Pima County Fair 2025 - Attraction Guide

The Pima County Fair is one of Southern Arizona’s largest and most anticipated annual events with nearly 250,000 visitors over a 10 day period.

People from all over the county come to see wacky and wonderful shows, to sing along with their favorite bands, to squeal with laughter on carnival rides, and to eat the kind of greasy and sugary fare that only comes around once per year.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What are the dates for the 2025 Pima County Fair?

The 2025 Pima County Fair will take place from April 17-27, 2025.

What is the location of the Pima County Fair?

The Pima County Fairgrounds are at 11300 S. Houghton Rd in Southeast Tucson (not far from Vail).

What are the hours?

• Monday-Friday: 3:00pm - close (approximately 11:00pm)
• Sat-Sunday: 11:00am - close (approximately midnight)

Why would I go to the Pima County Fair?

• To ride the 60+ rides - ferris wheels, fun houses, roller coasters, giant slides, flying swings
• To see your favorite bands and musicians in concert
• To wander through the livestock barns with the kids
• To admire the artwork, culinary creations, and sewing projects of local Tucsonans
• To munch on Indian fry bread, onion rings, funnel cake, cotton candy, and other fare

How much does admission cost?

• General Admission: $12
• Seniors (55+): $8
• Military*: $8
• Children 6-10: $7
• Children 5 & Under: FREE
• Parking: $8
• Concert Upgrade: $25.00. Does not include Fair Admission. Admission must be purchased separately.

*Discount military tickets apply to active duty and veterans with a military ID. This benefit does not apply to family members.

What is the parking situation?

Parking is plentiful and costs $8 per vehicle (cash or credit). 

There are three parking lots: 

• The Blue Lot is accessible off of Houghton Rd and also thru the Blue Gate, which is the 2nd gate located on Brekke Rd. 
• The Red Lot is accessible off Houghton and Dawn Roads. 
• The Green Lot is accessible from Harrison Rd. 

All parking lots have signs in the rows of parking to help you remember where you parked and are included on the map. Shuttle transportation is available in the parking lots from 4:00pm – 10:00pm on weekdays and from noon until 10:00pm on weekends.

What are typically the most and least crowded days of the fair?

Wednesday, Thursdays, and weekends of the fair are highly attended. If you are at the fair to enjoy all that the fair has to offer but don’t care for carnival rides, consider attending on a Tuesday to avoid the crowds.

Avoid peak traffic time and lines by arriving right when the fair opens: 3:00pm on weekdays and 11:00am on weekends.

What should I wear?

Temperatures in Tucson in mid to late April range from 56°F to 87°F, often with blue skies and lots of sun. Aside from the exhibit halls, the fair is mostly outdoors so good walking shoes and light layers are best. Avoid jeans if the day will be sunny and/or if temperatures for the day are over 80 degrees. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are recommended to provide added protection from the sun.

If you plan to stay after dark into the late evening hours, a sweatshirt is a good idea. If desired, you can leave it in your car and then retrieve it if the temperature drops.

What should I bring with me?

Bring an empty water bottle and your phone for pictures. You’ll probably want to bring cash or another form of payment for food, drinks, carnival rides, and wares from exhibiting vendors.

Can I bring a small purse or backpack?

Yes. Note that all bags are searched upon entry.

Can I bring a water bottle to the Pima County Fair?

Yes. You are permitted to bring reusable water bottles (and we recommend that you do so to avoid overheating and dehydration). Note that hydration packs (such as CamelBaks) are prohibited.

Are bathrooms available?

Yes.

DISCOUNTS & COUPONS

Are there any discounts and/or coupons for the 2025 Pima County Fair?

Yes!

• WEEKDAY DISCOUNT FUN PASSES: Purchase 10 Rides or 10 Games for $30.00! Good Monday – Friday only. The Carnival Weekday Discount is available to purchase online only BEFORE APRIL 16.
• Monday – Friday: Download the fair app and receive a free order of Piggly Fries at the fair before 5:00 p.m. Must show the app.
• Kids can read three books and earn two free carnival rides through the Read and Ride program. Read three books, fill out the simple form, and ride two rides free in Kidland.
• FOOD DISCOUNT: Free Piggly Fries at Piggly’s Barbecue with proof of App! Piggly’s and the Lobster Shack both offer $9.99 value meals!
• Thursday, April 17: Pepsi Wristband Day! Bring in an unopened 20oz bottle of Pepsi, Zero Sugar Pepsi, or Starry and receive a $5.00 discount towards a $40.00 wristband for unlimited carnival rides and one free ride on the Titan. Wristbands are good starting at 3:00pm and must be purchased by 10:00pm. April 17 is also Game Day: Buy 5 games for $15.
• Sunday, April 20: Easter Sunday Specials! Receive free admission until noon with 3 cans of food to benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Discount Wristband: On this day only, purchase a $30.00 Wristband for unlimited rides and one ride on the Titan starting at 11:00am. Wristbands are sold until 4:00pm and end at 6:00pm. Wristbands are available for purchase at the fair only. It’s also Game Day. Buy 5 games for $15.00!
• Sunday, April 21: $7.00 Admission! Pima County Fair Happy Hour until 5:00pm with $3.00 food vendor items and draft beer in the cantina.
• Tuesday, April 22: $3.00 Carnival Rides until 6:00pm. Available to purchase at the fair only and must be used by 6:00pm. Pima County Fair Happy Hour until 5:00pm with $3.00 food vendor menu items and draft beer in the Cantina.
• Wednesday, April 23: Pepsi Wristband Day! Bring in an unopened 20oz bottle of Pepsi, Zero Sugar Pepsi, or Starry and receive a $5.00 discount towards a $40.00 wristband for unlimited carnival rides and one free ride on the Titan. Wristbands are good starting at 3:00pm and must be purchased by 10:00pm. April 23 is also Game Day (buy 5 games for $15) and Pima County Fair Happy Hour ($3.00 menu items and $3.00 draught beer in the Cantina until 5:00pm).
• Thursday, April 24: Pepsi Wristband Day! Bring in an unopened 20oz bottle of Pepsi, Zero Sugar Pepsi, or Starry and receive a $5.00 discount towards a $40.00 wristband for unlimited carnival rides and one free ride on the Titan. Wristbands are good starting at 3:00pm and must be purchased by 10:00pm. April 24 is also Game Day: Buy 5 games for $15.
• Sunday, April 28: Canned Food Sunday = Free Admission. Receive free admission until noon with 3 cans of food to benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona!

CARNIVAL RIDES

How many rides are there at the Pima County Fair?

There are 60+ rides distributed between two distinct carnival ride areas - the Midway (with larger and more daring rides, along with rides for a general audience) and the Kiddie Land Carnival (which is located near the entrances and features more rides for toddlers and preschoolers).

How much do rides cost at the Pima County Fair?

Ticket prices are as follows: 4 tickets for $5, 16 tickets for $20, or 40 tickets for $50. In other words, the cost is $1.25/ticket.

Most rides require 4 to 12 tickets, which means that the majority of rides will cost you somewhere between $5-$15 per ride per person.

We have listed the rides in alphabetical order below, along with how many tickets are required to ride:

• Alien Abduction: 9 tickets
• Balloons Up Up: 5 tickets
• Big Wheel: 12 tickets
• Big Top Swinger: 10 tickets
• Carousel: 7 tickets
• Cliff Hanger: 8 tickets
• Clown Funhouse: 4 tickets
• Crazy Coaster: 12 tickets
• Creep Show: 8 tickets
• Disko: 9 tickets
• Dodgem: 10 tickets
• Endeavor: 12 tickets
• Euroslide: 6 tickets
• Farm Tractors: 6 tickets
• Flying Dutchman: 10 tickets
• Freestyle: 10 tickets
• Fun Factory: 7 tickets
• G Force: 12 tickets
• Galaxy Coaster: 12 tickets
• Goliath Slide: 4 tickets
• Haunted Mansion: 8 tickets
• Ice Jets: 12 tickets
• Insanity: 16 tickets
• Kite Flyer: 7 tickets
• Konga: 10 tickets
• Little Dipper: 6 tickets
• Mach 1: 20 tickets
• Mini Bumper Cars: 6 tickets
• Monster Mash: 4 tickets
• Monster Trucks: 6 tickets
• Motorcycles: 6 tickets
• Pelican Splash: 6 tickets
• Pirate's Island: 6 tickets
• Puppy Roll: 6 tickets
• Quad Runners: 6 tickets
• Rave Wave: 12 tickets
• Remix: 10 tickets
• Rockin' Rodeo: 7 tickets
• Silly Sea 2: 6 tickets
• Silver Streak: 7 tickets
• Skyflyer: 12 tickets
• Spidermania: 7 tickets
• Surf Shack: 6 tickets
• Survival Island: 7 tickets
• Tea Cups: 6 tickets
• Tilt A Whirl: 9 tickets
• Titan: Not included in wristband or promotions
• Toon Town: 5 tickets
• Tug Boat: 7 tickets
• Twister: 10 tickets
• VW Bugs: 6 tickets
• Wild River: 12 tickets
• Zero Gravity: 9 tickets
• Zipper: 9 tickets

Available rides and number of tickets required are subject to change. Please confirm the price with the vendor upon arrival.

Are there any carnival ride discounts at the Pima County Fair?

Yes. See our section on discounts & coupons above. Note that Weekday Discount Fun Passes are pre-sale only and available for use only on Mondays-Fridays, 10 rides for $20. The sale ends Wednesday, April 16.

What is the FunPass?

The FunPass works like a debit card with tickets that are used for rides or games. At time of purchase, the FunPass is preloaded with the pre-purchased amount. Take the FunPass to your favorite ride or game, show your FunPass to the ride operator and they will scan the barcode. The correct number of tickets will be deducted from your FunPass.

How do I know how many credits are left on my FunPass?

Take your FunPass to any ticket box or rider operator for further assistance or download the FunPass app.

Do you have any tips for skipping lines and getting rides faster?

You can save time and avoid the lines by downloading the RCS FunPass App to buy, share, track history, and reload carnival tickets directly to your phone. You can also upgrade to a FAST PASS for an additional fee (see below).

Is there a Fast Pass line for fair rides?

Yes. You can upgrade your ride purchase by $30.00 to a FAST PASS and get into the Fast Pass carnival ride lane for faster fun. While supplies last.

DINING

Is outside food allowed at the Pima County Fair?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

What dining venues are available on-site?

There are plentiful food truck style booths with typical fair food. "If you are looking for deep fried or grilled, dipped in batter or dipped in honey, on a stick or in a cone, hot or cold, or sweet and sticky then you’ve come to the right place!" In fact, you'll see and smell food in every direction you turn.

Offerings include:

• Candy Apples
• Corn Dogs
• Cotton Candy
• French Fries
• Frybread
• Funnel Cakes
• Gyros
• Hot Dogs
• Ice Cream
• Philly Cheesesteak
• Pizza
• Popcorn
• Sausage
• Turkey Legs
• Wings

Are there any stands where you can get free refills on drinks?

No. There are no free refills or refillable cups with free refills. There is, however, at least one stand where you can get $4 refills after purchasing a drink.

What restaurants are located near the Pima County Fairgrounds?

If you're looking for somewhere to dine before or after attending the fair, consider:

• MOD Pizza, 9210 S Houghton Rd (3.6 miles north)
• eegee's, 10158 E Old Vail Rd (3.9 miles north)
• Salad and Go, 10071 E Old Vail Rd (4.1 miles north)
• Bruegger's Bagels, 8140 S Houghton Rd (4.9 miles north)

SHOWS & CONCERTS

What shows are on the agenda for the 2025 Pima County Fair?

• Bird Show: Weekdays at 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm; Weekends 2:00, 4:00, 6:00
• Freckle Farms Pony Rides
• Kidz Science Safari
• Mobile Dairy Classroom
• Ninja Experience
• Pig Races
• Professor Smart's Science Show: Weekdays at 4:00, 6:00, 7:30; Weekends at 2:00, 4:30, 6:30
• Salsa Steel Drum Band
• Sea Lion Splash
• Skip Banks' Hollywood on Wheels Comedy Show
• Steve's Fun Balloons
• Washboard Willy

What bands/musicians will be performing at the 2025 Pima County Fair?

Most concerts at the Pima County Fair take place on the Budweiser Stage and are included with fair admission. This area offers free bleacher seating and festival standing. An upgraded seating area is also available as a $25 add-on. Children 6-14 years old must be accompanied by an adult and must have a ticket. Children 5 and under are not allowed into the concert upgrade area.

• Thursday, April 17 at 8:00pm: Steve Aoki (Budweiser Stage)
• Friday, April 18: Pop Evil & Sleep Theory at 8:15pm (Budweiser Stage) and From Ashes to New at 7:30pm (Michelob Ultra Stage).
• Saturday, April 19 at 6:00pm: Warrant (Michelob Ultra Stage)
• Saturday, April 19 at 8:00pm: Clay Walker (Budweiser Stage)
• Sunday, April 20 at 7:30pm: Baby Bash (Budweiser Stage)
• Monday, April 21 at 7:30pm: Direct for Sweden: The Music of Abba (Budweiser Stage)
• Tuesday, April 22 at 7:30pm: Tejano Queen Forever: Tribute to Selena (Budweiser Stage)
• Wednesday, April 23 at 7:30pm: Switchfoot (Budweiser Stage)
• Thursday, April 24 at 8:00pm: Flowjam (Budweiser Stage)
• Friday, April 25 at 7:30pm: Xzibit (Michelob Ultra Stage)
• Friday, April 25 at 8:00pm: Sevendust (Budweiser Stage)
• Saturday, April 26 at 8:00pm: Brothers Osborne (Budweiser Stage)
• Sunday, April 27 at 5:30pm: Su Majestad La Brissa (Michelob Ultra Stage)
• Sunday, April 27 at 7:30pm: Luis Angel (Budweiser Stage)

Parents should be aware that exposing small children and teens to loud concerts and pressing crowds could be harmful and/or dangerous. Parents are encouraged to use their own judgement when choosing concerts with content that may not be suitable for children or adolescents.

TIP: Bring earplugs for yourself and your family for a more enjoyable concert experience and to prevent permanent hearing damage.

CARNIVAL GAMES

There are 50+ carnival games throughout the midway and all around the grounds. Toss a ring, do pull-ups, shoot hoops, or squirt a water gun for your chance to win a prize.

ANIMALS & LIVESTOCK

As to be expected at a county fair, there are many animals to see (and even to touch!). Marvel at prize-winning pigs, horses, goats, rabbits, and chickens.

BABIES & KIDS

Can kids attend the Pima County Fair?

Yes! In fact, the fair is designed with families in mind. Kids love the live animals, the funny and entertaining shows, the whirly-twirly rides, and the tasty treats.

Here are some helpful tips if you are visiting the fair with young children:

• Big ol Sandbox with toys is in a shaded area in Central Park with hay bale seating for the parents.
• Family Bathrooms and changing tables are located in the Kiddie Land Carnival.
• Kiddie Land Carnival is located near the main entrance with rides for little ones!
• Otter Adventure is located outside Kiddie Land Carnival.
• Pig Races are located on the West side of Central Park.
• Professor Smart’s Science Show is located on the Family Fun Stage, in front of the big Ramada, just past the Petting Zoo.
• Sea Lion Splash is located across from the fair administration office.
• The Petting Zoo and Pony rides are always a favorite and located directly across from the red animal barn.
• Twinkle Time concerts are at Central Park and full of positive performances for youth and pre-teens.

INSIDE PIMA HALL:

• Kiddie Korral, located at the East end of Pima Hall, is especially for young cowboys and cowgirls! Appropriate for ages 7 and under, this western town themed play area has an old-fashioned church, schoolhouse, desert scene, and wagon - with limited seating available for parents. See photos above.
• A Mother’s Convenience Area is located just inside the Kiddie Kingdom. This area is for parents with infants and toddlers for private changing, napping, and feeding. See photos above.
• The Bird Show is Located at the West end of Pima Hall.

INSIDE OLD PUEBLO CONFERENCE & EVENT CENTER:

• Agricultural, Critical Thinking, and Science Centers for Kids
• Mobile Dairy Classroom

Should I bring a stroller?

Probably. A stroller could be useful as you walk the grounds with little ones. A baby carrier might be your best bet for infants.

The Pima County Fair also offers strollers and wagons to rent. The rental area is conveniently located next to the Pima County Fair Guest Services, directly inside the Main Gate.

Is there a designated area for nursing moms?

Yes. Pima Hall provides a Mother’s Convenience Area, which includes comfortable furniture, a crawl and climb area, nap space, tables and baby wipes for changing. There is also a curtained section for mothers who wish to breastfeed or change their little one in private.

Are changing tables available?

See above.

What about my other “baby” (dog, cat, etc)?

Pets are not permitted at the Pima County Fair.

Is the Festival wheelchair accessible?

The Pima County Fairgrounds are ADA compliant.

EVENTS

Can I have my wedding at the Pima County Fair?

The Pima County Fairgrounds can be rented out for weddings and other special events. Limitations do exist during the fair itself, but the grounds are available year-round. Facilities include four buildings, outdoor park-like settings and ramadas, RV and camping space, stage and concert areas, and a large equestrian facility with barns, stalls, and arenas. Call 520-762-9100 for more information.

WHERE TO STAY

What hotels do you recommend for visitors to the Pima County Fair?

Tucson's best resorts are not located near to the fairgrounds, but you should be able to get to the fair in under an hour from most of them. 

The closet hotel to the Pima County Fairgrounds is the Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Tech Park, which is about 8 minutes northwest of the fair.

MISCELLANY

Is the Pima County Fair active on social media?

Yes. You can follow Pima County Fair on Instagram and Facebook.

What else do I need to know before I go to the Pima County Fair?

That just about covers it. Have a great time! *Note that our video is from a few years back, but it should give you a general idea about what to expect at the fair.