Here is a guide on what to know for the 2019 Arizona State Fair

PHOENIX — It’s October in the Valley, which means it’s state fair time.

The Arizona State Fair returns Friday and will run through Oct. 27 (Wednesdays-Sundays) at its central Phoenix home.

Visitors will get their traditional tastes, smells and thrills while enjoying new options the fair has to offer.

“We have several new attractions as well as all the old family traditions,” Jen Yee, assistant executive director for the Arizona State Fair, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors (ages 55 and older) and children (ages 5-13).

Here’s a guide on what to know about this year’s edition of the fair:

Performances

This year’s lineup of entertainment at Veterans Memorial Coliseum includes a mix of rock, country, rap and pop artists. All concerts are included with admission, but reserved seating can be purchased for an additional cost. All shows will start at 7 p.m.

• Oct. 4: Billy Currington

• Oct. 5: The Cult

• Oct. 9: Stryper

• Oct. 10: Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

• Oct. 11: Fiesta Friday with NB Ridaz, Kid Frost and Lil Rob

• Oct. 12: Lee Brice

• Oct. 16: Matthew West and Zach Williams

• Oct. 17: Trace Adkins

• Oct. 18: Becky G

• Oct. 19: Lil Pump

• Oct. 23: Awolnation

• Oct. 24: Chase Rice

• Oct. 25: MC Hammer/C&C Music Factory

• Oct. 26: State Fair Dance Competition

Activities

Yee singled out a new ride called Titan as something fair attendees will enjoy.

Titan is a 17-story pendulum ride that flings riders into the air and back to the ground, potentially reaching 4Gs.

Yee said the fair will also have a dedicated area for esports for the first time.

The Esports Gaming World will be around for the full run of the fair and will include tournaments, virtual reality stations, gaming demos and promises appearances from celebrity streamers.

The Arizona Lottery is sponsoring the gaming tournaments, which will give out $19,000 in prize money throughout the fair, according to Yee.

Downtown Phoenix bar Cobra Arcade is getting in on the gaming action, bringing some of its retro arcade games to the fair.

The fair’s annual Grandstand Series for monster trucks will run Oct. 11-13 and Oct. 25-27.

Food

What’s the fair without wacky food, right?

There are several new choices this year, including Yee’s personal favorite, the hot cheeto pickle.

Also new to the lineup:

• Churro sundae

• Charcoal ice cream cone

• Fruit cup loca

• Donuts on a stick

• Hot cheeto burrito

• Cotton candy birthday funnel cake

• Totally baked cookie dough ice cream

• Coffee funnel cake

• Dill pickle popcorn

🙌We are so excited about all of the NEW #azstatefairfood we have this year! We want to know what you’re most excited to try! Comment below. 🤤🌯 Share with all your friends! pic.twitter.com/JkVSzXX1dg

— Arizona State Fair (@azstatefair) September 13, 2019

Parking

Parking in the two lots owned by the fair will run you between $5 and $20.

The west lot at Encanto Boulevard between 19th and 20th avenues costs $5.

The north lot at 19th and Monte Vista avenues costs $10, with a VIP parking option for $20.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Molly Hudson contributed to this report. 

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