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The Arizona State Fair is a fall tradition, and this year they’re celebrating 140 years of fun with a birthday party! From Friday, September 20th through Sunday, October 27th, 2024, fairgoers can enjoy concerts, rides, contests, and everyone’s favorite fair food!

Image from the Arizona State Fair

For 140 years, the Arizona State Fair has been a gathering place for our diverse residents from the far corners of the state to honor the past, celebrate the present and explore the future. Founded in 1905, the fairgrounds are home to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which opened over 50 years ago and has been visited by such notables as Elvis, Pope John Paul II, President Obama and Cher!

The Arizona State Fair has been and continues to be an ever-evolving place full of fun, food, rides, shows and competitions each year.

Concerts and shows

Attending live concerts and entertaining shows is an important part of visiting the Arizona State Fair. From large shows at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum to extremely talented tribute bands and various other types of shows, there are talented performers to suit every taste.

Lineup at Veterans Memorial Coliseum

The All-American Rejects will perform on October 12th and bring their hits “Gives You Hell,” “Dirty Little Secret,” “Move Along,” “Swing, Swing” and more! Check out three iconic artists from the 1990s, Vanilla Ice, Rob Base and Montell Jordan at I I love the 90s tour on October 18th! And to round off the exciting Coliseum concert program big time Rush will take the stage on October 25th.

Ticket information for each of these great shows can be found online at https://azstatefair.com/concerts/.

Grandstand Arena

Figure 8 racing, rodeos and bull riding, all-star monster trucks and more will be offered as part of the Grandstand Arena 2024 Series. Shows begin September 20 and run through the end of October. View the full show schedule and purchase your tickets online now at https://azstatefair.com/grandstandseries/.

The Backyard Concert Series

Get ready to rock out like never before at the Arizona State Fair Backyard Concert Series! Featuring the best tribute bands in the country, you’ll have the chance to experience the music of your favorite bands like never before. Check out the full Backyard Concert Series lineup and get your tickets now at https://azstatefair.com/tributebands/.

There are many other events taking place at the Arizona State Fairgrounds during September and October. Check out the events calendar online to see all the great events and shows waiting for you there!

Image from the Arizona State Fair

Rides

Of course, the rides at the fair are a must! From Ferris wheels to carousels, from kid-friendly attractions to thrill-seekers, the Arizona State Fair has a ride for just about everyone. Take a ride on the Sling Shot, Galaxy Coaster, Sky Ride, Tilt-a-Whirl or Zipper, it’s all about the fun!

You can purchase Fastpasses and wristbands for unlimited rides. For more information on rides, wristbands, Fastpasses and more, visit https://azstatefair.com/rides-games/.

Competitions

Livestock competitions are a big and important part of the Arizona State Fair! Events include rabbits and guinea pigs, sheep, poultry and more.

• Rabbit and Guinea Pig Show | September 20 – 22 | All day | Ag Center
• Sheep Show | Sept. 26 – Sept. 29 | All day | Ag Center
• Youth Livestock Show – Youth Week | Oct. 3 – 6 | All day | Ag Center
• Sale of Champions – Livestock Auction | Date to be announced | Ag Center
• Poultry Show | Oct 3 – 6 | All day | Ag Center
• Meat Goat Show | October 10 – 13 | All day | Ag Center
• Oasis Camel Dairy Show and Education Week (small herd) | Oct 17 – 20 | All day | Ag Center
• Oasis Camel Dairy Show and Dairy Goats | Oct 24 – 27 | All day | Ag Center
• Arizona Ag Display | Thurs-Sun | All day | Cattle barn

Don’t miss any of the competitions at the Arizona State Fair this year. For more information, visit https://azstatefair.com/livestock/#IMPORTANT-DATES

Fair food

The trade show is for foodies! One of the most important aspects of a trade show experience is the food. Enter a world where pleasure meets excitement and every bite is a new adventure. Trade show food includes everything from flatbreads, corn on the cob and funnel cakes to fun fried creations.

Want to try a few delicacies at each food booth? Foodies, take note! Try the $3 Taste of the Fair special at the Arizona State Fair. For more information and special dates, visit https://azstatefair.com/events/3-taste-of-fair/.

Tickets and details

The Arizona State Fair is held September 20 through October 27 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, 85007. For directions, parking, costs and other information, visit Directions and Parking. Or call 602-252-6771 for more information.

For detailed information on dates, tickets and more, visit the Arizona State Fair website at https://azstatefair.com/tickets/

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