Since 1905 Arizona residents as well as visitors from other states, come to Phoenix to attend the Arizona State Fair. The fairgrounds have been visited by the likes of Elvis, Pope John Paul II, President Obama, and Cher. It is estimated that each year approximately one million people walk through the gates to experience “something for everyone” Fairgoers come to enjoy the richness and diversity of communities and immerse in a wonderland of amusement right in their own backyard.
The 2019 Arizona State Fair kicks off Friday, October 4th and All About Arizona News has compiled a guide on what you need to know about this year’s fair.
When is the Arizona State Fair?
The Arizona State Fair will run October 4–27, 2019. The fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Admission Gates Open Wednesday to Sunday
Wed: Noon – 9 p.m.
Thurs: Noon – 9 p.m.
Fri: Noon – 10 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
2019 Single Day Regular Admission
Kids under 4 are FREE every day
Adults (14+) – $12
Kids (ages 5-13) – $8
Seniors (ages 55+) – $8
Attending the Arizona State Fair doesn’t have to break the budget. There are plenty of things to do that are free once you are in. Rodeos, racing, petting zoo, science, 4-H exhibits, and more are available at no extra charge once you have paid your general admission to the fair. Click here for a calendar list of events and happenings at the Fair.
Rides
The Midway is where a lot of the action takes place. You can buy tickets in various package options, including all day ride wristbands. There’s a service charge for buying tickets online.
Click here for a complete list of rides and a guide that details out how tall riders must be for each ride.
For parents of children, check out the Fair’s Read and Ride program, which offers free ride passes. You will need to print and complete the form at home before arriving at the fair.
Additional Admission Packages
In addition to all day wristbands for rides, Season Passes and Fast Passes, VIP parking and advance daily admission passes are also offered. You can check out all the Deals and Discount days the fair is offering.
Admission Reminder and Things To Leave At Home
Safety and the welfare of all fair attendees is very important. All purses, backpacks, and diaper bags are subject to inspection. Guests may be subject to walk-through metal detectors, pat down searches and/or magnetic wanding.
At admissions, please be prepared as the items listed below are not allowed on the Fairgrounds. If these items are found at the Admission Gates, guests have the option of taking the item(s) back to their vehicle or voluntarily surrendering the item(s). Surrendered items will not be returned.
- Firearms
- Pepper spray or mace
- Tasers or any type of stun device
- Knives with a blade longer than 2”
- Sharp metal objects
- Anything else that could be considered a weapon
- Narcotics or illegal substances
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass bottles
- Sharpies
- Laser pointers
- Selfie Sticks
Water Bottles: Guests may bring in one 20oz factory sealed bottle of water or an empty refillable water container. Water bottle refill stations are available on the Fairgrounds.
Fair Location and Parking
The State Fair is held at the Fairgrounds at 1826 W. McDowell Rd (19th Ave & McDowell Rd) in Phoenix. Click here for more details on directions and parking options.
Want to plan your route and pack in as much as you possibly can, click here for the map of the Fairgrounds which provides details on rides, food and bathrooms. You can also pick up a map once you arrive at the fair.
Arizona State Fair 2019 Concert Schedule
The Arizona State Fair is more than just funnel cakes and a Ferris wheels – the Fair gives you the attendees great performances by favorite music artists. The Arizona State Fair concerts are a popular Phoenix tradition that goes back to the 1970s, with history-making lineups that have featured some of the best-known names in entertainment. Each year, fair organizers pack a punch with securing trending artists and long-time classics, all while bringing a wide choice of genres and styles for Phoenix local enjoyment. The best part, concert tickets are included with the price of admission.
You can also reserve seats in advance to secure your ticket ahead of time. Click here this year’s complete concert line up.
Fair Concert Tips:
Doors open one hour before concert time. For popular concerts, it is not unusual for people to line up 1-2 hours before the doors open for general admission seating. There are 14,000 seats in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. If you do not secure your ticket ahead of time, plan on arriving early and waiting in line to make sure you get a seat.
Eats and Drinks
Let’s face it, the fair is one place to be adventurous with trying new tasty goodies. It is also a great place to check your diet at the gate. Arizona State Fair foods are always a hit. Each year they add something to the menu to try. Visit the Fair Food 2019 page to see a complete list of all the tasty drinks and eats that will be available this year. It’s quite extensive! But if you are looking for healthy food options, the Arizona State Fair has you covered. Click here to check out the health food fare.
Have fun and enjoy the 2019 Arizona State Fair!
