The 2020 Arizona State Fair Has Been Postponed to 2021

The decision was announced today to postpone the beloved annual event.

August 20, 2020

Image: You call yourself a real Arizonan? Psssh. Do you even fair, bro?

You call yourself a real Arizonan? Psssh. Do you even fair, bro? Melissa Fossum

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Bad news, fans of carnival rides and deep-fried everything: The Arizona Exposition & State Fair Board announced today that the 2020 Arizona State Fair would not take place due to concerns about COVID-19.

Board chairman Jonathan Lines said in a statement, “As a self-funded state agency, this decision to postpone the fair is not made lightly. In addition to providing the majority of the agency’s operating income, the Fair’s economic impact averages over $90 million annually, engages 300+ businesses, and hires 1000+ employees.. However, safety always comes first, and we feel this is the best decision for all involved this year."

Some events may be held virtually; for example, the livestock show is accepting online entries.

Tentative dates for the 2021 event are October 7 to 31. For more information, visit the fair's website.

Jennifer Goldberg is the Senior Editor of Culture at Phoenix New Times. She joined the New Times staff in February 2016. In her role, Jennifer writes and publishes profiles of both local and regional musicians, previews upcoming performances and provides guides on the best of Phoenix’s entertainment scene. She also oversees the Best of Phoenix. Jennifer previously worked for Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. During her career, Jennifer has received awards from the Arizona Press Club, the Arizona Newspaper Association and the American Jewish Press Association. She holds a bachelor’s of arts in English from Arizona State University.

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