Overview
- Reported attendance was the lowest since 2018, excluding the 2020 drive‑thru year, according to local coverage citing fair data.
- The fair’s peak day was Oct. 11 during the Red River Rivalry, with more than 193,000 fairgoers and about 148,300 attending the game.
- Fair officials reported no safety or security incidents on the grounds this year and credited new measures for the outcome.
- Families and social media posts pointed to high costs as a deterrent, and the fair said vendors set their own prices but pricing will be discussed in the off‑season.
- The nonprofit highlighted continued reinvestment—more than $85 million since 2015 and over $19.5 million in 2024—announced Sept. 25–Oct. 18, 2026 return dates, and noted ongoing vendor food donations through State Fair Cares.