The wait is almost over! The Arizona State Fair is back, bringing a full month of iconic fried treats, thrill rides, live entertainment, and agricultural traditions. Whether you are coming out for $5 Foodie Fridays, checking out the Grandstand Series, or catching a concert at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, a little planning goes a long way toward having the best day ever.
Here is your ultimate guide to navigating the Fairgrounds smoothly, safely, and hassle-free.
📅 Dates & Operating Hours
The Fair runs weekly Thursday through Sunday, from October 1 to November 1. Gates open at 12:00 PM each day!
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Last gate entry)
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last gate entry)
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last gate entry)
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Last gate entry)
Pro-Tip: Livestock barns close at 9:00 PM, while exhibition halls and the Shopping Pavilion stay open until 10:00 PM. The carnival midway wraps up each night when the lights on the La Grande XL Wheel go dark!
🎟️ Tickets & Admission Deals
Buying tickets in advance online is the best way to skip the lines at the box office. All ticket prices include taxes and fees:
- Adults (Ages 13+): $14
- Children (Ages 5–12): $12
- Seniors (Ages 62+): $12
- Kids 4 & Under: GRATIS
- Militares y personal de primeros auxilios: $12 (Available on-site with valid ID; includes cardholder + 1 guest for active/retired military, Fire, PD, EMTs, Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers).
🚗 Parking, Shuttles & Rideshare
Beat the traffic by planning your arrival strategy early:
- Official Fair Lots: The North and West lots open daily at 10:00 AM (two hours before gates open). Standard parking is $25 per vehicle, and reserved VIP parking is $65.
- Rideshare Drop-Off: Taking Uber, Lyft, or Waymo? Have your driver drop you off at the Southwest corner of the West Lot (19th Ave & Encanto Blvd).
- Concert Days: If you’re attending a big show, consider using the free shuttle service operating from Phoenix College to avoid lot slowdowns!
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Park n’ Ride at Phoenix College: Enjoy a free and convenient ride to the Fair with our Phoenix College shuttle service.
🔒 Safety First: Bag Policy & Screening
Your peace of mind is top priority. The Arizona State Fair Security Team works hand-in-hand with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Phoenix Police Department to ensure a safe environment for every fairgoer.
All visitors pass through security screening upon entry, which includes walk-through metal detectors, magnetic wands, and physical bag checks.
- Bag Size Limit: Bags must be 12” x 12” or smaller. (Diaper bags and medical bags are exempt from size limits, but are still subject to search).
- What to Leave at Home: Drones, selfie sticks, weapons of any kind, outside food/alcohol, coolers, glass containers, and pets (ADA service animals are welcome, though they are not permitted on carnival rides).
- Hydration Tip: You are permitted to bring ONE factory-sealed water bottle per person or an empty refillable bottle to use at the free water refill stations throughout the grounds.
👶 Family Perks & Guest Services
If you’re visiting with little ones, make Servicios para huéspedes your very first stop (located at the Southwest corner of the Coliseum and the Fair Marketplace):
- Free “Lost Child” Wristbands: Grab a free wristband to write your phone number on so security can contact you instantly if your child wanders off.
- First Fair Buttons: Is this your first time at the Fair? Pick up a complimentary souvenir button to celebrate!