These are the Rules to Follow at the 2025 West Texas Fair & Rodeo

The 2025 West Texas Fair & Rodeo runs through Saturday, September 13, at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene. Ten full days of family fun in the Big Country. But before you head out, there are some important rules and new policies to know about what you can and can’t bring inside the gates.

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The Code of Conduct Everyone Must Follow

Earlier this year, during the High School Rodeo, I spoke with Expo Center Director Rochelle Johnson about how polite the young rodeo competitors were. She reminded me that the WTFR posts a strict code of conduct every year to ensure the fair stays family-friendly and safe.

Here are some of the major points:

• Dress Code: Shirts and shoes are required. No sagging pants, exposed underwear, offensive clothing, or gang colors/signs.
• Behavior: No disruptive conduct, profanity, skateboards, rollerblades, or bicycles.
• Prohibited Acts: No picketing, soliciting, or criminally recognized gang activity.
• Livestock Etiquette: Do not feed or touch animals unless you have the owner’s permission.
• Cleanliness: Use trash bins—help keep the fairgrounds clean.
• Loitering: Don’t block storefronts or walk in large groups that inconvenience others.
• Alcohol & Smoking: Alcohol must stay in designated areas. No parking lot drinking, and no smoking anywhere on the fairgrounds.
• Pets: Only service animals are allowed.
• Food & Drinks: No outside food or drinks unless for children in strollers.
• Truancy & Safety: Truancy rules are enforced, and unsafe behavior will not be tolerated.
  Break these rules and you could be escorted out.

New for 2025: Clear Bag Policy

To improve safety and speed up entry lines, the WTFR has implemented a clear bag policy this year.

Allowed Bags:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
• Small clutch purses
• Diaper bags and medically necessary bags (all subject to inspection)

Prohibited Bags:

• Purses larger than a clutch
• Backpacks
• Briefcases
• Fanny packs
• Cinch bags
• Luggage of any kind
• Computer bags
• Camera bags

Read More: Get Ready For Texas-sized Fun At Upcoming Fall Festivals

Final Thoughts

The West Texas Fair & Rodeo is one of the biggest events of the year in Abilene, and it’s a tradition families across West Texas look forward to. Knowing the rules before you go will save you time at the gate and help keep the fun rolling inside.

So grab your clear bag, dress appropriately, follow the code of conduct, and get ready for ten days of rodeo, concerts, carnival fun, and West Texas memories at the WTFR.