The 2023 Arizona State Fair

By Jim Marshall

PHOENIX, AZ – The 2023 Arizona State Fair kicks off on Friday, September 22 at 4PM. Even though temperatures are still forecasted to be in the low 100’s, the Arizona State Fair is the unofficial kickoff to the fall season in the Valley.

Grown in Popularity

Established in 1905, the Fair has grown in popularity over the last 20 to 30 years due to its live entertainment, thrilling rides, and mouthwatering food offerings. The Fair typically has around 65 to 75 amusement rides, over 100 food booths, and nearly 300 commercial sales booths. It is an excellent opportunity for local business owners to showcase what they have to offer.

Attendance

The Arizona State Fair is the largest festival in the state. Each year, over one million people gather at the fairgrounds, located at 19th and Grand Avenues, home to Veterans Memorial Coliseum, in Phoenix. It has become a social place for our diverse community of people who come from all over the great state of Arizona to enjoy the 20 plus days of entertainment and exhibits. The Fair even draws tourists to the state.

Tickets

The 2023 Arizona State Fair kicks off on Friday, September 22 and when it comes to tickets you have options. Standard, daily tickets sell for $15 for ages 8 and older (age 7 and younger get in for free) and can be purchased at the Fairground or online. Purchasing tickets in advance is often advantageous, including not having to wait in the long lines at the gates and the ability to get discounts.

On top of that, there are many discounts available on various days of the fair. One of the most popular is the “Read 3 Books, Get 3 Free Rides.” Another is the “unlimited rides wristband,” which happen Thursdays starting September 28. Wristbands cost $50 and can be purchased in person from noon to 6 PM and are honored until 8:30 PM that evening.

Exchange 10 separate, non-perishable food items for one Fair admission ticket on “Feel Good Fridays” (starting September 29). All donations benefit St. Mary’s Food bank.

If travelling to the Fair by car, parking is available in a VIP Parking area for $30. Two additional lots, the North Coliseum Lot and the Arizona State Fairgrounds West Lot cost $12 and $8, respectively.

What to See

What to see at the Arizona State Fair includes, includes seeing all kinds of animals at the Great American Petting Zoo. Try strolling through the local artists booths and view their art work. You might end up purchasing something. There will be multiple showings of Native Spirit, with music, cultural dance performances, artisans, and dancers that represent various nations from all across the United States and Canada. You can also look over the monster trucks, bull riding, and ASF Native American Rodeo and the High School Rodeos in the grandstands area.

Add in different exhibitions and competitions for showing farm animals and livestock, 4H, AG Mechanics, Culinary, Horticulture, Home Arts. There is also Youth and Student Arts, Fine Arts, and Photography. The Arizona State Fair really has something for everyone.

Concerts

After the post-pandemic hiatus, the Arizona State Fair Coliseum Concert Series returns this year. Concert prices range from $20 to $100 and include your admission to the Fair. Some acts scheduled to play include Walker Hayes and Becky G. Ne-Yo, Brothers Osborne, Violent Femmes and Carly Pearce are also scheduled to play.

There are also concerts featuring tribute bands, including Outlaw Mariachi. The different bands will showcase the work of the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Selena. As well as The Eagles, Prince, Michael Jackson, and many more. Showings are free with Fair admission.

Make Some Memories

The 2023 Arizona State Fair is a great time to have fun and make some memories. So, get out to the Fair enjoy some music, eat some great food, and enjoy the beautiful weather we have waited for since early June. With the Monsoon over, nights should be dry and cool. The Fair opens Friday, September 22 and runs through Sunday, October 29. It is open each week Thursday to Sunday only. Gates open at noon and run to 9 PM Thursday and Sunday and 10 PM Friday and Saturday. To find out more information go to the Fair’s website, AZStateFair.com.