Spring in Southeast Texas means the start of rodeo season! This year, the YMBL South Texas State Fair and Rodeo runs March 21 - 31, 2019 at Ford Park in Beaumont. From tickets to parking and all the events, we’ve got everything you need to know about this year’s fair! But first, let’s have some fun! It’s time to test your Rodeo IQ with a few random rodeo facts!

Q. What food do organizers use to get the pigs to race each other to the finish in the popular pig races?

A. Oreos! Yep, the popular chocolate and creamy icing cookie is a favorite for pigs too.The Swifty Swine Racing Pigs are located in the “HEB Kids Fun Zone.” Guests can watch the porky speedster’s race around the “Pork Chop Downs” International Speedway. The audience even gets involved, with some participants acting as judges and announcers! You might even catch a glimpse of the famous swimming pig! Yes, a pig that dives into water! There are 3-5 races each day. 

Swifty Swine Pig Races

Q. Mutton Bustin' might be one of the most memorable events at the YMBL State Fair and Rodeo. Contestants “Cowboy up” and hold on to a furry sheep for six seconds. What is the weight limit of the rider?

A. 55 pounds. Participation is also limited to boys and girls between the ages of 5-7 at the time of competition. Contestants will be selected from a pool of qualified entries. All contestants must wear protective gear. The audience goes wild to see these little cowboys hold on as long as possible! Mutton Bustin’ is at various times on March 31 and April 1st. For information about registering and when you can catch all the action, check the YMBL website.

Mutton Bustin at YMBL Fair

Q. Get your inner artist ready! There will be a HUGE mural coloring wall designed for kids of all ages. How tall is the wall?

A. 20 feet! The huge Monster Mural is an interactive coloring wall designed for kids and adults! It’s located inside the HEB Kids Fun Zone and is a way to leave your mark on the YMBL Fair experience. Selfie stick recommended! Also in the HEB Kids Fun Zone: The Petting Zoo, Camel rides, pony rides, the Southwest Dairy Museum Mobile Classroom and more! (Parents, hand sanitizing stations are located just outside the petting zoo.)

Coloring Mural

Q. How many different fried food items or food on a stick can you buy at the fair?

A. With 125+ different food vendors with around 10+ options at each stop, we estimate there are easily 1,000 different types of fried foods and foods on a stick you can sample at the fair. (This is an estimate of course, we recommend trying and counting for yourself if you dare.) Of course there are the favorites like chicken on a stick, sausage on a stick and funnel cakes… but you can also find fried oreos, fried moon pies, pickles on a stick, fried cheesecake, fried jalapeños and even candy on a stick - or candy kabobs as they are called. This year the Boy Scouts will also be selling cinnamon roasted pecans and almonds. Plan your food stops before you go by checking the vendor map.

Fried Fair Food on a Stick

Q. Yes, the Rodeo and Fair is a fun time but it also gives help to thousands of people in Southeast Texas. How many charitable groups and youth programs benefit from the money raised during fair time?

A. 39+ charitable groups and institutions benefit from the YMBL’s generosity. These groups include the American Cancer Society, Blue Santa Toy Run, Boys Haven, Family Services of Southeast Texas, Garth House, Girl’s Haven, Julie Rogers “Gift of Life,” Salvation Army, Some Other Place, Southeast Texas Food Bank, Shorkey Rehabilitation Center, Symphony of Southeast Texas and many more.

Event Details:

YMBL South Texas State Fair & Rodeo
March 21-31, 2019
Ford Park Entertainment Complex
5115 Interstate 10 South
Beaumont, TX 77705

Tickets: 

Kids age 2 and under are free
Youth ages 3-12: $4.00
Adults 13-64: $8.00
Senior Citizens: $4.00

CARNIVAL MIDWAY: The South Texas State Fair continues the over 50-year tradition it established with the Bill Hames Show by offering an exciting and fun-filled carnival midway provided by Fort Worth based Carnival Americana. Fair-goers’ will again enjoy their favorite rides plus some new and thrilling experiences. 

  • Thursday, March 21 - Unlimited Ride Wrist Band for use all evening Thursday - $35.00
  • Sunday, March 24 - Unlimited Ride Wrist Band for use all day Sunday - $35.00
  • Tuesday, March 26- Unlimited Ride Wrist Band for use all evening Tuesday - $35.00
  • Friday, March 29 - Unlimited Ride Wrist Band for use all evening Friday - $35.00
  • Sunday, March 31 - Unlimited Ride Wrist Band for use all day Sunday - $35.00

SPECIAL DAYS AND OFFERS:

OPENING NIGHT, Thursday, March 21st, The Fair offers FREE Admission to everyone attending Opening Ceremonies at the Archway Entrance Gate of Ford Park near Interstate 10. Following the Opening Ceremonies, all admission tickets will be sold at regular price Kids 2 years and under FREE; Youth, 3 ‑ 12 years, $4.00; Adults 13 – 64 years, $8.00; Senior Citizens 65 and over, $4.00. For Opening Night, The Carnival Americana Midway offers a special unlimited ride wristband for just $35.00. (none will be sold after 9:00 p.m.)

H-E-B FAIR SHARE FOR HUNGER SUNDAY, Sunday, March 24th. During this daylong promotion fairgoers are admitted FREE, when they bring six (6) non-perishable H-E-B brand vegetable can foods.The Fair will donate those can foods to the Southeast Texas Food Bank. Fair visitors without can foods pay regular entry price. The Carnival Americana Midway offers a special unlimited ride wristband for just $35.00. (none will be sold after 9:00 p.m.) without the wristband regular ride prices apply.

FLINT HILLS RESOURCES $1.00 NIGHT, Monday, March 25th. On this night Fairgoers can enter the Fair for $1.00 with a coupon, courtesy of Flint Hills Resources, AVAILABLE FROM AREA www.Fordpark.com. Quantities of coupons are limited and are available on a first come first serve basis. Ride prices on the Carnival Americana Midway will be $2.00 each all evening. No coupon necessary to ride each ride for $2.00.

EDUCATION FIRST FAMILY FUN NIGHT, Tuesday, March 26th, on this night fairgoers can enter the Fair for FREE with a coupon AVAILABLE FROM https://www.educationfirstfcu.org/about-us/promoti... Quantities of coupons are limited and are available on a first come first serve basis. The coupon holder may enter the Fair for the FREE and is eligible to purchase a wristband for $20.00. (Patrons without coupon may purchase carnival wristbands for $35.00) (none will be sold after 9:00 p.m.) This wristband permits them to ride the carnival rides on an unlimited basis . Fair visitors without coupon pay regular entry price and regular wristband or individual ride prices.

$2.00 RIDE NIGHT, Wednesday, March 27th. On this night Fairgoers can ride each ride on the Carnival Americana Midway for $2.00 each all evening.

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION NIGHT, scheduled for Thursday, March 28th. This promotion allows FREE admission for active, retired, reserve military, National Guard and disabled veterans along active first responders along with their dependents. A valid military I.D., badge or valid first responder I.D. must be shown at the Fair Admission gate.

FUN FRIDAY, Friday, March 29th, on this day the Fair opens at 5:00 P.M and the Carnival Americana Midway offers a special unlimited ride wristband for just $35.00. (none will be sold after 9:00 p.m.)

KID’S DAY, Saturday, March 30th, on this day the Fair admits Kids 17 and under free of charge from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Regular ride prices apply.

COCA-COLA/DR. PEPPER CANTASTIC SUNDAY, Sunday, March 31st. During this daylong promotion fairgoers are admitted free, when they bring an empty or full "six‑pack" of COCA-COLA/DR. PEPPER product cans. The Fair will donate the cans to a local charity. Patrons with these product cans are eligible to purchase a wristband for $20.00. (Patrons without the cans may purchase carnival wristbands for $35.00) (none will be sold after 9:00 p.m.) This wristband permits them to ride the carnival rides on an unlimited basis. Fair visitors without cans pay regular entry price and regular wristband or individual ride prices.

Parking:

Parking is FREE. Here is a map of the grounds and best places to park.

The Beaumont CVB is your one stop shop for all YMBL South Texas State Fair and Rodeo planning!