photography, videography, or recording equipment when necessary for safety, security, operational, or event-specific reasons.
Can I use my photos or videos for commercial purposes?
Photography and videography taken by fairgoers should be for personal use and enjoyment. Photography, videography, or recording for commercial, advertising, marketing, publishing, promotional, or other professional purposes requires prior approval from the State Fair of Texas.
Those interested in conducting commercial or professional photography or videography should visit BigTex.com/Media and complete the State Fair of Texas Media Credentials Request Form.
Can I fly a drone or other remote-controlled device at the Fair?
No. The State Fair of Texas prohibits the unauthorized use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, within the 277 acres of Fair Park during the Fair.
The use of remote-controlled devices of any type, including aircraft, drones, quadcopters, cars, and trucks, is prohibited on or above property owned, leased, or controlled by the State Fair of Texas without prior written approval from the State Fair of Texas Public Relations Department.
Any approved drone operation must comply with applicable FAA rules, provisions, and guidance and meet the State Fair’s safety requirements. Law enforcement will respond to unauthorized drone activity to identify the pilot and document the aircraft in use.
Individuals who violate the State Fair’s drone and remote-controlled device policy may be removed from the fairgrounds and may be subject to enforcement of applicable laws.
Does the Fair take photos or videos of its guests for various purposes?
When entering the fairgrounds during the annual State Fair of Texas, you hereby grant permission to SFT, its affiliates, and licensees, without compensation, to capture, film, video, photograph, publish, transmit, stream, display, reproduce, and otherwise use your image or likeness captured while attending the Fair or on the fairgrounds with or without your knowledge.