PHOENIX — The weather is cooler (for now), pumpkin spice is in the air, and it's time for Arizona's time-honored tradition: the 2024 Arizona Exposition and State Fair!
The state fair is celebrating 140 years of fun and invites Arizonans from across the state to enjoy six weekends of musical performances, your favorite fair foods, showcases and more.
Want to head down to the fair? Here's everything you need to know before you go.
When can I go to the fair?
The fair is open Thursday through Sunday from Sep. 20 to Oct. 27. For opening weekend, Sep. 20-22, the gates open at 4 p.m. For the remainder of the weekends, gates open at 12 p.m.
The fair is open Thursday through Friday and there are a number of reduced-cost ticket days, as well.
How much does it cost to go to the fair?
Looking for a way to enjoy the fun on a budget? Check out Feel Good Fridays by Sanderson Ford. The state fair is celebrating 140 years by giving back: you can bring 10 canned or non-perishable food items to the fair on a Friday to receive one free admission.
Military personnel can also get free admission on Oct. 11 as a thank-you from the Arizona State Fair. To access your free tickets, use the password USAA to get your tickets, and present your military ID when you redeem your tickets.
What can I do at the fair?
There are tons of options for fair-goers, from animals and rides to art exhibits and musical performances. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Great American Petting Zoo: Goats, pigs, sheep, miniature donkeys and even a Zebu await you at the fair's petting zoo! Purchase some animal feed and enjoy petting some furry friends at the Agricultural Center from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Pumpkinferno: Get ready for some lit pumpkins, Arizona. The Arizona Science Center shows thousands of intricately hand-carved artificial pumpkins in an immersive walk-through experience from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night.
- Native Spirit: Each day at the Arizona State Fair, you can see a cultural presentation with dance performances, artisans and more from various nations all across the United States and Canada. Catch Native Spirit at 5, 6:45 and 8:30 p.m.
- Coliseum Concert Series: A fan favorite of many 12News journalists, the concert series at the fair is not to be missed. Presented by Arizona Lottery, the concert series includes performances for just $25 to The All American Rejects on Oct. 12, I Love the 90s Tour featuring Vanilla Ice, Rob Base and Montell Jordan on Oct. 18, and Big Time Rush on Oct. 25. Tickets to concerts include fair admission unless you purchase tickets to a day of show.
Can I enjoy the fair on a budget?
There's no shortage of things to spend your money on at the fair. There's tons of delicious food, rides and tickets, which can all add up pretty quick. But if you're looking to enjoy fair fun without breaking the bank, here are a few tips:
- Check out the $3 Taste of the Fair: On Fridays, you can enjoy $3 food items at every stand from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The only day the deal is not active is opening day. Check out the "Taste of Fair" map here.
- Donate 10 canned food items for free admission: On Fridays, you can bring in 10 non-perishable food items for one free admission to the fair.
- Animals galore: Walking through the animal exhibits or taking a gander at the Youth Livestock Show is free with admission. The Native American Rodeo is also free with the price of admission and takes place on Oct. 4 and 5.
- Read and Ride: The state fair is offering free ride passes for kids who participate in their Read and Ride program. Little ones ages 5-14 pick one to three books, read them, fill out the Official Read and Ride Report Form, have a parent or guardian sign it, and then redeem the fair for up to three free ride passes.
How accessible is the state fair?
If you want to enjoy the fair but are worried about accessibility, here are a few things the state fair is doing to ensure all guests can enjoy some fun in the sun.
- You can rent wheelchairs, wagons, strollers and mobility scooters at the fair from Copper Star Home Medical Supplies, according to the fair's website.
- There is parking available for guests with disabilities for a posted rate, the fair's website said. You can call 602-252-6771 for more information.
- ATMs include braille options and are accessible for guests in wheelchairs.
- The Coliseum west doors have ramp access on the right-hand side of the stairway.
- Accessible restrooms are located on the upper and lower levels of the Coliseum as well as at specific locations for individual events, the fair's website said.
For more information on accessibility, head to the state fair's website.
What is the bag policy at the state fair?
All bags are subject to inspection, the fair's website said. Guests may walk through metal detectors, be subject to pat-down searches and/or magnetic wanding.
The fair encourages clear bags for faster entry, but it is not required.
The state fair encourages fair-goers to leave outside food and drink, pepper spray, sharp metal objects sharpies and selfie sticks at home. For a full list of things to leave at home, head to the fair's website.
Where can I park for the state fair?
There are a few parking spots for the state fair you can utilize. The North and West lots each cost $15 to park in and the Phoenix College and State Capitol lots are available for free, but the shuttle to get to the fair costs $2.
The North Lot is located off 19th Avenue and Monte Vista Road. The West Lot is located off of 19th and 20th avenues.
The two "Park N' Ride" spots available are at Phoenix College and the State Capitol.
Taking an Uber, Waymo or other ride share? You can be dropped off and picked up off of Monte Vista Road and 19th Avenue.
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