Texans Credit Union is introducing Pulse of Texans, a recurring report exploring how North Texans spend, save, budget, and invest as well as how they feel, generally, about their money. Pairing real-world insights with practical guidance, the series examines the financial decisions shaping everyday life in our communities.

Our inaugural edition focuses on budgeting for a visit to the 2026 State Fair of Texas. The report explores how North Texans plan to adjust their State Fair spending and which experiences they’re most willing to splurge on. It also examines changes in admission costs for the 2026 State Fair season and offers tips for having a fun, memorable visit that doesn’t break the bank.

Before you head to the State Fair, consider:

• If cash is part of the plan, it is worth withdrawing it from an in-network ATM before heading to Fair Park to avoid out-of-network ATM fees.
• Weekday admission saves two adults $20 compared with a weekend visit.
• Locals can park for free at their nearest DART station and ride to the Fair Park station to save roughly 20% compared to a parking pass.

Explore the full State Fair edition for a closer look at this year’s costs, spending priorities, and opportunities to save.