2026 Arizona State Fair: Your guide to rides, food and fun

Thrill rides, live concerts and your favorite fair foods return to Phoenix when the Arizona State Fair opens Thursday at noon.

From cotton candy to turkey legs, fairgoers can indulge in classic treats and explore unexpected bites during the event’s run through Nov. 1.

Planning a visit? The 142nd state fair takes place at the fairgrounds at 19th Avenue, Grand Avenue and McDowell Road. Here’s what to know before you go.

What are the hours of the Arizona State Fair?

The fair is open Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 1–Nov. 1.

Last entry is at 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The fair’s closing time varies depending on crowd size and ongoing activities. However, the barn, coliseum halls and shopping pavilion close between 9 and 10 p.m.

Parking lots open at 10 a.m. each day the fair is open. The fair’s website recommends planning ahead and arriving early.

What concerts will be at the Arizona State Fair?

The 2026 Coliseum Concert Series at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum is headlined by the following acts (all concerts begin at 7.p.m.):

• Gin Blossoms: Oct. 2
• Becky G: Oct. 9
• All Time Low: Oct. 10
• The Offspring: Oct. 16
• Russell Dickerson: Oct. 17
• Public Enemy: Oct. 24

All concerts have no opening act. Tickets to a concert guarantee a reserved seat and includes fair admission.

Additionally, The Backyard stage will host various tribute bands on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as the Battle of the Bands competition on Thursdays.

What shows will be at the Arizona State Fair?

The Arizona State Fair’s Grandstand Series features rodeos, bull riding, figure-eight races and monster trucks at Grandstand Arena. Dates and showtimes vary:

• High School Rodeo: Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
• Native American Rodeo, presented by Desert Diamond Casino West Valley: Oct. 2–3 at 2 and 7 p.m. each day.
• Xtreme Bull Riding, presented by The Hondo Rodeo Fest: Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.
• Figure 8 Races: Oct. 16–18 and Oct. 23–25 at 7 p.m. each day.
• All Star Monster Trucks: Oct. 9 and 30 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 10 and 31 at 2, 4 and 7 p.m.; and Oct. 11 and Nov. 1 at 1 and 5 p.m.

More spectacles and performances include:

• Circus Luminescence: Oct. 1-Nov. 1
• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show: Oct. 1-Nov.1
• Comedy Hypnotist Tyzen: Oct. 1-Nov.1
• Parrots of the Caribbean Bird Display: Oct. 1-Nov.1
• Native Spirit: Oct. 1-4, Oct. 15-25
• Pualto Polynesian Dancers: Oct. 8-9
• Golden Phoenix Lion Dancers: Oct. 29, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1

What food will be available at the Arizona State Fair?

Fair food is always a staple, and this year there will be no shortage of options. Food items will be distinguished into three categories: “A State of Wonder” (bold, unexpected creations), “Arizona Originals” and “Fair Favorites Reimagined.”

Notable items include Nashville hot mac and cheese balls, mozzarella-stuffed chorizo Sonoran dogs and bacon-wrapped churros.

Every Friday during October will be “$5 Foodie Friday,” in which food stands will offer special tastings of their iconic items for just $5.

A full list of available fair food can be found online.

What animals can you see at the Arizona State Fair?

Arizona agriculture will take center stage at the fair’s Agriculture Center, with livestock and small-animal shows scheduled throughout the event.

Fields of Giants runs Oct. 1-4. Other shows include:

• Rabbits/Cavy Show: Oct. 1–4
• Poultry Show: Oct. 1-4
• Youth Livestock Show: Oct. 8-11
• Market Turkey Show: Oct. 8-11
• Sheep Show: Oct. 15-18
• Meat Goat Show: Oct. 22-25
• Open Dairy Goat Show: Oct. 29-Nov. 1

All listed shows run from noon to 9 p.m. on their scheduled dates.

How much are tickets to the Arizona State Fair?

Tickets can be purchased online in advance at the following rates:

• Children (under 4): Free
• Children (5-12): $12
• Adult (13 and older): $20
• Senior (62 and older): $14
• Military and First Responders: $12 (on-site only with ID)

There are several promotions throughout the fair’s duration to receive discounts, such as bringing eight cans of nonperishable food on Fridays (noon to 6 p.m.) to get in for free.

How much do rides and games cost at the Arizona State Fair?

Ride and game costs vary by package at the Arizona State Fair:

• Unlimited Ride Wristband: $55 presale, including taxes and fees. Valid on Thursdays or Sundays, each wristband includes unlimited rides until 9 p.m. and two free games. Wristbands must be purchased and redeemed by 7 p.m.
• Five-Game Pass: $15. Available only onsite on Thursdays and Sundays. All five games must be used on the day of purchase.
• Dream Pass: $45 presale, including taxes and fees. Includes 10 rides or games in any combination for one person on a single fair day. Purchase online by Sept. 30 at 11:59 p.m. Fair admission is sold separately.

The Unlimited Ride Wristband and Dream Pass exclude The Aviator, The Goliath, Titan and Sling Shot.

Individual ride tickets can also be purchased through the FunPass app on iPhones and Androids.

Parking at the Arizona State Fair

The state fair has two parking lots. Fairgoers will have to pay to park.

The north lot is located on the southeast corner of 19th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. The west lot is located directly across 19th Avenue.

Parking for both lots will cost $25 for standard vehicles and $45 for oversized vehicles.

A free park and ride is available at Phoenix College.

Fairgoers who use a rideshare service will need to enter on 19th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard.

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