The James Agency
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The Maricopa County Fair returns April 3 to 5 and April 9 to 12, bringing two weekends of midway rides, deep-fried everything and live entertainment back to Phoenix.
Monster trucks, sea lion shows, an Easter egg hunt and a Golden K-Pop Party headline this year’s mix of over-the-top attractions.
Here’s everything to know about Maricopa County Fair 2026, including ticket deals, hours, parking and more.
What’s new at the Maricopa County Fair for 2026
A number of new attractions and activities will take place at this year’s fair. Here’s a list:
- Easter Festivities: Easter-themed events will take place throughout the fair’s opening weekend on April 3 to 5, including egg hunts for all ages with prizes like bikes, toys and carnival rides. Adults can join a high-stakes hunt with cash prizes up to $3,000. Additional activities include photos with the Easter Bunny and other holiday-themed entertainment.
- Monster Truck Shows: Monster truck shows return during the fair’s second weekend on April 10 to 12. The automotive carnage include an appearance by MEGASAURUS, a fire-breathing, car-crushing mechanical attraction.
- Special Saturdays: On Saturday, April 4, a Ninja Turtles meet-and-greet will offer photo opportunities and activities for kids. On Saturday, April 11, the Golden K-Pop Party will feature music, dance and themed experiences celebrating the global pop genre.
- Sea Lion Shows: The Splash Sea Lion Show will take place daily during the fair, featuring rescued sea lions performing tricks, swimming demonstrations and interactive segments as part of an educational presentation.
Where is the Maricopa County Fair?
The Maricopa County Fair takes place at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road.
How long does the Maricopa County Fair last?
The Maricopa County Fair opens Friday, April 3, and runs through Sunday, April 12 across two weekends in Phoenix.
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What time is the county fair in Phoenix?
Here are the official hours of the Maricopa County Fair:
- Friday, April 3: 11 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday, April 4: 11 a.m. to midnight
- Sunday, April 5: 11a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Thursday, April 9: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, April 10: 10 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday, April 11: 11 a.m. to midnight
- Sunday, April 12: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Maricopa County Fair 2026 wristbands and tickets
Maricopa County Fair tickets can be purchased online at maricopacountyfair.org or at the main gate. Admission ticket prices for the fair are as follows:
Pre-sale general admission: $8.24, children ages 7 and under are free.
Unlimited ride wristbands are $37.08 per person. Fair admission sold separately.
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Maricopa County Fair 2026 discounts and free admission
Multiple deals are available across both weekends if you want to spend less and ride more.
- Free ’til 3: Free admission is available from opening until 3 p.m. on Friday, April 3, Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10.
- Canned food drive: Bring five canned or nonperishable food items on Thursday, April 9 and get free admission.
- Read to Ride: Students in grades K-6 can get free admission and four carnival ride passes from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 by reading four books and completing a form. Details are available here.
- $2 rides: Carnival rides are $2 per ride on Thursday, April 9. Admission is not included.
- Seniors Day: Seniors 55 and up get free fair admission on Friday, April 10.
Parking at the Maricopa County Fair
Parking is available at the Arizona State Fairgrounds for $13 per vehicle.
Maricopa County Fair bag policy and security
Every bag, backpack or diaper bag is subject to search by fair security. Clear bags are encouraged for easier entry. Patrons are subject to pat-downs, metal detectors and other security measures.
What can’t you bring to the Maricopa County Fair
Any outside food or drink (including alcohol), weapons, narcotics, laser pointers, glass bottles, drones, markers, selfie sticks or anything else fair security deems to be disruptive, dangerous or destructive.
Food and drink
The Maricopa County Fair will serve up all the deep-fried staples, including funnel cakes and corn dogs, plus a full lineup of classic fair eats and over-the-top treats. Here’s a list of this year’s food vendors:
- Alicia’s Mexican Kitchen
- Boba King
- Brian’s Baked Potatoes
- Candy Shack
- Chubs
- Da’ Lemon
- Francesco’s Cucina Italiana
- Grandma Herzbergs Pretzel And Lemonade
- Hog Daddys
- Maile & Son Frybread
- Rhinos Glazed Almonds
- Rowdys Burgers
- Steve’s Smokin BBQ
- Stizzy’s Funnel Cakes
- Sweet Cheeks
- Texas Twister Drink/Drizzled Delight
- Wild Thing Coffee Truck
