Here’s everything you need to know for the 2022 Arizona State Fair

PHOENIX — The peculiar tastes, smells and thrills of the Arizona State Fair return to Phoenix on Friday.

The monthlong event, located at 19th Avenue and McDowell Road, has a host of new attractions and features debuting over a five-week stretch.

The fair attracted about 1.6 million visitors in 2019, the highest total seen in its history.

Here’s a guide on what to know about this year’s edition of the fair, which ends Oct. 30:

Performances

There won’t be concerts inside the Veterans Memorial Coliseum for a second consecutive year because the fair “faced challenges stemming from the pandemic, increased production and artist costs and a tight touring and saturated live entertainment market.”

Instead, tribute bands will again play at the backyard stage on most nights, starting on Friday’s opening night.

Performances will happen at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The fair said it expects its concert series to return in 2023.

A full list of tribute bands and other performances can be found online.

Activities

There will be more than 50 rides and events this year for fairgoers, including some newbies.

The Arizona Omnium Circus will run from Sept. 29 to Oct. 9, the first appearance at the fair.

🚨NEW🚨at the 2022 #azstatefair and for the first time ever in Arizona Omnium Circus! For a limited time, only you can get Buy One Get One Free tickets to this bold new circus when you download our app.

For iPhone:https://t.co/4HwPK2ddES

For Android:https://t.co/xbl0VBPWNa pic.twitter.com/UFg4cgdpyw

— Arizona State Fair (@azstatefair) September 13, 2022

Also new will be aerialists, The Flying Royals.

NEW at the Arizona State Fair this year, The Flying Royals. These aerialists will have you hanging on to your seats. 🪂 Check out our daily calendar below for all the new shows this year! 😆https://t.co/PEz6whId1f pic.twitter.com/fpPnL1Wn75

— Arizona State Fair (@azstatefair) September 1, 2022

A full list of rides and their prices can be found online.

Food

Don’t keep scrolling if you’re hungry — especially if you have a sweet tooth.

The fair has already offered up quite a few new food items for this year.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Funnel Cake:

🚨 If the churros sounded good imagine this! NEW THIS YEAR the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Funnel Cake. 🤤 Tag who you're sharing this with in the comments below. pic.twitter.com/lxSuAeSFrj

— Arizona State Fair (@azstatefair) September 12, 2022

Mazapan con Lechera Donut:

More new donuts from our friends at Texas Donuts the Mazapan con Lechera Donut.🤤 We are more than ready to try this one! Tag the person who's buying you one of these below! 😆 pic.twitter.com/v25ZXuGEKe

— Arizona State Fair (@azstatefair) September 20, 2022

Ay Caramba! Donut:

Ay Caramba! Try the NEW strawberry sprinkle donut from Texas Donuts. 🤤 Who's trying this one? pic.twitter.com/HVVwk4meu3

— Arizona State Fair (@azstatefair) September 19, 2022

Cap’n Crunch Churro:

Oh it's not over yet! 🚨 NEW at the #azstatefair CAP'N Crunch Churros. The person you tag in the comments has to buy you the first round of churros. 🤣 More food coming stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/k4ANK3PPEq

— Arizona State Fair (@azstatefair) September 11, 2022

Loco Ramen Cup:

🚨Here's one you won't want to miss! NEW this year the LOCO Ramen Cup 🤤✋We're ready for this one. Tag someone you want to try it with. More new foods coming stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/1OPArBF3mU

— Arizona State Fair (@azstatefair) September 11, 2022

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Churro:

The #azstatefair is not complete without NEW FOODS 🤤 New this year 🚨 Cinnamon Toast Crunch Churros ✋ Sign us up! Re-tweetif you'll be trying these sweet delicious churros! pic.twitter.com/hiPdnuYDjz

— Arizona State Fair (@azstatefair) September 10, 2022

Tickets and hours

Tickets are $15 for everyone at least 8 years old and free for children 7 and under.

The fair will run Thursdays through Sundays through Oct. 30. Gates will open at noon each day and the fair will stay open typically until 11 p.m. Closing time will vary on attendance.

Unlimited ride wristbands will be available this year.

Deals are available on certain days throughout the month.

Fairgoers can also rent private cabanas this year.

Parking

Parking in the two lots owned by the fair will run you between $8 and $30.

The west lot at Encanto Boulevard between 19th and 20th avenues costs $8.

The north lot at 19th and Monte Vista avenues costs $12, with a VIP parking option for $30.

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