The best events, services, resources, & more for Arizona’s 55+ community.

Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Arizona State Fair, 2023

September 23, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Event Series Event Series (See All)
$15

The award-winning fun starts spinning Friday, September 22 through Sunday, October 29, open Thursdays – Sundays.

Since 1884, the annual Arizona State Fair has drawn large crowds and entertained many with their amusement rides, food booths, and commercial sales booths.

  • Animal shows (sheep, rabbits, cows, goats, camel dairy, poultry and more)
  • 4-H
  • Livestock Auction
  • Petting Zoos
  • Carnival Rides
  • Carnival Games
  • Shows (Comedy, aerial acrobatics, bird show, dance, circuses, magician, and more )
  • Fairytales on Ice: Beauty & the Beast (ice skating show)
  • Arts and Crafts shows/contests (Quilts, painting, photography,
  • Culinary/Baking contests
  • Monster Truck show
  • Live Music (mariachis, guitarists, steel drums, DJs)
  • Concerts* (Walker Hayes, Becky G, Ne-yo, Brothers Osborne, Viloent Femmes, Carly Pearce). *Prices start at $25 and include Fair Admission ($15). Concerts have no opener, so you can grab a Turkey Leg before the show and have time for a funnel cake.
  • Cover/Tribute Bands (AC/DC, Santana, Chicago, KISS,  Queen, Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tina Turner, Prince, Michael Jackson, The Eagles, Black-Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Bruno Mars, Van Halen, Billy Joel, Green Day)
  • Dirt track car races
  • Rodeo shows

Cost

$15 General Admission for Guests 8+
Children 7 and under are free
Get tickets

Hours

Opening weekend (Fri-Sun Sep 22-24) gates open at 4 p.m.

  • Admission Gate Hours starting September 28 (Approximate)
  • Mon, Tues and Wed: CLOSED
  • Thursday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Friday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Sunday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Carnival closes when La Grande XL Wheel’s lights turn off.
Barns close at 9 p.m.
North and South Halls of Coliseum close at 10 p.m.
Shopping Pavilion and The Hangout close at 10 p.m.

Parking info

DEALS:

  • Friends 55+ Day, Oct 13
    12pm-6pm Friday October 13, 2023
    Code: Fun4All
    Enjoy scheduled entertainment that includes exciting rounds of bingo with Hip Historian Marshall Shore and groove to the iconic hits of the King of Pop himself with our electrifying Michael Jackson tribute band.
  • Unlimited Ride Wristbands, Thursdays
    Thursdays are for unlimited ride fun. Purchase wristbands on-site only from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. for $50. Wristbands honored until 8:30 pm.
    *Wristbands purchased outside the Fairgrounds will not be valid.
  • Fast Passes
    For just $30, speed up your fun with a Fast Pass. Daily quantities are limited, and must be purchased inside the Fairgrounds.
    *Fast Passes purchased outside the Fairgrounds will not be valid.
  • Feel Good Fridays (Canned Food Drive days)
    September 29, October 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 12pm – 6pm
    Bring 10 cans/items of non-perishable food on a Fair Friday, and receive one free admission (10 pieces/1 admission ticket)! All donations will benefit Operation Santa Claus and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
  • $3 Taste of the Fair Fridays
    Fridays (except opening Friday) from 12pm to 6pm
    FAIR IS… FOR THE FOODIES! One of the most prominent aspects of any fair experience is the food. Step into a world where indulgence meets excitement, where every bite is a new adventure. The fair isn’t just about rides and games – it’s a journey that caters to every palate. Everything from fry bread, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and more- enjoy $3 fair food items at every food stand on  Foodies, rejoice at this stellar deal!
    This deal is active: (September 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27 from 12 pm – 6 pm).
  • Armed Forces Day, Oct 20
    October 20 from 12pm – 6pm
    FAIR IS… FOR OUR HEROES! We are honored to extend a heartfelt salute to the men and women who have served our nation. To express our deep appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication, we’ve partnered with Vet Tix to provide free fair admission exclusively for veterans on Armed Forces Day Friday (OCTOBER 20TH) presented by Global Credit Union. From 12pm – 6pm, veterans can enter with their ticket via Vet Tix and enjoy the day at the fair.If you, or someone you know has served or is currently serving, we invite you to submit a photo of them to display on video screens across the fairgrounds on Armed Forces Day. Furthermore, we welcome everyone to stop by the Global Credit Union booth to write a short letter to send to troops currently serving overseas. This initiative embodies our gratitude and respect for those who have and are selflessly protecting our freedoms and upholding our values.
  • Read & Ride (Kids 5 – 14, earn free rides) 
    Reading 1 book gets you 1 free ride. You can redeem up to 3 ride passes.
    Experience the Arizona State Fair’s Read and Ride Program—a captivating fusion of education and entertainment. Designed to inspire young minds, this innovative initiative encourages reading while offering an unforgettable Fair experience. Achieve reading goals and be rewarded with access to thrilling rides. Join us at the Arizona State Fair for an extraordinary adventure, where literature and exhilarating rides collide. Download the book report below and unlock a world of excitement, knowledge, and endless possibilities.Pick 1-3 books and have your teacher, parent, or guardian approve. Using the Official Read and Ride Report Form (links below), share with us what the book was about, including a memorable moment. Have your teacher, parent, or guardian sign and verify the Official Read and Ride Report Form before driving to the Arizona State Fair.
    Online form & print
    PDF form & printBring the printed and signed form above to the Shopping Pavilion during the Arizona State Fair to receive your free ride pass(es). Check the Fairgrounds map on the website for the Shopping Pavilion location. You must be there to redeem the report for ride pass(es). Grown-ups may accompany you.
    Please note: the Official Read and Ride Report Form does not include Fair admission

More info

Details

Date:
September 23, 2023
Time:
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Series:
Cost:
$15
Event Categories:
, ,

Venue

Arizona State Fairgrounds
1826 W. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85007
+ Google Map