The Best Summer County Fairs In Arizona

There’s something timeless and comforting about a county fair—the smell of fried food in the air, the distant rumble of a tractor pull, the colorful lights of a Ferris wheel spinning. In Arizona, summer fairs are a cherished tradition that bring communities together in celebration of agriculture, culture, and old-school fun. If you’re into barrel racing, funnel cake, 4-H animals, or just looking for a wholesome weekend with the family, the Grand Canyon State delivers an incredible lineup of fairs that capture the spirit of summer.

From the high deserts of Flagstaff to the sun-soaked plains of Cochise County, each fair offers a unique slice of Arizona life. You’ll find rodeos, demolition derbies, carnival games, artisan vendors, and more. But beyond the entertainment, these fairs showcase the beating heart of rural Arizona—people proud of their heritage, their land, and the stories they tell through crafts, livestock, and homemade pies.

We’ve rounded up six of the best county fairs to experience in Arizona this summer. So grab a cold lemonade, pull on your cowboy boots, and let’s hit the midway.

Maricopa County Fair (Phoenix)

Held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in central Phoenix, the Maricopa County Fair rolls into town every April with just the right mix of down-home charm and city flair. It's one of those rare events where you can watch a kid show off their prize goat in the livestock barn, then wander over to catch a heart-pounding motorcycle stunt in the Globe of Death. There’s no shortage of action, and the fairgrounds buzz with excitement from open to close.

One of the fair’s most beloved features is its carnival—and not just because of the rides. Families love the weekday deal that offers unlimited free rides until 3 PM, which gives kids a chance to go wild on the Tilt-a-Whirl while parents catch their breath with a lemonade in hand. The rides range from classic to downright thrilling, and there's always a line at the giant slide.

Beyond the midway, you’ll find a sprawling showcase of youth agriculture. 4-H and FFA students bring their animals, crafts, and projects to compete for ribbons, giving the fair a grounded, authentic energy. There are also food competitions, cultural exhibits, and a surprisingly great selection of fair food—think churro sundaes, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and deep-fried Oreos.

Maricopa’s fair sits in a sweet spot: big enough to entertain for a full day, but small enough to feel personal. It’s a perfect introduction to Arizona’s fair scene, and an easy choice for anyone wanting to dive into the season early.

Arizona State Fair (Phoenix)

When September rolls around, the Arizona State Fair lights up Phoenix with one of the largest and most anticipated events in the state. Though it runs a bit later than traditional summer fairs, its scale and variety make it a must-see on any Arizona fair tour. Hosted at the historic fairgrounds on McDowell Road, this fair has been drawing crowds since 1884—and it’s only gotten better with age.

Expect a spectacle. The Arizona State Fair goes big with its entertainment: major concerts from nationally touring artists, high-flying stunt shows, and an expansive midway packed with everything from gravity-defying thrill rides to classic carnival games. The Coliseum venue frequently hosts big-name music acts, and it’s not uncommon to catch a Grammy winner performing just steps away from a corndog stand.

Food is another major draw. We're talking turkey legs the size of your forearm, deep-fried candy bars, elote dripping with butter and cheese, and giant lemonade cups sweating in the heat. The culinary chaos is part of the charm, and people come hungry. It’s as much about the food as the rides or exhibits.

Still, the Arizona State Fair hasn’t lost touch with its roots. You’ll find agricultural displays, handmade quilts, student artwork, and livestock competitions that reflect the state’s rural heritage. Kids and teens from all over Arizona come to show their animals and projects, giving the event a nice contrast between spectacle and substance.

Navigating the fair can feel like a full-day adventure—and it is. Parking, lines, and crowds can be intense, but the reward is an unforgettable celebration of Arizona’s culture, community, and creative spirit. If you only make it to one fair this year, this is the one that pulls out all the stops.

Pima County Fair (Tucson)

In southern Arizona, where the mountains hug the city of Tucson and saguaros dot the landscape, the Pima County Fair unfolds each April as a ten-day celebration of everything local and lively. It’s held at the expansive Pima County Fairgrounds, and while the Tucson area brings a city-sized audience, the fair retains a strong country character that fans keep coming back for year after year.

The Pima County Fair is especially known for its entertainment lineup, which rivals events twice its size. National touring bands, up-and-coming country artists, and tribute acts take the stage almost every night, often with no extra cost beyond fair admission. On the opposite end of the grounds, the carnival roars with spinning rides, midway games, and just enough chaos to keep teenagers entertained until the lights go out.

There’s also plenty of family appeal. The agricultural exhibits are deeply rooted here, with livestock barns showcasing pigs, sheep, goats, and cattle raised by youth clubs across the region. Kids can try their hand at educational activities, petting zoos, or meet-the-animal sessions designed to connect young visitors with rural traditions. Parents love the shaded rest areas, air-conditioned pavilions, and a growing lineup of local food vendors—from Sonoran hot dogs to fry bread tacos.

The fair also blends cultures in a way that reflects southern Arizona’s unique identity. You'll find mariachi performances, folklorico dancers, and Latin-inspired flavors woven throughout the event. It’s an atmosphere where cowboy boots and salsa music share the same space, and the result is something distinctly Tucson.

With wide pathways, well-managed crowds, and plenty of Arizona sunshine, the Pima County Fair is a springtime staple in the southern part of the state. It strikes that balance between fun and familiarity—and if you time your visit right, you just might catch a desert sunset behind the Ferris wheel.

Coconino County Fair (Flagstaff)

If you’re craving crisp mountain air and tall pine trees with your funnel cake, the Coconino County Fair is your ticket. Held over Labor Day weekend at Fort Tuthill County Park just outside of Flagstaff, this northern Arizona gem delivers everything you love about a fair, wrapped in a setting that feels more like a summer camp retreat than a dusty fairground.

The setting really is part of the draw. Surrounded by ponderosa pines and perched at 7,000 feet elevation, the Coconino County Fair has a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike. Daytime temperatures are mild—even in August—and cool evenings offer the perfect excuse to stick around for live music or a moonlit walk through the art barn.

But it’s not just scenery that makes this fair shine. The Coconino County Fair puts a strong emphasis on local talent and community involvement. From blacksmithing demos to home-brew competitions, you get the sense that this fair is built from the ground up by people who care deeply about their crafts. Live performances range from folk music and indie bands to dance troupes and youth theater.

Animal lovers will find plenty to smile about, too. The livestock barns showcase goats, sheep, rabbits, poultry, and more—all raised by local 4-H and FFA students. Interactive exhibits invite kids to learn how to milk a cow or plant a seed, and the petting zoo is always a hit with the stroller crowd.

While the midway isn’t as large or flashy as some of Arizona’s bigger fairs, it fits the fair’s scale perfectly. Expect a modest lineup of rides and classic games, all backdropped by blue skies and pine-scented breezes. And when hunger strikes, the fair food delivers—from Navajo tacos and roasted corn to locally made ice cream.

What the Coconino County Fair lacks in spectacle, it more than makes up for in charm. It’s the kind of event where you leave with a smile on your face, dirt on your boots, and maybe a prize-winning zucchini under your arm.

Cochise County Fair (Douglas)

Tucked away in the far southeast corner of Arizona, the Cochise County Fair in Douglas is as authentic as it gets. Held each September at Cochise County Fairgrounds near the U.S.-Mexico border, it’s one of the oldest county fairs in the state, first established in 1924. More than a century later, it’s still going strong—offering a down-home, deeply local celebration of farming, ranching, and small-town pride.

This is the kind of fair where you’re just as likely to bump into a neighbor as you are a prize-winning steer. The pace is easy, the smiles come quickly, and the sense of tradition runs deep. Families have been showing animals here for generations, and 4-H and FFA participants are the heart of the event. Livestock barns bustle with kids proudly grooming their goats and pigs, and the show ring draws a crowd for everything from poultry judging to sheep shearing.

The fair’s charm lies in its simplicity. The midway is modest but full of nostalgic fun—think spinning teacups, ring toss, and rides that light up just as the desert sky starts to turn gold. The exhibit hall overflows with handmade quilts, jams, school projects, and the kind of blue-ribbon pies that disappear fast once the judging’s done. It’s a place where craftsmanship is celebrated and everyone has a chance to shine.

Entertainment is a mix of local flavor and time-honored tradition: rodeo events, live bands, dance groups, and the ever-popular Demolition Derby. The food court serves up regional favorites like green chile burritos and carne asada tacos, alongside fair staples like kettle corn and soft-serve cones.

The Cochise County Fair may not draw massive crowds or big-name acts, but that’s exactly its appeal. It’s intimate, welcoming, and rooted in the rhythms of rural life. For anyone seeking a slower, more soulful slice of Arizona’s fair circuit, Douglas delivers.

Navajo County Fair (Holbrook)

Up in Arizona’s high desert, where Route 66 nostalgia meets wide-open skies, the Navajo County Fair brings Holbrook to life each September with a hearty mix of rodeo grit and small-town spirit. It’s one of those fairs where the rodeo is king, the livestock barns are full of future ranchers, and the fried food tastes just a little better under a starry sky.

The centerpiece of the fair is its PRCA-sanctioned rodeo—a major draw for both locals and rodeo fans from across the Southwest. Bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and mutton busting are all on the docket, and the grandstands fill fast when the broncs start bucking. There’s a real sense of pride in the arena, and the community shows up in full force to cheer on their favorites.

But the fair isn’t all dust and dirt. Inside the exhibit halls, you’ll find school projects, handcrafted goods, and baking competitions that showcase the talents of Navajo County residents young and old. The 4-H and FFA programs are front and center, with students raising and showing everything from rabbits to heifers.

The carnival is compact but lively, with spinning rides, ring toss games, and enough cotton candy to give every kid a sugar high. Families appreciate the manageable size—big enough to entertain, small enough not to overwhelm. Local vendors line the fairgrounds with crafts, jewelry, and regional eats, while live music and talent shows keep the stage humming well into the evening.

What makes the Navajo County Fair special is its sense of community. It’s not flashy or oversized—it’s familiar. It feels like a town reunion, a classroom showcase, and a Friday night out all rolled into one. If you’re passing through northern Arizona in the fall, make a detour to Holbrook. The fair may only last a few days, but the memories tend to stick around.

Celebrating Arizona

In a state where saguaros stand tall and sunsets stretch for miles, Arizona’s county fairs offer a vibrant reflection of the communities that make this place special. Each fair tells a different story: of ranchers and rodeos, of youth clubs and blue ribbons, of tradition passed from one generation to the next. If you’re an out-of-towner chasing new experiences or a local looking to reconnect with homegrown roots, there’s an Arizona fair out there calling your name.