The event ran every Thursday through Sunday. It was essentially a two-part experience. September Nights, held September 19 through 28, focused on music, evening entertainment, and carnival rides. The full day-and-evening fair continued throughout October, concluding on October 26. This year's theme, “Grow Happiness,” paid tribute to the state's agricultural roots and the family-friendly joy of attending the fair.

Admission and Ticket Options

General admission in October was $17.50, with free entry for children aged 7 and under. During September Nights, admission was $10.29. Carnival ride wristbands in October were priced at $45, with optional fast-pass add-ons available for an additional $30.

A New September Nights Concept

September Nights was a new concept this year, centered on evening-only entertainment. Attractions included the Shanghai Circus Acrobats, Wrestling Superstars Live, Reverse Figure 8 Racing, a Japanese drum show, an agricultural showcase featuring longhorns and Watusi cattle, and BMX stunt performances, along with musical acts and a nightly drone show. A coliseum concert by The Format on September 27 was sold out. Assistant Fair Director Jen Yee noted that it was “the first time in as long as I can remember we sold out a show.”

The illuminated carnival, provided by Ray Cammack Shows, was also part of the September experience.

Giveaways and Special Promotions

Guests were also drawn by special giveaways offered when gates opened at 5 p.m. These included light-up wands, tote bags, an Arizona State Parks day pass, a Napier Outdoor hat with an Arizona Game and Fish Magazine coupon, a Panda Express voucher with a tote bag, a Texas Roadhouse entrée voucher, a NYPD Pizza voucher with a Gorilla energy drink, and, on the final September evening, a Capri-Sun drink and a Maricopa County Fair Family Pack.

Special promotions during September Nights included the Dreampass, which offered 10 rides or games for $45 with free fair admission when purchased online before September 18. Another promotion, Munchie Madness, offered $16 worth of fair food for $10 starting at 10 p.m.

October Discounts and Community Programs

In October, the fair continued to offer a variety of discounts. Unlimited ride wristbands with two free games were available on October 2, 9, 16, and 23 from noon to 9 p.m., and were also offered daily during the fair's final week. This marked the first time both the fair and Ray Cammack Shows provided daily wristbands during the final week.

Feel Good Fridays rewarded guests who brought seven cans of nonperishable food between noon and 6 p.m. on October 3, 10, 17, and 24 with free admission. Fridays also featured $5 tasting menus. Guests who purchased a Food Flight Pass in advance received free admission along with five tasting vouchers and a souvenir lanyard for $26.75. October 3 was Friends 55+ Day, offering two free tickets to guests aged 55 and older. Armed Forces Day on October 17 provided free admission for military personnel. Children who participated in the fair's reading program by logging books online received free carnival ride tickets throughout the event.

Attendance and Fair Impact

Despite a one-day closure due to rain on September 26, the fair attracted over 1,032,674 visitors in 2025, down approximately 26% over 2024.  The fair ranked #11 on CarnivalWarehouse.com's annual ranking of the Top 50 Attended Fairs.

New Rides from Ray Cammack Shows

Ray Cammack Shows introduced several new attractions, including the Waltzer-style flat ride Sound Storm. Similar in concept to a Tilt-A-Whirl, it features enclosed cars and an advanced audio and lighting system. According to RCS Vice President Ben Pickett, it is “a standout ride” that “far exceeds” the traditional experience.

In total, RCS brought four new attractions to the fair this year. In addition to Sound Storm, these included The Aviator, a two-seater aerial ride, the kiddie ride Frog Hop, and the 40-meter Mondial Royal Wheel, featuring comfortable gondola seating.

Concerts and Live Entertainment

Concerts at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum were another major draw, with each ticket including fair admission. In addition to The Format, performers included AJR, Mastodon, Brett Eldredge, 2 Chainz, and The Cult. Ticket prices ranged from $53 to $110.

Early October also featured a live sing-along with CoComelon, with tickets priced from $43 to $79. Included with fair admission were grandstand events such as extreme bull riding, the Native American Rodeo, and the Arizona High School Rodeo Association competitions, along with All Star Monster Trucks during the final two weekends. Nightly tribute band performances took place on the Backyard Stage. Additional entertainment included magicians, comedians, hypnotists, and local dance troupes.

Exhibits, Animals, and Agriculture

Inside the exhibit hall, visitors explored competitive displays ranging from baking and quilting to fine art, along with educational craft demonstrations. Animal exhibits included sheep, swine, cattle, cavies, rabbits, goats, poultry, and even a camel show. The Agriculture Center hosted youth livestock shows and farm tours, including a popular petting zoo.

Creative Fair Food Offerings

Food offerings ranged from classic fair staples to inventive new items. Guests could enjoy curly fries, deep-fried Oreos, turkey legs including varieties topped with mac and cheese or hot honey, pumpkin cheesecake, and birria baked potatoes, alongside burgers, tacos, corn dogs, and kettle corn. Yee highlighted new additions such as deep-fried Hawaiian sweet rolls, which she described as bringing “a little aloha spirit.” Other creative options included ice cream nachos made with waffle chips, a popular Dubai chocolate strawberry cup, a red chile meat sandwich on Navajo fry bread, lobster mac and cheese, and cotton candy bacon on a stick.