After a month full of carousel rides, unicorn donuts and monster truck shows, the 2021 Arizona Exposition and State Fair is coming to a close on Saturday, Oct. 30.
The last live entertainment of the season will be Figure 8 racing on Friday and Saturday as well as a Pink Floyd tribute band performance.
Whether you are looking for just one more ride on the Ferris wheel or have not yet made it out to the fairgrounds in Phoenix, we have you covered on how to get the most out of your state fair experience this weekend.
For tips on where to park, which fair foods to try and which shows are happening, continue reading.
When is the Arizona State Fair in 2021?
The fair kicks off Friday, Oct. 1, and comes to a close on Saturday, Oct. 30.
What time does the Arizona State Fair open and close?
The fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesday through Sunday hours are as follows:
- Noon-9 p.m. Wednesdays.
- Noon-9 p.m. Thursdays.
- Noon-10 p.m. Fridays
- 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays.
- 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays.
What is the Arizona State Fair’s address?
The fairgrounds are at 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. The cross streets are 19th Avenue and McDowell Road.
What are Arizona State Fair’s 2021 prices?
Admission can be purchased online and at the gate. Here are the prices:
- Adults (14-54 years old): $12.
- Seniors (55 and older): $10.
- Children (5-13): $10.
- Infants (4 and younger): Free.
Virtual tickets for rides and games can also be purchased ahead of time on an app. FunPass (in the Apple Store and at Google Play) requires users to register and enable location services on their phones before they buy tickets that can be scanned at rides and game booths.
Do you have to wear a mask?
The Arizona State Fair does not require face coverings. Due to the spread of the highly contagious delta variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone wear masks indoors where COVID-19 transmission is high — including Maricopa County — regardless of vaccination status.
“In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings,” reads the CDC’s website. “In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.”
The CDC recommends continuing to socially distance and wash your hands.
Parking at the Arizona State Fair
There are two designated parking lots and a VIP section. VIP parking in the North Lot can be reserved online for $25 per car.
The entrance to the North Lot is at 19th Avenue and Monte Vista Road. Parking costs $12 here.
The entrance to the West Lot is on Encanto Boulevard, between 19th and 20th avenues. Parking costs $8 and entails walking down to Monte Vista Road to enter the fairgrounds.
Public transportation to the Arizona State Fair
For those who prefer to take public transportation or plan to walk to the fair, there are several options for entering the fairgrounds from the street:
- Near the northeast corner of 19th Avenue and McDowell Road.
- Near the southeast corner of 19th Avenue and Monte Vista Road.
Note that the entrance at the northwest corner of 17th Avenue and McDowell Road is closed this year.
What rides are at the 2021 Arizona State Fair?
There will be 58 rides and attractions in 2021, including the haunted mansion, mini bumper cars and Crazy Coaster rollercoaster.
The iconic La Grande XL Ferris wheel and the Skyride will be returning. Here’s a taste of the more fast-paced rides to try this year:
- Cliff Hanger, where riders lie on their stomachs and fly through the air.
- Crazy Coaster, a wild mouse ride with a twist.
- Disk’O, a spinning platform that glides on a curved track as riders stay seated facing out.
- Tilt-A-Whirl, the carnival staple with riders sitting in egg-like compartments.
- Zero Gravity, a wheel that spins as riders, facing inward, are pushed against the walls.
Will there be concerts at the 2021 Arizona State Fair?
No, there will not be major concerts at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum as in previous years.
What shows are happening at the Arizona State Fair?
The events calendar includes Figure 8 racing, monster trucks and rodeos. For the full schedule, go to https://azstatefair.com/calendar.
All these shows take place at the Grandstand, which is in the northwest region of the fairgrounds.
True to the fair’s origins as a celebration of Arizona’s agriculture, there will also be competitions for livestock as well as the fields of arts, sciences and horticulture.
What food is at the fair?
Arizona Republic Dining Critic Andi Berlin found “the weirdest, the tastiest and the most horrific examples of American gastronomy” at the fair this year.
In her guide to 2021 fair foods, she explored everything from a unicorn donut to a hot Cheetos cheeseburger. Also on the menu:
- Dole Whip watermelon taco.
- Kielbasa corn dog.
- Loaded Brick (curly fries packed together and covered in nacho cheese and chili).
Arizona State Fair 2021:The wildest fair foods ranked worst to best
Arizona State Fair deals and discounts
Visitors have several ways to get discounts and free admission to the Arizona State Fair this year.
From noon to 6 p.m. Fridays, the fair has $3 food.
On Wednesday, Oct. 13, people 55 and older are eligible for complimentary admission. Order tickets online (a maximum of two) and use the code 21FAIRFUN.
From noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, fairgoers can receive free admission by bringing 10 cans or other nonperishable foods, which will be donated to Operation Santa Claus and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Requested items include peanut butter and canned fruits, vegetables, tuna and beans. Bottled water, soda, baby food, cup noodles and items in glass containers will not be accepted.
Active service members and veterans can get free admission from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, through VetTix.
Arizona State Fair 2021
When: Oct. 1-30.
Where: 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.
Admission: $12, $10 for age 55 and older and ages 5-13 years old, free for age 4 and younger.
Details: 602-252-6771, https://azstatefair.com.
Reach the reporter at contact@viendongshop.vn. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.
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