For three weeks each October, the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix transforms into a spectacular community celebration with all the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors you crave. From grandstand events to concerts, entries competitions to livestock, and all the thrills of the midway, make the fair the backdrop of your most vibrant memories.
A popular family event, the Arizona State Fair is one of the Top 20 Arizona USA Events and Festivals and one of the top five state fairs in the country. It attracts over 1 million residents from all over the “Grand Canyon State” and beyond, who come to enjoy the traditional and new entertainment including national concerts, as well as rodeos, racing, livestock, homemaking arts, rides, and tasty treats at numerous food booths. Popular regular and new events are the Arizona State Fair 5k Fun Run/Walk, United States Armwrestling Championships, and more.
The Fair was first held in 1884 (back when Arizona was still a territory), when residents organized the Arizona Territorial Fair to provide family entertainment. The fair was held near the banks of the Salt River; entertainment included horse, pony and mule races, while agriculture, cattle and home economics were the common exhibits. Due to flooding, the Great Depression, World War II and other events, it didn’t become a regular annual event until 1946.
Today, the fair typically has roughly 75 amusement rides – including La Grande Wheel, the largest transportable Ferris wheel in the World – 110 food booths and 300 commercial sales booths. In addition, the Fair will also host an impressive array of concerts, featuring chart-topping artists across various musical genres.
The Arizona State Fair runs Wednesdays through Sundays, October 7-30. For information on planning a trip to Phoenix to take part in the festivities, drop us a line at info@takeagetaway.com or visit www.takeagetaway.com. To learn more about our other destinations and various travel deals, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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