When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Arizona State Fair
Why Arizona State Fair is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Arizona State Fair, held annually at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, Arizona, is a premier destination to meet up with friends and enjoy a wide array of entertainment, food, and cultural experiences. Running from September 19 to October 26, 2025, and open Thursdays through Sundays, this fair features more than 75 amusement rides, over 110 food booths offering diverse and delicious options, and approximately 300 commercial sales booths showcasing unique products. The lively environment combined with a variety of live music and performances creates a festive atmosphere perfect for socializing and making memories. The fairgrounds also host special events such as Kerr’s Farm Tours, agricultural exhibits, and livestock shows, adding an educational and authentic touch to the celebration. With its rich history dating back to 1884, the Arizona State Fair is one of the top five state fairs in the United States by annual attendance, drawing over a million visitors each year, making it a vibrant hub for community interaction and fun. Accessibility is enhanced by multiple parking options including affordable lots with shuttle service, and family-friendly amenities such as clean restrooms and family bathrooms. Whether you are interested in thrilling rides, sampling fair foods, shopping local vendors, or enjoying animal exhibits, the Arizona State Fair provides a fantastic venue to connect with friends while celebrating the spirit of Arizona’s culture and community.
Here's what people think of Arizona State Fair
As of recent, Arizona State Fair holds a 4-star rating based on 89 reviews.
Visitors of the Arizona State Fair generally appreciate it as a lively and enjoyable venue to spend quality time with friends and family. Positive reviews highlight the variety of rides and attractions available, noting that the unlimited ride wristbands offer good value for families with children who meet height requirements. Many enjoy the food choices and vendor booths, as well as the friendly atmosphere and ample entertainment options, including animal exhibitions and live music. Families particularly comment on the fair's accessibility and facilities, such as well-maintained restrooms and helpful staff, which enhance their experience. However, some negative feedback points to the fair being smaller than other state fairs, with fewer vendors in the exposition hall and limited large-scale attractions. A few visitors mention the high cost of ticket rides individually and suggest that planning around special discount days can improve affordability. Despite these critiques, the fair's longstanding tradition, rich array of activities, and community spirit largely contribute to positive overall impressions. In summary, the Arizona State Fair is widely regarded as a fun, family-friendly event that offers meaningful social and cultural experiences, though visitors should be mindful of budget considerations and plan their visit to make the most of the available attractions.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dustin Harvell
Excellent time!! Food and games for everyone. The prices overall were high, but worth it for once a year. I didn't get a chance to grab a photo of the lobster roll. It was gone too quick! (Sorry) Highly recommend going before it's gone for the season! Parking was easy... price range during the day was $10 to $30 for the day.
Mike Moore
2 stars because it exists and at least it tried. Honestly, this fair feels like a cash grab in every direction. You pay to get in, then you pay way too much for rides, food, games, and anything else you even look at too long. I get fairs aren’t supposed to be cheap, but come on, five bucks per ride just to get spun in circles and stumble off with a headache? Hard pass. Trying to grab food is its own battle. The lines are ridiculous and by the time you finally get up to order, you’re overheated, hangry, and questioning your life decisions. And the food? Not bad, but nothing that makes the wait or the price feel worth it. I’m from a small town back east where county fairs just hit different. You get local vendors, legit farm food, more heart, less hassle, and you can actually enjoy the day without draining your entire wallet. The Arizona State Fair has the size, lights, and energy of a big event, sure, but it misses the charm and value that makes a fair fun. I went once, gave it a shot, and that was enough for me.
Rana Betül Başıbüyük
Nice october event. Ticket 15$ for parking and 15$ per person. But maccines seems unsafety for me. You can find street food. That can not be best one but you can like.
Jenny Hom
Foodieland night market massive amount of attendees who came to the state fair March 8, 9, 10th 2024. It was mainly food vendors and merchandise vendors. This reminds me of the 626 night market in CA. It's like the fair without the rides, concerts, exhibits, and freebies. I stood in line for grilled octopus on a stick. $20 ouch! The flavor was delicious. I ate a sushi taco. $11. It was out of this world. I spent $85 that Sunday.
Danielle Randazzo
I like this venue. The staff was excellent and everything was clean. The jurassic quest event was overpriced for what it offered but the kids had fun and we will definitely check out other events at the fairgrounds.
How to reach Arizona State Fair
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Why Arizona State Fair may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
The Arizona State Fair offers an unmatched venue for gathering with friends or family, combining wide-ranging entertainment, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere that creates memorable shared experiences. Bringing a group to this fair isn’t just about attending another event; it’s about immersing yourselves collectively in a sprawling celebration of Arizona culture, excitement, and fun. From its well-rounded live entertainment lineup to interactive animal exhibits and heart-pounding motorized shows, the fair provides something that caters to all tastes, ensuring no one feels left out. The fact that much of the excitement, including over 60 live entertainment options, is free with fair admission means your group can enjoy a diverse range of activities without worry of overspending. Plus, the festive environment makes it easy to bond, whether you’re rooting for your favorite stunt team, sharing street food delicacies, or photographing playful farm animals. The fair’s long running dates from late September into October offer plenty of opportunities to plan the perfect day or evening out. It’s a turnkey social destination where laughter, thrills, and cultural appreciation intersect—the perfect reason to rally with your friends at the Arizona State Fair.
What kinds of live entertainment can groups enjoy here?
One of the biggest draws for groups is the sheer volume and variety of live entertainment available at the Arizona State Fair. With over 60 live acts throughout the fair, your party can easily explore many different genres and styles together, all included with the price of admission. For thrill-seekers, the Off-Axis Stunt Show offers BMX stunts and tramp wall tricks that are high-energy and adrenaline-pumping. Fans of impressive artistry will marvel at the Shanghai Circus Acrobats, who perform gravity-defying stunts and precision routines three times a day during the popular September Nights events. Music lovers can experience a lineup of concerts at the Coliseum, featuring top artists like AJR, Reik, and 2 Chainz, as well as unique shows like the Bright Heart Circus with juggling and glowing hula hoops, and traditional Taiko drumming by Fushicho Daiko Dojo. Showtimes and events run day and night, providing fun-filled programming for everyone in your group, ensuring your meetup never hits a dull moment. The highlight each evening is a mesmerizing drone light show featuring 300 drones illuminating the night sky, providing a perfect backdrop for group photos or simply soaking in the moment together.
What animal and agriculture-related activities make the fair unique?
The Arizona State Fair provides a unique opportunity for groups to connect with the region’s agricultural heritage and experience hands-on interaction with animals, something often missed in urban settings. Kerr’s Farm Tours give visitors the chance to explore Arizona’s rich farming traditions, providing educational and fun encounters with baby cows, sheep, goats, turkeys, and chicks. These animals aren’t just for viewing; the Great American Petting Zoo invites guests of all ages to pet animals, feed them with purchased snacks, and capture those heartfelt family or friend group photos with gentle creatures. For bird lovers or anyone intrigued by exotic wildlife, the Plundering Parrots Agriculture Bird Display and the Parrots of the Caribbean show offer colorful, clever parrots performing entertaining stunts and pirate-themed adventures that engage audiences of all ages. This mix of education and amusement makes the fair a perfect outing for groups with diverse interests, where members can learn together about farming and animal husbandry while sharing silly and sweet moments with furry, feathered friends.
Why is the food experience at the Arizona State Fair ideal for meetups?
Food at the Arizona State Fair is a crucial part of the social experience, designed not only to sate hunger but also to spark joy and shared enjoyment. The fair boasts myriad food stands and vendors offering everything from classic American fair food like funnel cakes and corn dogs to more eclectic and gourmet options reflecting Arizona’s local flavors. A special offering called Munchie Madness is available during September Nights, where guests can get $16 worth of food for just $10, making it a budget-friendly opportunity to sample multiple dishes with friends. Sharing plates or snacks creates a natural social atmosphere for groups, encouraging conversations and laughter over every bite. Moreover, the layout of the food courts and vendor areas fosters mingling and movement, allowing the group to explore culinary delights together before heading to shows or exhibits. Whether you want to grab quick bites between acts or lounge at picnic tables for a casual meal, the food options at the fair help turn any meetup into a festive mini celebration centered around satisfying tastes and collective enjoyment.
What thrilling events and motorsport shows can groups experience?
For groups seeking high-energy spectacles, the Grandstand Series offers some of the most thrilling live events at the Arizona State Fair, perfectly suited to share the excitement and cheer with friends. This lineup includes heart-racing figure 8 races, Xtreme Bull Riding, high school rodeos, Native American rodeos, and All-Star Monster Trucks, which feature massive vehicles performing jaw-dropping stunts. These events are free with fair admission and run throughout the fair's duration, mostly occurring in the Grandstand Arena, where the atmosphere electrifies with roaring engines and cheering crowds. These competitions offer perfect moments for groups to bond over shared thrills, friendly wagers, and post-event celebrations. Whether your group enjoys the daring skill of the bull riders or the thunderous spectacle of monster trucks smashing obstacles, these shows provide adrenaline-filled entertainment that is visually spectacular and loud enough to create memories for years to come.
How does the Arizona State Fair facilitate group-friendly experiences overall?
Beyond the broad array of activities and entertainment, the Arizona State Fair is thoughtfully designed to foster group gatherings and memorable social experiences. The fair operates Thursday through Sunday across more than a month, giving groups significant flexibility in scheduling outings according to their members’ availability. Spacious grounds, including shaded areas inside cooled coliseums like the North and South Halls, offer comfortable resting spots where groups can regroup, socialize, and enjoy arts and craft displays at a relaxed pace. These indoor halls highlight local crafts and traditions, providing a quieter contrast to the lively outdoor shows while still emphasizing community and culture, perfect for groups wanting a balanced day. Accessibility is a priority, with clear signage and helpful staff to guide visitors. The diverse programming ensures that no matter your group’s interests — from music to animals to motorsport — everyone finds enjoyment. Additionally, family-friendly exhibits and shows accommodate various ages, making it easy for groups including children or multi-generational parties to join the fun without stress. The extensive variety, ample space, and carefully curated experiences make the Arizona State Fair a perfect venue for rallying friends or family, strengthening bonds through shared discovery, laughter, and celebration.