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DTPR MAGAZINE #15-5: September - October 2025
The 2025 Arizona State Fair
Blooms with Tradition and Thrills
by: Jim Schwartz Photography courtesy of: Arizona State Fair
As the Sonoran Desert’s golden hues give way to autumn’s
crisp edge, the 2025 Arizona State Fair swings open its
gates, inviting Phoenix and beyond to a celebration
that’s as timeless as the saguaros and as vibrant as a
monsoon sunset. Running from Friday, September 19,
through Sunday, October 26, this 141-year-old tradition—
now one of the top 10 state fairs in the nation—transforms
the Arizona State Fairgrounds at 1826 W. McDowell Road
into a sprawling hub of agricultural pride, heart-pounding
entertainment, and indulgent delights. Under the theme
“Grow Happiness,” the Fair digs deep into Arizona’s roots,
blending homespun exhibits with modern spectacles to
foster joy, community, and unforgettable memories. Open
Thursdays through Sundays, it’s more than an event—it’s
a seasonal rite where families, friends, and fairgoers of all
ages reconnect amid the aroma of corn dogs and the
roar of midway rides. With free entertainment included in
general admission, innovative September programming,
this year’s Fair promises to cultivate smiles across the Valley.
From its humble beginnings as an agricultural showcase
on the city’s outskirts, the Arizona State Fair has evolved
into a multifaceted extravaganza that honors Arizona’s
farming heritage while embracing contemporary fun.
Kicking off with the inaugural “September Nights”—two
reimagined weekends on September 19-21 and September
26-28—the Fair offers a fresh atmosphere with extended
evening hours (gates open at 5 p.m.), enhanced lighting,
and themed nights that spotlight local talent and cultural
vibes. These opener weekends will beset a joyful
tone, featuring free live performances across multiple
stages, from high-energy dance troupes to
acoustic sets evoking desert sunsets. As the Fair
progresses into October, hours shift to daytime
openings at noon, expanding opportunities for
midday explorations of exhibits and attractions.
Rain or shine, the grounds buzz with activity,
underscoring the Fair’s commitment to accessibility
and resilience. For those planning a visit, downloading
the official Arizona State Fair app is a must—it provides
interactive maps, daily schedules, & real-time updates
to navigate the 170-acre wonderland seamlessly.
At the heart of the experience is the Coliseum
Concert Series, presented by the Arizona Lottery,
a highlight that promises to draw record-breaking
crowds this year. Held inside the iconic Veterans
Memorial Coliseum—affectionately known as the
Madhouse on McDowell—each “An Evening With...”
performance will deliver a full headliner set without
openers, allowing fairgoers to savor every note
alongside fair favorites like turkey legs and funnel
cakes. The series launches with Arizona’s own
indie-pop duo The Format reuniting for their first
full-band show since 2007 on Saturday, September
27, complete with intimate outdoor sets by rising
Phoenix artists like Sydney Sprague, Astrologer,
JPW, and Dad Weed on a festival-style stage.
The momentum continues with pop trio AJR on
Friday, October 3 ($69-$136 tickets), Latin sensations
Reik on October 10 ($53.15-$110.15), Grammy-
winning metal band Mastodon on October 17
($53.15-$75.15), country star Brett Eldredge on
October 18 ($53.15-$110.15), hip-hop icon 2
Chainz on October 24, and alt-rock legends The
Cult closing on October 25 ($38.15-$325.41).
Every reserved seat includes general admission
to the Fair, making these shows a seamless
blend of music and midway magic. Tickets, are
available via https://azstatefair.com/concerts
with dynamic pricing for peak demand.
Beyond the big stages, the Fair pulses with free,
family-friendly entertainment that embodies its
agricultural soul. Wander the exhibit halls in the
Veterans Memorial Coliseum’s South Hall to marvel
at the Culinary Arts and Quilts display, where
local artisans showcase intricate stitches and
time-honored recipes, from award-winning pies
to heirloom textiles that tell Arizona’s story.