Arizona State Fair 2021
When: Oct. 1-30.
Where: 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.
Admission: $12, $10 for age 55 and older and ages 5-13 years old, free for age 4 and younger.
The Arizona Exposition and State Fair is returning to Phoenix for the first time in two years in October.
Thrilling rides, fried foods and livestock competitions will take over the fairgrounds for the annual fair. The Arizona State Fair has been a staple event held annually in the fall at the current site in Phoenix for 115 years. Now that is a tradition! This year’s fair will look very similar to the annual event that Valley residents are familiar with. However, there is one major change that might impact the fair’s attendance this year. Officials have announced that there will be no major concerts.
Here is a guide to the 2021 Arizona State Fair so you know before you go.
What are the dates of the Arizona State Fair in 2021?
The fair kicks off Friday, Oct. 1, and will close on Saturday, Oct. 30.
What are the hours of operations of the Arizona State Fair?
The fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Wednesday through Sunday hours are as follows:
- Noon-9 p.m. Wednesdays
- Noon-9 p.m. Thursdays
- Noon-10 p.m. Fridays
- 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays
- 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays
Where is the Arizona State Fair?
There was some discussion that this year’s fair may move location for the first time in 115 years. However organizers scrapped the possibility and the 2021 Arizona State Fair will stay put at the fairgrounds located at 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. Major cross streets are 19th Avenue and McDowell Road.
What are ticket prices at the Arizona State Fair?
Admission can be purchased online and at the gate. Officials encourage those attending to avoid the lines and purchase online. Admission prices are as follows:
- Adults (14-54 years old): $12
- Seniors (55 and older): $10
- Children (5-13): $10
- Infants (4 and younger): Free
Virtual tickets for rides and games can also be purchased ahead of time on an app. FunPass (in the Apple Store and at Google Play) requires users to register and enable location services on their phones before they buy tickets that can be scanned at rides and game booths. A little work ahead of time, makes the process simple while at the fair.
Are masks required to be worn at the fair?
The Arizona State Fair does not require face coverings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone wear masks indoors where COVID-19 transmission is high, which includes Maricopa County, regardless of vaccination status.
The CDC also recommends to continue to social distance and wash your hands.
Where should we park?
The fair offers two designated parking lots and a VIP parking section. VIP parking is located in the North Lot and can be reserved online for $25 per car.
The entrance to the North Lot is at 19th Avenue and Monte Vista Road. Parking costs $12.
The entrance to the West Lot is on Encanto Boulevard, between 19th and 20th avenues. Parking costs $8 and requires walking down to Monte Vista Road to enter the fairgrounds.
Public transportation to the Arizona State Fair
For those who plan to take public transportation or will walk to the fair, there are several options for entering the fairgrounds from the street:
- Near the northeast corner of 19th Avenue and McDowell Road.
- Near the southeast corner of 19th Avenue and Monte Vista Road.
It is important to note that the entrance at the northwest corner of 17th Avenue and McDowell Road is closed this year.
What rides are at the 2021 Arizona State Fair?
The Arizona State Fair will have 58 rides and attractions in 2021 for guests to enjoy. Some favorites will be returning, including the haunted mansion, mini bumper cars and Crazy Coaster rollercoaster.
In addition, the iconic La Grande XL Ferris wheel and the Skyride will be returning. The following is a list of rides that are more fast-paced to try this year:
- Cliff Hanger, where riders lie on their stomachs and fly through the air.
- Crazy Coaster, a wild mouse ride with a twist.
- Disk’O, a spinning platform that glides on a curved track as riders stay seated facing out.
- Tilt-A-Whirl, the carnival staple with riders sitting in egg-like compartments.
- Zero Gravity, a wheel that spins as riders, facing inward, are pushed against the walls.
Who is performing in concert this year at the fair?
As previously mentioned, there will be no major concerts held at this year’s Arizona State Fair.
What shows are being held at the Arizona State Fair?
The events calendar includes Figure 8 racing, monster trucks and rodeos. For the full schedule, visit https://azstatefair.com/calendar.
These shows will take place at the outdoors Grandstand, which is in the northwest region of the fairgrounds.
Returning as an annual tradition and true to the fair’s origins, a celebration of Arizona’s agriculture will be present. There will be competitions for livestock as well as the fields of arts, sciences and horticulture.
