Big Tex is tightening up the rules this year, and that means changes for high school students.
The State Fair of Texas announced that only students in pre-K through eighth grade will continue receiving free admission tickets. High school students will no longer get the complimentary passes but can still purchase discounted tickets.
The Fair has seen an uptick in incidents involving high school students in recent years, a spokesperson told WFAA. Extra security needs, along with the cost of printing unused tickets, have driven up expenses.
To help keep crowds safe, the fair is also rolling out a clear bag policy. Visitors must bring clear bags and walk through metal detectors at all entry gates. Anyone younger than 18 must be with a parent, guardian or chaperone after 5 p.m.
Still, high schoolers looking for a day at the fair have an option. Students can purchase one-day admission for $12 Monday through Thursday by visiting BigTex.com/5HS and entering the promo code 2025EDU. Each student may buy up to two tickets with the discount.
