Arizona State Fair
Rides, concerts, livestock and legendary fair food take over the historic Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix every fall. Here’s what to know before you go — and how to pair it with a family desert adventure.
A Phoenix fall tradition since 1884
The Arizona State Fair is one of the Valley’s oldest and biggest fall events — a month of midway rides, a national concert series, livestock shows, competitive exhibits, games and the kind of over-the-top fair food you only get once a year, all at the historic fairgrounds in downtown Phoenix.
It runs Thursdays through Sundays across October (the 2026 “A State of Wonder” season runs October 1 to November 1), which lines up perfectly with the return of ideal desert weather. That makes it easy to build a full Valley weekend: fair by night, open desert by day.
What to expect at the fair
In town for Arizona State Fair? Add the desert.
You’re already in the neighborhood, and the trailhead is about 35 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale. Trade a few hours for open desert: you drive your own 800cc sand buggy on exclusive Sonoran Desert trails, no experience needed, an expert guide the whole way. Tours run every month of the year.
Arizona State Fair FAQs
What visitors ask about Arizona State Fair.
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