For the sixth year, the State Fair of Texas is offering Sensory Friendly Mornings at the Fair every Wednesday – October 2, 9, and 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Providing a family-friendly environment is at the core of the State Fair mission. Therefore, the Fair is excited to bring back Sensory Friendly Mornings for a sixth year. The Fair collaborated with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and other local organizations to devise ways to make Sensory-Friendly Mornings beneficial and fun for all who choose to attend, with the goal of creating opportunities for people to experience the Fair in a more accessible way.
On Sensory Friendly Mornings, adjustments are made across fairgrounds to accommodate any sensory-related concerns. The Fair has created a special guided itinerary with a list of activities and exhibits that are easy on the eyes and ears.
You can find the itinerary at BigTex.com/Sensory to start planning your visit. Fairgoers will also be able to enjoy all the Midway fun without the usual lights and sounds from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the fairground areas designated as “Quiet Zones.” Families can go to these areas should they need to depressurize. Please note that the usual lights and sounds of the Midway will return at 1:30 p.m.The State Fair of Texas will be partnering with Joni and Friends Texas during the first Sensory Friendly Morning of the Fair on Wednesday, October 2. Joni and Friends is a nonprofit organization that supports folks with disabilities around the world. Joni and Friends Texas will be providing registered families with a volunteer buddy to provide additional support during your Fair visit. If your family would like to sign up for a buddy, or if you are interested in volunteering for the first Sensory-Friendly Wednesday at the Fair, please visit Joni and Friends at the State Fair, Texas 2024 | Joni and Friends to register. Check out the video below to see all the fun that was had in 2023, at the Most Texan Place on Earth in partnership with Joni and Friends Texas.
Trends in attendance show that Wednesdays provide a better experience for those with sensory sensitivities.
Wednesdays are also the best discount day! Each person who brings five canned food items to donate to North Texas Food Bank will receive $5 admission.The Fair welcomes individuals with autism, their families, and anyone else who may benefit from a sensory-friendly experience to come out and enjoy the Most Texan Place on Earth on Sensory Friendly Mornings. For more information, visit BigTex.com/Sensory or contact the Director of Communications, Taylor Pulfer, at tpulfer@bigtex.com.
About the State Fair of TexasSince its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2024 exposition runs from September 27 through October 20 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.