Experience the Arizona State Fair: Fun, Food, and Excitement

Each year about one million people, Arizona residents as well as visitors from other states, come to Phoenix to attend the Arizona State Fair. The phrase “something for everyone” has never had more meaning than when applied to the fair. Kids and teens enjoy the fair, while adults can also appreciate the entertainment and activities offered.

When is the Arizona State Fair?

The dates for the 133rd Arizona State Fair are October 5–28, 2018. The Fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesday through Friday, the Arizona State Fair opens at noon, while on Saturdays and Sundays, gates open at 11 a.m.

2017 Single Day Regular Admission

Ages 6-13: $7
Ages 14-54: $10
Ages 55 and up: $7
Ages 5 and under are admitted free

Included in the Price of Admission

Attending the Arizona State Fair doesn’t need to deplete your entertainment budget. Once you have paid your general admission, you can enjoy a variety of attractions, including rodeos, racing, a petting zoo, science displays, and 4-H exhibits at no extra cost.

Rides

The Midway is the hub of excitement, where you can purchase ride tickets in various package options, including all-day ride wristbands. Please note that there is a service charge for buying tickets online: buy tickets online.

Additional Admission Packages

Alongside all-day wristbands for rides, Season Passes and Fast Passes (front-of-the-line ride passes), VIP parking, and advance daily admission passes are available for purchase. Explore all ticket package options online.

Win First Prize

During this year’s Arizona State Fair, there are multiple competitions including cooking and eating contests as well as online contests.

Where Is It?

The State Fair is conveniently located at the Fairgrounds (1826 W. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ), easily accessible for all visitors. A $10 charge for parking applies at the fairgrounds, while parking costs $5 in the adjacent lot. Free parking is available at the State Capitol on Friday nights and after 10 a.m. on weekends.

For additional information about travel and road restrictions for this event, you can contact the Arizona Department of Transportation using the number 5-1-1.

Arizona State Fair 2018 Concert Schedule

The concert program is among the most popular attractions at the Arizona State Fair. General Admission concert seating is free with your entry to the Fair, while reserved seating is available for purchase at a reduced rate compared to typical concert ticket prices.

This year’s concert schedule includes:

Friday, October 5 at 7 p.m.
Garry Allan

Saturday, October 6 at 7 p.m.
The Flaming Lips

Wednesday, October 10 at 7 p.m.
38 Special

Thursday, October 11 at 7 p.m.
Wallflowers

Friday, October 12 at 7 p.m.
Fiesta Friday

Wednesday, October 17 at 7 p.m.
Pitbull

Thursday, October 18 at 7 p.m.
Anthrax

Friday, October 19 at 7 p.m.
Paulina Rubio

Saturday, October 20 at 7 p.m.
Big and Rich

Wednesday, October 24 at 7 p.m.
Casting Crowns

Thursday, October 25 at 7 p.m.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Friday, October 26 at 7 p.m.
Old School Jam

Tip: Doors open one hour prior to concert time. For popular shows, attendees often line up an hour in advance for general admission seating, which can be competitive due to the venue’s capacity of over 14,000 seats.

Arizona State Fair Annual Favorite Attractions

• Arizona Milk Producers’ Milking Parlor
• Copper Gloves Boxing
• Flying Meatball Circus
• Fry’s Culinary Stage
• Godfrey The Magician
• The Great American Petting Zoo
• Kerr’s Farm Tours
• Mitchell’s Marionettes
• Native Spirit
• rePercusssion
• Roberto the Magnificent
• Sale of Champions
• Swifty Swine Swimming and Racing Pig Show
• The Backyard
• Thunderbird Model Railroad Club Display
• Tyzen the Hypnotist
• Quarter Midget Racing
• FMX & Democross & Freestyle Monster Trucks
• All-Indian Rodeo
• Figure 8 Racing
• High School Rodeo

Bring Your Appetite and Your Courage!

The food at the Arizona State Fair is always a highlight, featuring new tastes each year. From traditional favorites like potatoes to unconventional selections like chocolate-covered scorpions, there’s something for everyone.

Discounts on Admission and Rides at the Arizona State Fair

Getting a good deal at the Arizona State Fair is a bonus! Common promotions and discounts often include advance purchase tickets at a reduced rate, and these prices can be checked online during the Fair’s run.

Where to Stay: Hotels and Motels Within About Three Miles of the Arizona State Fairgrounds

With visitors traveling from all over, selecting the right hotel near the Arizona State Fair is essential. Here are important considerations:

• The Fairgrounds’ address is 1826 W. McDowell Road and is centrally located in Phoenix.
• To stay close, consider booking accommodations in specific zip codes—particularly those west and east of Central Avenue—that are within ten miles of the Fairgrounds.
• While there are budget-friendly options, be cautious of subpar hotels. Stick to recognized brands to ensure quality accommodations.
• Public transportation options are available; confirm if your selected motel is accessible via bus routes. Note that light rail service may not reach the Fair directly.
• Complimentary parking and shuttle services are provided from the State Capitol on weekends; details for the shuttle service should be checked as they may vary.

Americas Best Value Inn – 424 West Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 85003

Comfort Inn – 1344 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, 85009

Extended Stay America Phoenix Midtown – 217 W Osborn Rd, Phoenix, 85013

Fairfield Inn & Suites Phoenix – 2520 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 85004

Hampton Inn – 160 W Catalina Dr, Phoenix, 85013

Hilton Garden Inn – 4000 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 85012

Hilton Phoenix Suites – 10 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, 85012

La Quinta Inn – 2725 N Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, 85009

Rodeway Inn – 402 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 85003

If you are unfamiliar with the greater Phoenix area, this map will help you see where the cities are in relation to one another.

_{All dates, times, prices, and offerings are subject to change without notice.}