The Arizona State Fair is set to launch its Coliseum Concert Series at Veterans Memorial Coliseum — aka the Madhouse on McDowell — on Friday, Oct. 2, by one of Arizona’s finest, Gin Blossoms, whose front man, Robin Wilson, reminisced about rocking the fair with Stevie Nicks in a recent interview with The Arizona Republic.
Gin Blossoms are the first of six act headlining the 2026 edition of the State Fair’s Coliseum Concert Series, presented once more by the Arizona Lottery.
The fair returns Thursday, Oct. 1, and runs Thursdays through Sundays through Sunday, Nov. 1.
This year’s theme is "A State of Wonder."
Last year, a reunion concert by hometown heroes the Format brought a sold-out crowd to the Madhouse on McDowell. That concert marked the Format’s
first full-band performance since 2007, although Sam Means and Nate Ruess did surprise fans at a 2020 viewing party for a Format concert film in downtown Phoenix with a full unplugged reunion show.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go to the Arizona State Fair Coliseum Concert Series.
Arizona State Fair 2026 Coliseum Concert Series lineup
These are the artists headlining the Coliseum Concert Series at the Arizona State Fair.
- Friday, Oct. 2: Gin Blossoms
- Friday, Oct. 9: Becky G
- Saturday, Oct. 10: All Time Low
- Friday, Oct. 16: The Offspring
- Saturday, Oct. 17: Russell Dickerson
- Saturday, Oct. 24: Public Enemy
Arizona State Fair concerts 2026 tickets
All seats are reserved and may be purchased online only at azstatefair.com. Prices include fair admission (a $20 value for adult admission).
- Gin Blossoms: $58.09-$107.53.
- Becky G: $64.17-$102.23.
- All Time Low: $50.80-91.94.
- The Offspring: $74.46-$153.65.
- Russell Dickerson: $53.97-$92.08.
- Public Enemy: $52.86-$107.37.
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Arizona State Fair 2026 location
The Arizona State Fair is at 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.
Arizona State Fair 2026 parking
The State Fair offers two official parking lots (North and West) for guests that open two hours prior to gate admission:
- North Lot: $25; enter off 19th Avenue and Monte Vista or Encanto.
- West Lot: $25; between 19th and 20th Avenues, enter off Encanto.
- VIP Parking: $62.74; enter East of 19th Ave. on Encanto (limited reserved VIP Parking is also available in the North Lot).
The Arizona State Fair also offers a free park and ride shuttle option for those who are able to park at Phoenix College. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 5-9:40 p.m. on Fridays, noon-8:40 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays, and the final shuttle back to Phoenix College leaves the Fairgrounds at 11 p.m. every night. Shuttles do not run on Thursdays.
Taking rideshare to the Arizona State Fair? Pickup and dropoff for rideshare is located in the north coliseum parking lot. Enter off Monte Vista and 19th Avenue.
Arizona State Fair bag policy
Yes, you can bring bags into the Arizona State Fair, but you're encouraged to bring a clear one for faster entry.
Upon entry, all bags, backpacks and diaper bags will be subject to inspection and guests will be required to go through a metal detector and could be subject to pat-down searches or magnetic wand searches.
Clear bags are encouraged for faster entry.
Items not permitted at the Arizona State Fair
The following items are not permitted at the Arizona State Fair:
- Outside food and drink
- Firearms and/or ammunition
- Pepper spray or mace
- Any kind of Taser or stun device, knives and anything else that could be considered a weapon
- Illegal substances
- Marijuana
- Alcohol
- Glass bottles
- Laser pointers
- Selfie sticks and tripods
- Sharpies
Surrendered items will not be returned.
Can I bring water to the Arizona State Fair?
One empty water bottle or container per person is permitted, and free refillable water stations are provided throughout the Fairgrounds. One factory-sealed bottle of water per person is also permitted.
What are the Arizona State Fair dates?
The 2026 Arizona State Fair opens on Thursday, Oct. 1, and runs Thursdays-Sundays through Sunday, Nov. 1.
Arizona State Fair hours
- Thursdays and Sundays: Noon. Last entry at 9 p.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays: Noon. Last entry at 10 p.m.
Arizona State Fair Lost & Found
Missing something?
Please visit Guest Services or the Arizona State Fair Security Office at the Southwest corner of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more. He did the same in Pittsburgh for more than a decade. Follow him on X and Instagram @edmasley and on Facebook as Ed Masley. Email him at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Ultimate Arizona State Fair 2026 concerts guide. Lineup, tickets, more
