Anyone experienced this event? Im thinking of fitting it in at the end of our tour around.We fly home from Phoenix this time so it would be handy.
Would it need a day or two?

Hi John!
I haven't been to the Arizona State Fair, but have been to the state fair in California a few times, as well as some of the larger Cailfornia county fairs (Los Angeles, Santa Clara).

I'd say it would be worth a day of your time. The exhibit halls with award winners for best homemade jam, sewing skills, etc. are always interesting - and have a local focus. I love the livestock pens -- School 4-H Clubs have great exhibits, and are justly proud of their efforts. Hmmmm. I need to check the date of the CA state fair ... I'm due for a return visit!

*edited to add: California State Fair, August 15 - September 1

Thanks Colleen ! I'll mark that down as a good option at the end of our 6 week sojourn. After all the scenic locations that we are anticipating the fair could be fun way to finish the trip. J

Hi John,
I've been to many of the big State Fairs,(although not Arizona) because my career involved the commercial exhibits. They were all different and all great experiences. I'd say go! They will have a web site so you can get an idea of what goes on. Expect big and noisy! Enjoy!

John, I live in Phoenix and have been to the state fair many, many times. It is worth a day, probably not two though. The exhibits are enjoyable. The midway rides are what you would expect from a large carnival and there is of course all the fried-food-on-a-stick you can eat. In recent years I have limited my visits to the exhibits and like to go in the daytime. The entertainment that is offered nightly with admission is also worth checking out and I have seen some fun performances over the years (Weird Al, Gallagher, even Bob Dylan!)

Right around the fairgrounds you will find some great restaurants if you don't want to have all your meals standing up next to a concession stand. Coronado Cafe, My Florist (yes, that's a restaurant), Persian Gardens and the Original Hamburger Works are all a short distance from the fairgrounds.

Dress for the weather - Although the fair is held in October it gets hot during the day but cools off at night.

Have Fun!

Debbie

Greetings: I also live in Phoenix( Tempe, actually). I haven't been to the state fair since my kids were smaller. If you're really into a state fair experience then go for no more than a day -- if not, skip it( I know I certainly would). And yes, it can be REAL hot during the day even in October).

Ed

My previous state fair experience was Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas and compared to them the Arizona State Fair is a great disappointment.

If you are into fast rides, go to 6 Flags in California, if you want to view livestock consider some time at a dude ranch but IMO the AZ state fair is overpriced and undervalue.