After the Tulsa State Fair’s drop in attendance and increase in prices last year, how far will your dollar go at “11 days of awesome” that kick off Thursday?
You’ve already spent about $40 as a single adult before stepping foot inside: $17 for a ticket, plus $20 on parking (unless you hop on the free shuttle). Then it’s a choose your own monetary adventure: you’ve got rides, concerts and food you can burn some cash on.
Gate entry and rides cost the same this year as they did last year. But with $11 corndogs and $23 turkey legs, you might quickly approach spending one Benjamin.
While many things require you to open your wallet, there are several free activities too. We’ve made a guide of what costs what — and what costs nothing — at the fair this year.
For more than 30 years, Rick Ukmar has traveled to state fairs around the country selling pizza slices, fries and funnel cakes. The Rick’s Pizza staple: a $9 slice of pickle pizza, which is getting hot Takis this year for the Tulsa State Fair’s Awesome Eats Food Competition.
He says the Tulsa State Fair is a great one because staff are easy to work with and he doesn’t face as many added fees. All fairs take some of the food vendor’s revenue, but he says the percentage is lower in Tulsa than other places. It’s around 17% instead of 25%.
“That makes it easy for us to keep our prices reasonable, and we don’t have to raise them,” Ukmar said.
On top of that, he doesn’t have to pay for entry to the Tulsa State Fair each day. Wholesale food costs have also stayed steady, like the price of mozzarella. Fuel has gotten more expensive at times, but he says he hasn’t raised prices because of that.
“As long as the fair is reasonable, we as vendors should keep it reasonable ourselves,” he said.
So a single person at the fair would spend around $75 on admission, parking, a couple of rides, a slice of pickle pizza, a lemonade and deep-fried Oreos. If you add a single VIP concert ticket or a couple of alcoholic beverages, you’ve likely blown past $100.
See promotion deals here. Winners of the Awesome Eats Food Competition will be announced Oct. 3, and you can find out who else is in the running here. Locate all food options using the fair’s finder tool here.
Freebies at the fair
There are many free things you can wander into. They happen on specific days and times throughout the week. Make sure you plan ahead.
- Music: Any remaining seats at the Oklahoma Stage concerts are free with your gate admission. There are also free concerts at Hard Rock Huddle Tent, International Beer Garden, Wine Garden and Carousel Club. Read more about music here.
- Attractions: From sea lions to dogs performing tricks, the Tulsa State Fair has 11 attractions this year. Each happens on specific days and times. “Disney On Ice” requires paid tickets. Find out more information here.
- Muscogee Nation Entertainment Stage: Watch pageants, the Oklahoma State Fiddling Championship and other performances on this stage. Find out days and times here.
- Exhibits: 4-H, FFA and other competitive exhibits will be on display all 11 days of the fair. Curious what’s at stake for best photo or pumpkin decorating? Find out here.
- Exchange Center: Many vendors will be tabling in the SageNet Center, and they might have freebies and resources for you. Come say hello to staff from the Flyer and Oklahoma Eagle during all 11 days.
- 918 Create: You can make friendship bracelets and more at various DIY workshops. Class size is limited, so sign up in person at Central Park Hall. Read more here.
- Other things: The petting zoo, fireworks and more are open to the public. Read more about when those are happening here.
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