The Arizona State Fair returns to Phoenix
October is here and welcoming back cooler weather, holidays and fun with the opening of the Arizona State Fair.
Since 1905, the Arizona State Fair has brought amusement for residents from all over the state. After being postponed in 2020 during the pandemic, the fair is reopening to the public at the fairgrounds in central Phoenix on Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.
It was announced in March that the fair would be held at a temporary location at Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Community's reservation near Chandler, but fair officials said in August the move had been canceled because necessary infrastructure couldn't be arranged.
The fair is welcoming its visitors with new rides, famous foods and entertainment — with a few changes.
“You know, we are living in a different time. All of the events happening are different than years before, so we ask everybody to have fun, come with an open heart ... be safe, and enjoy the time you have here," said Brianda Martinez, marketing specialist for the Arizona State Fair. “We are expecting, you know, a big crowd. We know people are wanting to get out, wanting to have safe fun, and here at the Arizona State Fair we can promise that."
There won't be any live concerts this year, but there will be smaller performers throughout the grounds.
Mobile tickets for admission, rides and games are available for fairgoers. Hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations will be set up throughout the park, and masks will be available for visitors.
The fair runs through Oct. 30.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
