Arizona State Fairgrounds – Local Festivals
The Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix have been hosting an array of exciting events for decades, the most famous of which is the annual Arizona State Fair. One of the top state fairs in the country, this event attracts millions of attendees each year.
While there are impressive events on the Arizona State Fairgrounds, the nearby city of Phoenix also holds amazing local festivals. Below are just a few that will make you even more excited about your visit to the Arizona State Fairgrounds.
Celebration of Fine Art
Every year, the Celebration of Fine Art in Phoenix welcomes more than 100 artists of all kinds to create pop-up studios in the city. The festival puts up its signature white tents, which the artists adopt as temporary studios for the length of the 10-week festival.
The Celebration of Fine Art is more than a festival, it’s an interactive experience between the creators and viewers. The concentration of artists within this 400,000-square-foot space gives attendees the unique opportunity to watch artists in action, be among the first to see new work, and get to know them on a personal level. Any art lover at the Arizona State Fairgrounds will love this incredible and unique opportunity.
Admission to the festival is only $10 and grants access to the festival for all 10 weeks. This allows guests to check in on the artists’ progress and watch their creations come to life.
Arizona Matsuri
Since 1984, Arizona Matsuri has brought the wonder of Japan to Phoenix. Arizona Matsuri celebrates Japanese culture through live performances, shopping, cuisine, and education.
The four stages at Arizona Matsuri feature multiple performances throughout the festival, including traditional dancing and Japanese drummers. Vendor booths sell items such as Japanese crafts, toys, home decor, and more. Other booths hold demonstrations on cooking, origami folding, and bonsai care. Afterwards, fill up on Japanese food and relax in the beer and sake garden.
Arizona Matsuri creates a Japanese experience in the middle of Phoenix, so make sure to visit this festival while you’re at the Arizona State Fairgrounds.
Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest
The Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest is a celebration of a Native American cultural tradition. Hoop dancing was once used in healing ceremonies, and the hoops represent balance, harmony, and the circle of life. Dancers use as many as 50 hoops to create various symbolic images, following choreography that has been passed down for generations.
The Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest celebrates this deeply rooted tradition, attracting the best dancers from indigenous tribes across the U.S. and Canada. This festival is unlike any other in the area and is worth a visit while at the Arizona State Fairgrounds.
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival is regularly chosen as one of the top 10 Cinco de Mayo festivals in the country by USA Today, beating out thousands of others. This massive celebration has attracted millions of attendees over the course of three decades, and shows no sign of stopping.
The Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival features an impressive lineup of musical artists from both the United States and Mexico. Local talent such as mariachi bands and folklorico dancers also perform.
Phoenix food trucks and restaurants are also part of the festival, serving up irresistible Mexican food, margaritas, and more. Kids can enjoy the Kids Zone, featuring rides and interactive games, while adults take place in contests and sponsored giveaways.
Cinco de Mayo is a significant cultural event in Phoenix, and one of the longest running events in the city. For these reasons, those visiting the Arizona State Fairgrounds in May must attend the Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival.
Arizona Asian Festival
Another cultural celebration in Phoenix is the annual Arizona Asian Festival. This event was founded by the Arizona Asian American Association, whose mission is to celebrate the diversity of the Asian continent. Their annual event introduces visitors to different countries, each of which have their own booth to highlight their individuality.
At the Arizona Asian Festival, attendees not only learn about different cultures, but enjoy food, shopping, and entertainment as well. Fill up on all the impressive variety of cuisine, peruse unique gift shops, and check out the live music and dance performances on the main stage.
The Arizona Asian Festival also features poetry contests, kid-friendly attractions, art displays, a Tea Garden, traditional clothing, and more. This incredible event is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, and showcases the diversity of Asian cultures.
APS Electric Light Parade
Phoenix holds many holiday festivals throughout the season, and the APS Electric Light Parade is, by far, one of the most popular. This parade has been illuminating the streets of Phoenix since 1987 and seems to get bigger each year. The beloved APS Electric Light Parade attracts approximately 300,000 people to see more than 100 floats, cars, and performers wrapped in colorful holiday lights.
Visitors start to arrive at the three-mile stretch of road hours before the festival just to get a good seat. Some even attend the float judging event the Friday before in order to determine winners in various categories. This holiday celebration is not one to be missed. Any visitors to the Arizona State Fairgrounds in December should definitely check out the APS Electric Light Parade.
It’s clear that in addition to the spectacular Arizona State Fair, Phoenix is home to many impressive festivals. There are events occurring year round, so no matter when you visit Arizona State Fairgrounds, there will be something to enjoy. Visiting Phoenix can be a blast, so make sure to research local festivals to make the most of your trip.