Know Before You Go

The 2026 Arizona State Fair runs from October 1 – November 1, open weekly from Thursday through Sunday. Plan your visit to the Arizona State Fairgrounds with our official gate and building hours below:

Admission Gate Hours

• Thursday: 12 p.m. – Last entry at 9 p.m.
• Friday: 12 p.m. – Last entry at 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 12 p.m. – Last entry at 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 12 p.m. – Last entry at 9 p.m.
• Note: The Arizona State Fair Carnival concludes nightly when the lights on the La Grande XL Wheel go dark.

Building & Exhibition Hours

• Livestock Barns: Closes at 9 p.m.
• North & South Coliseum Halls: Closes at 10 p.m.
• Shopping Pavilion & The Hangout: Closes at 10 p.m.

Your safety, and the safety of all our guests, is our top priority. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at the Fair, all visitors must pass through our official security checkpoints.

• Bag Inspections: All purses, backpacks, fanny packs, and diaper bags are subject to inspection by Arizona State Fair Security staff upon entry.
• Screening Procedures: To maintain a secure environment, our security measures may include:
  • Walk-through metal detectors
  • Pat-down searches
  • Magnetic wanding

To maintain a safe, family-friendly environment at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, certain items are strictly prohibited. Please review the list below before arriving to ensure a fast, smooth entry process.

• Weapons & Self-Defense: Firearms, ammunition, knives with blades longer than 2”, sharp metal objects, chains, spikes, pepper spray, mace, tasers, or stun devices.

• Food & Beverages: No outside food, beverages, alcohol, or glass bottles (refer to our Outside Food/Drink Policy for allowed exceptions).

• Illegal Substances: Illegal drugs, narcotics, and marijuana are strictly forbidden on property.

• Electronics & Media Gear: Drones, laser pointers, noise-making devices, flashlights, selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, or professional photography/recording equipment with detachable lenses.

• Signs, Flags & Promo Material: Banners, signs, flags, or posters larger than $24” \times 36”$ (or attached to poles), cardboard poster tubes, pamphlets, product samples, promotional items, stickers, or Sharpie markers.

• Recreation & Miscellaneous: Bicycles, skateboards, skates, balloons, handcuffs, fireworks, coolers, or any item deemed potentially harmful or disruptive by security staff.

• ⚠️ Important Security Note: Any items surrendered at security checkpoints will not be returned. Please leave all questionable items at home or securely locked in your vehicle.

For the safety and convenience of all guests, bags brought onto the Fairgrounds may not exceed 12” x 12” in size. All bags, backpacks, purses, and personal items are subject to security screening upon entry.

Medical bags and diaper bags are exempt from the size restriction but remain subject to inspection at the Fairgrounds gates. To help expedite entry, guests are encouraged to bring only essential items.

The Arizona State Fair is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all guests in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are welcome at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. Service animals must remain under the control of their handler at all times, including being leashed, harnessed, or tethered unless such devices interfere with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents their use.

For the safety of all guests and animals, service animals are not permitted on carnival rides. The handler or a member of the party must remain with the service animal at all times, as Fair staff are not able to supervise or care for animals. Pets and emotional support animals that do not meet ADA definitions of a service animal are not permitted unless otherwise authorized by Fair management.

All Coliseum Concert Series seats are reserved and include Fair admission with your purchase. Here is what you need to know about attending a show at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum:

• All shows start at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. 
• Shows are “An Evening With…” format, meaning there is no opening act. 
• Child Admission: For most concerts, children ages 2 and under are free if they remain seated on a parent or guardian’s lap.

To ensure the safety and privacy of all guests, the Arizona State Fair maintains a strict “No Fly Zone” policy. 

The Arizona State Fair prohibits the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, within the 88 acres of Fairgrounds without prior approval of the Department of Public Safety and Arizona State Fair staff. This process safeguards that the remote pilot complies with current FAA rules. Arizona’s Department of Public Safety will respond to all unauthorized UAS to identify the pilot and document the aircraft in use. The Arizona State Fair prohibits the use of all remote-controlled devices of any type, including, but not limited to, aircraft, drones, quad-copters, cars or trucks, on or above property owned, leased or controlled by the Fair. Individuals violating State Fair rules are subject to ejection from the grounds and/or criminal enforcement of applicable statutes.

Do you have any questions or have any problems arisen during your visit to the Fair? Our Guest Services team is here to help you navigate the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix!

Guest Services Locations:

• Southwest corner of the Coliseum, next to Fairgrounds Security.
• Party Gras North Side / Southwest corner of the Fairgrounds, adjacent to the Whiskey & Wine Stage.

Services Offered:

• Lost Child Wristband: Guests can get a free wristband to write down contact information for their child to wear, ensuring DPS or Fair staff can quickly reach parents if separated.
• First Fair Button: Visiting for the first time? Stop by Guest Services to pick up a free “First Fair” button to wear!
• Lost and Found: Looking for a missing item? Visit either Guest Services location to see if your property has been turned in.
• Contact Us: For additional inquiries regarding your visit, please email [email protected].

Please visit Guest Services or the Arizona State Fair Security Office, conveniently located at the Southwest corner of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

To ensure the safety and quality of our guest experience, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the Arizona State Fairgrounds. However, we understand the importance of staying hydrated.

Allowed Water Items:

• Guests may bring ONE (1) factory-sealed bottle of water per person upon entry.
• Empty Refillable Bottles: You are welcome to bring empty refillable water bottles to use throughout the day.
• Free Refill Stations: Stay hydrated for free! Water refill stations are conveniently located at multiple points throughout the Fairgrounds for all guests to use.

When you enter the Arizona State Fairgrounds, photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, or inclusion on websites. You further waive all rights you may have to any claims in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication.

For media inquiries, contact:
[email protected]