PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The weather is cooling, so it’s time for a fall tradition in the Valley: the Arizona State Fair!
The big event returns for its 142nd year with five weeks of live music, thrilling rides, carnival games, wacky food and amazing entertainment.
This year’s theme is “A State of Wonder.” Here’s what you need to know:
Times & tickets
It starts Oct. 1 and runs through Nov. 1, open every Thursday through Sunday.
Thursday: noon to 9 p.m.Friday: noon to 10 p.m.Saturday: noon to 10 p.m.Sunday: noon to 9 p.m.
Tickets start at $20 for adults, $14 for seniors and $12 for children.
New this year, military and first responders can get $12 tickets for themselves and one guest with a valid ID. There are also special days where visitors can get in for free. For more information, click or tap here.
New thrills
The Arizona State Fair has nearly 70 carnival rides for visitors who want to have some chill fun or extreme thrills. The fair has two new thrilling rides. The first is Goliath XXL, a ride that reaches 155 feet in the air and can reach speeds up to 74 mph.
The other new ride is Air Raid, where riders will experience some serious spins and drops.
Each ride takes a certain number of tickets. But for unlimited fun, visitors can get an unlimited ride wristband to ride all day every Thursday or Sunday until 9 p.m., plus two free games! The presale is $55 and is only available online through Sept. 30.
The Dream Pass is $45 and is good for 10 rides or games, taxes and fees included. It’s only available through Sept. 30.
Showcasing homegrown talent
The Arizona State Fair will spotlight local bands with its Battle of the Bands Finale. Every Thursday night, four local bands will hit the stage to battle it out in front of guests and the judges. Fans will help decide who wins!
One winning band will advance through each round before the ultimate showdown on Oct. 29 inside Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The showdown is free.
The grand champion band gets a $3,000 cash prize plus a $1,000 marketing grant and a $500 gift certificate from Hello Merch.
Star-powered tunes
Music is a key part of the fair with the Backyard Concert Series. On Fridays and Saturdays, tribute bands will pay homage to the absolute legends of rock ‘n’ roll, country and more.
Some big names in the music industry will be playing great sets at the Veterans Coliseum as well. Concert tickets include admission to the fair. The show starts at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.
Oct. 2: Gin BlossomsOct. 9: Becky GOct. 10: All Time LowOct. 16: The OffspringOct. 17: Russell DickersonOct. 24: Public EnemyFoodie fun
A trip to the fair wouldn’t be complete without the food. The Arizona State Fair will have all the classics like corn dogs, turkey legs and funnel cakes, plus over-the-top creations from more than 90 food vendors.
A new creation this year is Dutch Fries, which are fries battered and fried in beef tallow and then tossed in European butter and Parmesan cheese, topped with black truffle mayo and Italian parsley.
The PB&J corn dog combines two childhood favorites into one. A corn dog is smothered in Reese’s peanut butter and raspberry jelly for a nostalgic sweet-and-salty treat.
For those with only a sweet tooth, the Caramel Apple Sip & Crush pairs a green apple and caramel with a crunchy topping of sour green apple popcorn and caramel corn.
There are also deep-fried Hawaiian rolls, prickly pear funnel cakes, buldak ramen cheese on a stick, pizza bacon bombs, funnel cake parfaits and more. For a complete list, click or tap here.
Dogs, dancers and parrots
Also included in the price of admission are a variety of spectacles and extraordinary performers.
The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show features a world-class team of rescued dogs that perform high-energy stunts and incredible tricks.
Parrots of the Caribbean will be on display during the five weeks, while Pualoto Polynesian dancers and Golden Phoenix Lion dancers will perform on different weekends.
Where to park
The Arizona State Fair is at 19th Avenue and McDowell. The fair owns several parking lots with parking starting at $25. The fair also runs a free shuttle from Phoenix College at 15th Avenue and Thomas Road.
Other parking lots nearby are privately owned.
To see all event schedules, maps of food and rides, discounts and games, download the Arizona State Fair app.
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