The 2025 Arizona State Fair Blooms with Tradition and Thrills
by: Jim Schwartz
Photography courtesy of: Arizona State Fair
As the Sonoran Desert’s golden hues give way to autumn’s crisp edge, the 2025 Arizona State Fair swings open its gates, inviting Phoenix and beyond to a celebration that’s as timeless as the saguaros and as vibrant as a monsoon sunset.
Running from Friday, September 19, through Sunday, October 26, this 141-year-old tradition—now one of the top 10 state fairs in the nation—transforms the Arizona State Fairgrounds at 1826 W. McDowell Road into a sprawling hub of agricultural pride, heart-pounding entertainment, and indulgent delights. Under the theme “Grow Happiness,” the Fair digs deep into Arizona’s roots, blending homespun exhibits with modern spectacles to foster joy, community, and unforgettable memories. Open Thursdays through Sundays, it’s more than an event—it’s a seasonal rite where families, friends, and fairgoers of all ages reconnect amid the aroma of corn dogs and the roar of midway rides. With free entertainment included in general admission, innovative September programming, this year’s Fair promises to cultivate smiles across the Valley.
From its humble beginnings as an agricultural showcase on the city’s outskirts, the Arizona State Fair has evolved into a multifaceted extravaganza that honors Arizona’s farming heritage while embracing contemporary fun. Kicking off with the inaugural “September Nights”—two reimagined weekends on September 19-21 and September 26-28—the Fair offers a fresh atmosphere with extended evening hours (gates open at 5 p.m.), enhanced lighting, and themed nights that spotlight local talent and cultural vibes. These opener weekends will beset a joyful tone, featuring free live performances across multiple stages, from high-energy dance troupes to acoustic sets evoking desert sunsets. As the Fair progresses into October, hours shift to daytime openings at noon, expanding opportunities for midday explorations of exhibits and attractions. Rain or shine, the grounds buzz with activity, underscoring the Fair’s commitment to accessibility and resilience. For those planning a visit, downloading the official Arizona State Fair app is a must—it provides interactive maps, daily schedules, & real-time updates to navigate the 170-acre wonderland seamlessly.
At the heart of the experience is the Coliseum Concert Series, presented by the Arizona Lottery, a highlight that promises to draw record-breaking crowds this year. Held inside the iconic Veterans Memorial Coliseum—affectionately known as the Madhouse on McDowell—each “An Evening With…” performance will deliver a full headliner set without openers, allowing fairgoers to savor every note alongside fair favorites like turkey legs and funnel cakes. The series launches with Arizona’s own indie-pop duo The Format reuniting for their first full-band show since 2007 on Saturday, September 27, complete with intimate outdoor sets by rising Phoenix artists like Sydney Sprague, Astrologer, JPW, and Dad Weed on a festival-style stage. The momentum continues with pop trio AJR on Friday, October 3 ($69-$136 tickets), Latin sensations Reik on October 10 ($53.15-$110.15), Grammy-winning metal band Mastodon on October 17 ($53.15-$75.15), country star Brett Eldredge on October 18 ($53.15-$110.15), hip-hop icon 2 Chainz on October 24, and alt-rock legends The Cult closing on October 25 ($38.15-$325.41).
Every reserved seat includes general admission to the Fair, making these shows a seamless blend of music and midway magic.
Tickets, are available via https://azstatefair.com/concerts with dynamic pricing for peak demand.
Beyond the big stages, the Fair pulses with free, family-friendly entertainment that embodies its agricultural soul. Wander the exhibit halls in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum’s South Hall to marvel at the Culinary Arts and Quilts display, where local artisans showcase intricate stitches and time-honored recipes, from award-winning pies to heirloom textiles that tell Arizona’s story. The Arizona Wine Experience highlights the state’s diverse vintages, pouring tastes from high-desert varietals to valley blends, paired with educational tastings that celebrate the landscape’s influence on flavor. Live music echoes from the Community Stage, featuring Arizona’s talented residents in everything from folk ensembles to youth mariachi bands—applications for performers were open earlier this year, ensuring a fresh lineup of homegrown acts. For adrenaline seekers, the Grandstand Series delivers non-stop thrills with heart-pounding events like monster truck rallies, rodeo showdowns, and demolition derbies, where dust flies & engines roar under the desert sky. These spectacles, scheduled throughout the run, will capture the Fair’s spirit of bold action and communal cheers.
No Fair would be complete without the midway’s whirlwind of rides and games, courtesy of a massive 67-attraction carnival lineup. For the final week (October 23-26), a game-changer promotion offers unlimited ride wristbands every day— a first-time perk valid until 9 p.m. when purchased before 7 p.m. at Midway Ticket Boxes. Classic thrills like the Ferris wheel’s panoramic Valley views mingle with stomach-dropping drops and spinning coasters, while a $15 five-game pass lets groups test their luck at ring tosses and balloon darts. Safety and fun go hand-in-hand, with height requirements clearly marked and staff on hand to guide the excitement. Foodies, meanwhile, will drool over the Fair Food Map’s bounty: stick-bound indulgences like bacon-wrapped pork belly, birria baked potatoes, colossal curly fries, and deep-fried novelties that defy gravity and good sense. From savory corn dogs slathered in chili to sweet churros dusted with cinnamon, the offerings span global flavors with an Arizona twist—think prickly pear margaritas and Navajo taco towers. Outside food and drinks are prohibited (save for one factory-sealed water bottle or empty container per person, with free refill stations scattered throughout), ensuring the focus stays on these guilty pleasures.
Practical planning elevates any Fair visit, and the organizers have streamlined it all. General admission tickets start at accessible prices (exact figures via https://azstatefair.com with the limited-time Family Four Pack bundling four entries for unbeatable value—perfect for multi-generational outings. Parking is $15 at the two official lots (North and West, opening two hours before gates), but savvy fairgoers opt for free shuttles from the State Capitol Lot (1400 W. Washington St.) or Phoenix College (Thomas Road & N. 13th Ave.), running from 5 p.m. (no Thursdays) until the last ride at 11 p.m. Rideshare drop-offs enter via Monte Vista and 19th Avenue for smooth access. Bag policies encourage clear bags for faster entry, with inspections, metal detectors, and pat-downs standard; weapons, illegal substances, and alcohol are strictly banned. Comfortable shoes and clothing are advised for the extensive walking—think dust-kicking paths and exhibit-hopping marathons. The Fair operates rain or shine, so layers for October’s variable temps (highs in the 80s, cooling evenings) keep everyone cozy.
As the 2025 Arizona State Fair nears, it stands as a testament to growth—not just of crops and communities, but of the simple, shared happiness that defines Arizona life. From roars of The Format to the quiet awe of quilted legacies, this event weaves tradition with tomorrow, inviting all to plant seeds of joy amid the desert’s embrace. Whether chasing ride highs, savoring stick foods, or swaying to concert beats, the Fair reminds us: in the Valley of the Sun, happiness isn’t just grown—it’s harvested, one thrilling day at a time. Head to https://azstatefair.com for the latest schedules, or snag those last-minute tickets before the lights dim.
