Pima County Fair 2024 - 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 2024 Pima County Fair?

The 2024 Pima County Fair will take place from April 18-28, 2024.

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: $6
• Children 5 & Under: FREE
• Parking: $8
• Concert Upgrade: $20.00. 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.

Due to COVID-19, the Pima County Health Department had all water fountains removed from the Pima County Fair property and converted into water refill stations. These stations are located on the outside of each building, but many are currently out of order.

Are bathrooms available?

Yes.

DISCOUNTS & COUPONS

Are there any discounts and/or coupons for the 2024 Pima County Fair?

Yes!

• Thursday, April 18: Pepsi Wristband Day! Bring in an unopened 20oz bottle of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, or Pepsi Zero 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 18 is also Game Day: Buy 5 games for $15.
• Sunday, April 21: Canned Food Sundays = Free Admission. Receive free admission until noon with 3 cans of food to benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
• Monday, April 22: Discount Day: $6.00 Admission, plus free wheel rides for fair goers ages 55+! April 22 is also Pima County Fair Happy Hour: $3.00 food vendor items and $3.00 draught beer in the Cantina until 5:00pm.
• Tuesday, April 23: NEW! $3.00 RIDES UNTIL 6:00pm. *Does not include the Titan. Pima County Fair Happy Hour: $3.00 menu items and $3.00 draught beer in the Cantina until 5:00pm.
• Wednesday, April 24: Pepsi Wristband Day! Bring in an unopened 20oz bottle of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, or Pepsi Zero 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) and Pima County Fair Happy Hour ($3.00 menu items and $3.00 draught beer in the Cantina until 5:00pm).
• Thursday, April 25: Pepsi Wristband Day! Bring in an unopened 20oz bottle of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, or Pepsi Zero 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 25 is also Game Day: Buy 5 games for $15.
• Sunday, April 28: Canned Food Sundays = Free Admission. Receive free admission until noon with 3 cans of food to benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Of note: kids can read three books and earn two free carnival rides through the Read and Ride program.

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 17.

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 $25.00 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?

Not many! You'll probably want to buy food on-site or eat before you come - unless you want to drive 10+ miles for dinner. 

The only decent option in the vicinity that comes to mind is Argenziano's at 16251 S. Houghton Road (7 miles from the fair entrance). Yummy calzones!

SHOWS & CONCERTS

What shows are on the agenda for the 2023 Pima County Fair?

• Bird Show: Daily at 3:30pm, 5:00pm, 6:30pm; Weekends 1:00, 3:00, 6:30
• Fables from the West: Daily 4:00pm-8:00pm
• Gascar Pig Races: Mon-Fri, 3:30, 5:00, 7:00; Weekends 11:30, 2:00, 5:00, 7:00
• Otter Adventure: Mon-Fri, 4:30, 7:30; Weekends 1:30, 4:30, 7:30
• Professor Smart's Science Show: 3 Shows Daily
• Sea Lion Splash: Daily at 4:00pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm

What bands/musicians will be performing at the 2024 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 $20 add-on.

• April 18 at 8:00pm: Tesla
• April 19 at 8:00pm: Cheville
• April 20 at 8:00pm: Chris Janson
• April 21 at 7:30pm: Cowboys & Grillz
• April 22 at 7:30pm: Los Lonely Boys
• April 23 at 7:30pm: Michael Salgado
• April 24 at 7:30pm: We The Kingdom
• April 25 at 8:00pm: Wiz Khalifa
• April 26 at 8:00pm: Sublime with Rome
• April 27 at 8:00pm: Dylan Scott
• April 28 at 7:30pm: Banda El Recodo

Daily live music concerts are also available:

• Red, A Taylor Swift Tribute: Daily, 4:30pm and 6:30pm, Nutrl Stage
• Salsa Steel Drum Band: Several Shows Daily, Across from Otter Adventure
• The Dirt, 80's Hair Medial Tribute: Daily, 4:30pm and 6:30pm, Nutrl Stage

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:

• Kiddie Land Carnival is located near the main entrance with rides for little ones!
• Otter Adventure is located near Kiddie Land.
• Family Bathrooms and changing tables are located in the Kiddie Land Carnival.
• Freckle Farms Pony Rides, located across from the hit, is sure to be a hit for little ones.
• Pig Races are located on the West side of Central Park.
• Skip Banks, The Balloon Man will be wandering the fair on Mon-Fri, 3:30-7:00 and Weekends 1:30-7:30.
• The Great American Petting Zoo is always a favorite and located across from the cantina.

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.
• Pacific Animal Productions: 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, Twitter, 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.