April 2024: County Fair Season – Carnival Rides, Fried Treats & Family Fun in Arizona
Spring is in the air, and in Arizona that means county fair season! April 2024 brings the return of two of the state’s biggest fairs – one in the Phoenix area and one in Tucson – where you can enjoy classic carnival rides, farm animals, live music, and every deep-fried treat imaginable. Grab the family and get ready for funnel cakes and Ferris wheels!
Maricopa County Fair 2024 (Phoenix)
When & Where: The Maricopa County Fair is set for mid-April 2024 (likely a five-day event around April 10–14, 2024). It takes place at the Arizona State Fairgrounds (19th Ave & McDowell Rd) in central Phoenix. The fairgrounds come alive with bright lights and music as the county fair rolls into town. There’s plenty of parking on site (for a fee), and the central Phoenix location makes it easy to reach.
What to Expect: As one of the largest county fairs in Arizona, Maricopa County Fair offers:
- Thrilling Rides: A full carnival midway features everything from a towering Ferris wheel and classic carousel to adrenaline-pumping rides like the spinning Zipper and the giant Giant Slide. There are rides for all ages – gentle choo-choo trains and teacups for the little ones, and high-flying pendulum and drop tower rides for teens and adults craving thrills. (Look out for unlimited ride wristband days if you plan to ride a lot — it can be a great deal.)
- Live Entertainment: Multiple stages showcase local talent throughout each day. You’ll encounter everything from live bands and dance troupes to magic shows and pie-eating contests. In the evenings, enjoy concerts (often included with admission) featuring tribute bands or up-and-coming artists. Don’t be surprised to see roaming entertainers too – stilt walkers, clowns, and quirky characters adding to the fun.
- 4-H & Livestock Exhibits: Being a county fair, agriculture is at its heart. Stroll through the livestock barns to see prize-winning cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens raised by Arizona’s 4-H and FFA youth. You might catch an old-fashioned pig race or a goat milking demo. City kids (and adults!) love meeting the farm animals and learning a bit about rural life. There’s often a petting zoo area where you can feed gentle farm animals and an “Agri-land” exhibit with educational, hands-on activities like gardening or seed planting for kids.
- Fair Food Galore: Come hungry because the fair is a food paradise. Indulge in giant turkey legs, funnel cakes piled with whipped cream and strawberries, corn dogs, fry bread tacos, and curly fries – the classics are all there. But save room for creative indulgences too: deep-fried Oreos and Snickers bars, flaming hot Cheetos-coated corn, massive pickle corn dogs… each year brings new outrageous eats. Pro tip: share dishes with friends so you can taste a bit of everything! And don’t forget a cold lemonade or a creamy gelato to wash it down.
Family Tips: Admission is usually very affordable (kids under a certain age are often free). Check their website for discount days – for instance, in past years the fair has offered free admission during certain weekday hours or special family-pack deals. Once inside, scope out the “Kid Zone” area for milder rides and games suited for young children. Strollers are welcome, though some barns and tents can get crowded. Midday in April can be warm, so apply sunscreen and consider hats for the little ones. And if noise is an issue (the midway can be loud), a pair of ear protectors or earbuds can help sensitive ears.
Pima County Fair 2024 (Tucson)
When & Where: The Pima County Fair takes over the Pima County Fairgrounds (11300 S. Houghton Rd) on Tucson’s southeast side in late April 2024 (tentatively April 18–28, 2024). This fair runs longer – around 10 days – giving you two full weekends to attend. The fairgrounds are a short drive from Tucson, with ample parking (and even carnival shuttles on peak days).
What to Expect: Pima County Fair is known for its lively atmosphere and big entertainment lineup:
- Big-Name Concerts: One hallmark of the Pima fair is its evening concert series, often bringing in nationally known artists free with fair admission. In previous years, genres have ranged from country stars (like Lee Brice) to rock bands (like P.O.D.) to old-school R&B groups. Concerts happen on the main stage and are first-come, first-serve for seating/standing, so if there’s a show you’re dying to see, arrive early that day to secure a spot.
- Carnival Midway: Just like Maricopa’s fair, you’ll find a huge midway here with rides for all ages. One unique aspect at Pima: they often debut a new ride or two each year from the traveling carnival company, so you might get to try a ride you haven’t seen before. From the classic Tilt-A-Whirl to the heart-pounding Spinning Coaster, there’s no shortage of motion and speed. And plenty of gentler attractions for kids, of course. Grab a wristband for unlimited rides if you’re a ride warrior (usually offered on certain weekdays).
- Exhibits & Attractions: Check out the exhibition halls where locals showcase arts, crafts, and culinary creations. Marvel at intricate quilts, marvelously decorated cakes, giant home-grown vegetables, and even Lego masterpieces – all competing for ribbons. The fair often has special attractions like a wildlife showcase (think live tiger presentations or exotic birds), an illusionist/magic show inside a tent, or fun contests like a demolition derby or monster truck show in the arena. There’s always something happening beyond the midway.
- Fair Food & Drink: Tucson’s fair brings its own flavor. In addition to the usual fair foods (which we all love), look for Southwest twists: maybe green chile cheeseburgers, Sonoran hot dogs, or horchata treats. Pima County Fair also typically has a large beer fest tent on weekends, featuring local craft brews for the 21+ crowd to sample while listening to live music. And of course, plenty of sweet treats – cotton candy, buñuelos (Mexican sweet fritters), ice cream, you name it.
Good to Know: The Pima County Fair often offers unlimited ride wristband deals on certain days/times (commonly on Thursdays until 8 p.m. for a flat fee). If you have thrill-seekers, that can be a cost-saver. The fairgrounds layout is fairly large, but they offer a handy map brochure at the entrance – snag one so you don’t miss anything. Tucson evenings can be breezy in April, so you might bring a light jacket if you’ll stay after dark (you’ll want to – the fair is beautifully lit up and the concert energy is great at night).
Celebrate Spring at the Fairs
Arizona’s county fairs are a timeless tradition that bring communities together for springtime fun. It’s a chance to experience a little bit of country life right in the city – where else can you pet a goat, ride a roller coaster, watch a live band, and eat a fried Twinkie all in one day? Whether you head to the Maricopa County Fair in Phoenix, the Pima County Fair in Tucson, or both, you’re sure to make fantastic family memories.
Mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and get ready to enjoy the simple joys of the fair. Take lots of photos (who can resist a Ferris wheel selfie at sunset?), win that stuffed animal, and savor every bite of funnel cake. And as always, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates and our favorite snapshots from these fairs – we’ll be sharing our adventures and would love to see yours too! See you on the midway!
