The Arizona State Fair is right around the corner, running Thursdays - Sundays from Sept. 19th to Oct. 26th.
There LOTS to see, TONS of delicious junk food, and SO Many Rides. In short, you probably should gather the family and head over! The great news is that, if you are strategic about it, you can take advantage of their promotions to make it an affordable activity that won’t break the bank. If you go in September, the admission price, is $7 lower than October plus you can get a Super Value Coupon Book (while supplies last).
#1. September Nights Dream Pass $45 - Can be used on Sept. 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, or 28 from 5 pm to close. Includes Fair Admission plus 10 Rides or Games (two scans required for each Titan ride, the Slingshot is excluded). Limited Availability. Online sale ends Sept 18, 2025 so act swiftly! Use any single day of September Nights. Cannot be shared. It’s a great deal for kids 8+ and adults who want to go on rides.
#2. Participate in their Read & Ride program! - Kids aged 5-14 who read a book, fill out the form in advance, and then bring it to the fair can redeem it for a free ride ticket. They can earn up to 3 of these special passes. Overview of the promotion and To print out the form. Get some books from your local library. September happens to be National Get a Library Card Month!
#3. Children 7 and younger always attend the fair for free! - No need to get them an admission ticket which normally costs between $10 and $17 (depending upon when you go). If you like the idea of saving money year round, follow MacaroniKID at https://www.facebook.com/MacKidSurprise where deals are announced regularly.
#4. Feel Good Fridays (Presented by Sanderson Ford) - Give back and get rewarded! On Fridays in October (Oct 3, 10, 17, 24), bring 7 canned food items (nutritious and not expired please!) between 12PM – 6PM and receive one free admission ticket. Presented by Sanderson Ford, this promotion benefits St. Mary’s Food Bank, helping families in need while you enjoy a day of Fair fun. Works in multiples so bringing 21 items would provide 3 free admission tickets. If your family enjoys spreading goodness in the world, here's a local organization that you might like to support: Packages From Home
#5. Invite the Grandparents because they can get in Free on Friday Oct. 3 - Available from 12 noon to 6 pm when they order their tickets online and use the password FRIENDS. (Technically this is a promotion for anyone 55+, it's not actually for grandparents!)
#6. Armed Forces Day presented by USAA - Free admission to all active duty and veteran military personnel on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 12 noon to 6 pm. Must use password USAAFAIR to access your ticket, limit 4 tickets per person and military ID required when redeeming tickets.
#7. Unlimited Ride Wristbands - Ride all day for $45 with the Unlimited Ride Wristband. Available on Oct 2, 9, 16, and 23, each wristband includes unlimited rides plus 2 free games from 12PM – 9PM. Save $10 when you buy online before Sept 18. Wristbands must be purchased before 7PM on your selected date.
#8. Free Parking Option - The lots nearby charge $15 for parking but if you park at Phoenix College, there is no parking fee and the Fair provides a free shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes.
#9. Food Flight Fridays - Taste your way through the Fair with Food Flight Fridays! Every vendor offers $5 tasting items from 12PM – 6PM on select Fridays (Oct 3, 10, 17, 24). Upgrade with a $26.75 Food Flight Pass and get 5 vouchers, Fair admission, and a souvenir lanyard – making it the ultimate foodie adventure. On a related note: If you love food and eating out then you will want to know about Arizona's Restaurant Week that is also starting on 9/19!
#10. Free With Admission - Here's a list of some of the stuff that’s included in your admission.
- Tribute Bands: Nightly Tribute Bands, part of The Backyard Concert Series
- A wide range of entertainment at their various stages: Hypnotists, Magicians, Comedians, Dance Groups, Cultural performers and more
- Grandstand Series: Monster Trucks, Figure 8 Racing, Xtreme Bull Riding and rodeos in the Grandstand
- Fine Art Displays: Hundreds of local art creations vying for a ribbon
- Petting Zoo: Goats, pigs, sheep, alpaca, miniature donkey, and even a Zebu await your attention
- Drone Light Shows: Nightly in September
