Arizona State Fair 2026: Rides, Concerts and Deals

The Arizona State Fair is running through November 1, and according to Phoenix New Times, this year's theme is "State of Wonder." The fair keeps a Thursday-to-Sunday schedule, so it's closed Monday through Wednesday. Gates open at noon, and last entry is 9 PM on Thursdays and Sundays or 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The fair stays open as long as the lights on the La Grande XL Wheel are still on.

General admission is $20 for ages 13 and up, $14 for guests 62 and older, and $12 for kids ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and under get in free. Military members and first responders, including paramedics, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, and active or retired service members, pay $12 and can bring one guest. They need a valid ID and can buy the ticket at the fair.

Rides are sold separately from admission. A single ride costs $1.25, a Fast Pass is $30, and a Dream Pass is $45 for 10 rides or games. The Unlimited Ride Wristband costs $55 in advance or $61.50 at the fair, though the at-the-gate option is only sold on Thursdays and Sundays. Neither the Dream Pass nor the wristband covers Goliath XXL, Titan, or Sling Shot, so those need their own tickets. Kids ages 5 to 14 can also earn free ride tickets through Read and Ride, one for each book they finish.

The concerts run on the Coliseum Concert Series, and a reserved entry ticket includes fair admission. Gin Blossoms, Becky G, and All Time Low already played earlier this month. The next shows are The Offspring on Friday, October 16, Russell Dickerson on Saturday, October 17, and Public Enemy on Saturday, October 24.

There are a couple of ways to get in for less. On Feel Good Fridays, which fall on October 16, 23, and 30, you can get in free by bringing eight non-perishable items to the gate between noon and 6 PM. On Thursdays, the same noon-to-6 PM window offers free admission to anyone wearing a State Forty Eight x Arizona State Fair t-shirt.