The Arizona State Fair is an annual event that attracts more than one million visitors and is considered one of the five largest fairs in the United States by number of participants . Held in the city of Phoenix at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, it offers a variety of entertainment for the whole family.
History of the fair
The fair was first organized in 1884 as the Arizona Territorial Fair, long before Arizona became a state. The event was held on the banks of the Salt River and included agricultural exhibits, races, and various entertainment . In 1905, the Arizona Territorial Fair Association was formed and purchased a tract of land to permanently hold the fair. The fair has been held at the site ever since, except for breaks during World Wars I and II, the Great Depression and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 .
Arizona State Fairgrounds and Veterans Memorial Coliseum
The fair takes place at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, located at 1826 W. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, Arizona . It is home to the famous Veterans Memorial Coliseum, an indoor arena built in 1965 that seats up to 14,870 spectators . The arena has hosted many celebrities including Elvis Presley, Pope John Paul II, President Obama and Cher .
Modern Entertainment
The modern fair offers more than 75 rides, 110 food booths and 300 vendor pavilions . Visitors can enjoy concerts, animal exhibits, cooking shows and many other activities. In 2025, the fair will be open from September 19 through October 26, Thursday through Sunday .
Famous Performances
Over the years, the fair has hosted famous performers such as The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, The Monkees and more . In 2024, The All-American Rejects performed at the fair, as well as the “I Love the 90s” tour featuring Vanilla Ice, Rob Base and Montell Jordan .
How to attend
Tickets for the fair can be purchased online through the official website
AZ State Fair. The website also provides information about the schedule of events, parking and other details to help plan your visit.
The Arizona State Fair is a unique event that combines rich history with modern entertainment. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation and every visitor finds something to enjoy.
