After the Texas State Fair was empty last year, fair officials are lowering fees in hopes of attracting more fairgoers.
However, ticket price cuts have done little to quell criticism. As videos circulate showing sparsely attended fairgrounds, complaints about concession costs are also gaining attention, including reports of turkey legs selling for around $25.
For many families, lowering admission fees only addresses part of the problem.
Here's what to know
In a YouTube video, commentary creator Social Symone (@SocialSymone) asked, "Why is the Texas State Fair so empty this year, even after lowering prices?" The video had already gotten over 450,000 views.
The fair reduced admission and parking prices after drawing complaints in 2025, but many people still view a visit as too costly overall. In footage of the "ghost town looking fairgrounds" shared by Social Symone, fairgoers described the experience as "so lonely"
Much of the frustration about the fair seems to center on what people pay once they get inside.
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In addition to nearly $25 turkey legs, sausage on a stick was reportedly $17 and specialty pizza $14. Parking, rides, and games add even more expenses for families.
More background
One turkey leg, one sausage on a stick, and one specialty pizza would total about $55 to $56 before drinks, rides, or games.
For a family of four, that kind of spending can add up to a week's worth of groceries in one outing. As one commenter said, "A family ends up paying HUNDREDS of dollars to go to their local state fair."
Symone connected the empty fair to "economic hardship" and to consumers asking whether the fair is "worth their money." It's not just one expensive food item but the total cost of a day out.
"Parking should be free if it's the only way to access an event," one commenter suggested.
What's being done?
The online reactions in 2026 suggest this year's cuts may not be enough to fix the problem. When a single food item still costs $25, visitors may feel the real financial hit begins once they are inside the fairgrounds.
Social Symone highlighted the backlash with one question: "Is the Texas State Fair pricing out everyday families?"
Where can I learn more?
Frustration over fair prices echoes backlash over costs getting out of control. The articles below cover summer travel costs and proposed new driver charges.
• Summer travelers faced a brutal price squeeze as flights jumped and gas neared $5.
• New York officials considered an annual fee on drivers to support state programs.
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