What items are prohibited at the Fair?
For the safety and enjoyment of all fairgoers, certain items are not permitted at the State Fair of Texas. Prohibited items include:
• Soft-sided coolers larger than 9 inches x 10 inches x 12 inches (9” x 10” x 12”). Soft-sided coolers cannot contain loose or dry ice. (Re-usable ice packs recommended) Medical and parenting/childcare bags are the only exception.
• Collapsible and folding chairs.
• Hard-sided coolers and baskets of any size.
• Hydration packs larger than 9” x 10” x 12”.
• Firearms, ammunition, knives (other than small pocket knives), lasers and weapons of any kind including replicas, facsimiles, toys, and likenesses.
• Costume, makeup, mask, or face covering (unless medically necessary) completely concealing a person’s identity or fully obscuring facial features.
• Chemical dispensing device for personal protection.
• Aerosol cans (except sunscreen)
• Illegal drug, substance, enriched product, or paraphernalia
• Fireworks, sparklers, or explosives.
• Smoke, fog, or haze emitting machine or device.
• Alcoholic beverages. Glass containers (excluding baby food jars or similar.)
• Horns, whistles, megaphones, or artificial noise makers.
• UAV or UAS (unmanned aircraft – “drone”)
• Skateboards, Hoverboards, roller and inline skates, and shoes installed with wheels.
• Foot or electrically powered scooters, bicycles, tricycles, and unicycles.
• Balloons, Beach balls, and Hula Hoops.
• Any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled, or towed by an Electric Conveyance Vehicle, wheelchair, stroller, or person.
• Selfie sticks or camera extensions of any kind.
• Commercial Audio, Video, or Camera equipment (Holders of State Fair Media Credentials exempted.)
• Long stick, Golf-style umbrellas.
• Sticks, bats, and poles.
• Pets. (ADA certified service animals are exempt.)
• Other carry-in deemed inappropriate by State Fair Management.
We reserve the right to prohibit the use or storage of any other item not listed above that we determine may be harmful or disruptive, in our sole and absolute discretion.
What activities are prohibited at the Fair?
• The sale of goods or services, or the display of goods or services, unless prior written approval has been obtained.
• The distribution or posting of printed or recorded materials of any kind unless prior written approval has been obtained.
• Engaging with other guests or impeding operations while posing as or portraying any character in costume.
• Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the State Fair of Texas or any part thereof.
• Unauthorized access or entry into backstage areas or areas designated only for State Fair of Texas personnel.
• Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign or other material for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration.
• Photography, videotaping or recording of any kind, or otherwise engaging in any activity, for unapproved commercial purposes.
• Unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational or otherwise, or conducting any unauthorized commercial activities, including solicitations of money or other contributions or donations.
• Obstructing sidewalks, entrances, driveways, patios, vestibules, stairways, corridors, halls, or landings.
We reserve the right to prohibit the use or storage of any other item not listed above that we determine may be harmful or disruptive, in our sole and absolute discretion.
Can I smoke or vape at the Fair?
Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated areas throughout the fairgrounds. Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside buildings, tents, or other designated smoke-free areas. Please look for posted signage or ask a Fair team member for the nearest designated smoking area.
Can I ride a bicycle, skateboard, or roller blade at the Fair?
In the interest of the overall safety for our guests, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, and/or other wheeled forms of transportation are prohibited inside the gates (wagons to transport small children are approved.)
Can I bring bull horns, air horns, megaphones, or similar items into the Fair?
Bull horns, air horns, megaphones, and similar items are NOT allowed. Please leave these items at home or in your vehicle prior to entering the fairgrounds. Use of these items on the fairgrounds is strictly prohibited and will result in the item being confiscated and could result in you being removed from the Fair.
Can I bring large signs, large props, or similar items into the Fair?
Large signs or props are NOT allowed. Please leave them at home or in your vehicle prior to entering the fairgrounds. Use of these items on the fairgrounds will result in confiscation of related materials and could result in you being removed from the Fair.
Can I bring my pet to the Fair?
Pets are NOT allowed; however, a service animal is permitted for individuals with a disability. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. All service animals must remain on a leash or harness and may not be left unattended. Service animal behavior is the responsibility of the owner, and you will be asked to leave the Fair if their behavior becomes a threat to the safety of another guest or employee. We do not have accommodations for pets at the fairgrounds.
For more information about service animals and the ADA, please visit their website.