The Arizona State Fair is preparing to open its gates on Thursday, Oct. 1, ushering in five weeks of rides, music, food and Arizona tradition — all under this year’s theme, “A State of Wonder.”
It’s a theme the fair leaned into heavily, aiming to give even longtime visitors something new to discover.
“There’s a lot that’s new this year,” said Brianda Martinez, marketing director for the Arizona Exposition & State Fair.
“Our theme is ‘A State of Wonder,’ and we really leaned into giving even longtime fair fans something new to discover.”
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That sense of discovery begins on the midway, where two new rides — Goliath XXL and Air Raid — join a lineup that now totals 69 attractions. Music takes on a renewed local focus as well, with the debut of Battle of the Bands. Throughout October, Arizona musicians will compete for a spot in the Thursday, Oct. 29, finale inside the coliseum, where more than $5,000 in prizes await.
“We’re also putting a bigger spotlight on Arizona talent with our first-ever Battle of the Bands and three stages dedicated exclusively to local Arizona performers,” Martinez said.
The Coliseum Concert Series, presented by the Arizona Lottery, brings recognizable names back to the historic venue. This year’s lineup includes Gin Blossoms, Becky G, All Time Low, The Offspring, Russell Dickerson and Public Enemy — a mix Martinez says reflects the fair’s commitment to accessibility and variety.
“It’s been a long road rebuilding our concert series after 2020, so we’re really excited about where the lineup is this year,” she said.
“We wanted to bring in recognizable artists across different genres and generations while keeping the concerts accessible to our fair guests. Every concert ticket includes fair admission, so guests get an entire day at the Arizona State Fair plus a reserved seat to see a major artist that night.”
Surprises will unfold throughout the season, including the Rafi Look‑A‑Like Contest on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Phoenix Raceway’s NASCAR Speed and Sound Exhibit, which brings racing culture into the Fair Marketplace. The Grandstand Series — free with admission — returns with rodeos, Figure 8 Races, Monster Trucks and other high‑energy entertainment.
Affordability remains a central focus. Martinez emphasized that keeping the fair accessible is part of its mission.
“We want the fair to remain accessible and give guests plenty of ways to experience more without spending more,” she said. “Beyond general admission, we have several savings opportunities throughout the season, including $5 Foodie Fridays, College Day, Feel Good Fridays, Friends 62 and Older Day, our new Military & First Responder Discount, Read and Ride, and the free Fair Saver Coupon Book.”
Food, always one of the fair’s biggest draws, expands again this year with more than 90 vendors and several new creations. Dutch fries arrive as a crispy‑pillowy hybrid fried in beef tallow and tossed in European butter, Parmesan and black truffle mayo. The PB&J corn dog blends nostalgia with indulgence, smothered in Reese’s peanut butter and raspberry jelly. And the caramel apple sip and crunch reimagines the classic caramel apple as a layered slushy‑and‑popcorn treat.
“This is always one of my favorite questions,” Martinez said. “We’ll have more than 90 food vendors this year. A few of the new items include Dutch fries fried in beef tallow and topped with European butter, Parmesan, black truffle mayo, and parsley; a PB&J corn dog topped with Reese’s peanut butter and raspberry jelly; and the caramel apple sip and crunch.”
The Fair Food Face Off, debuting Sunday, Oct. 4, will give chefs a chance to compete for bragging rights and showcase the creativity behind their most imaginative dishes.
As the fair approaches its 141st year, Martinez hopes guests leave with a renewed appreciation for the event — and for Arizona.
“We want people to rediscover what makes Arizona, and the fair, special,” she said.
“‘A State of Wonder’ is really about the people, places, traditions, and unexpected experiences that make our state unique. Whether someone comes for the rides, food, music, Arizona talent or traditions they’ve enjoyed with their family for years, we want them to leave having discovered something new.”
