School Tours or Field Trips are free to all county public, private, and home schools. It is an excellent opportunity to bring your class to the fair. Not only will the kids see animals and livestock, but they can view exhibits like sewing, photography, school art, and more. There are also educational areas such as Farm Tours, Farmer for a Day, and the Safety Zone, all hands-on, interactive displays.
Carnival Rides are also available during school tours. If you would like your students to ride the rides, be sure and mark the field trip form. The carnival offers 5 rides for $5 during field trips (until 1 pm) Thursday and Friday.
Carnival Opens at:
4 pm on Wednesday
10 am Thursday and Friday
Several food vendors offer a special $5 lunch deal for you and your students. We recommend that each student bring at least $5 for lunch. We'll provide a list of the specials being offered when you arrive at the fair.
To take advantage of School Tours, please complete the online application. Tours are only available on:
Wednesday, April 7
Thursday, April 8
Friday, April 9
Does your group Sing? Dance? Twirl?
Well, we have a stage for you! Our community stage is the place for your group to perform. Time slots are available from 10 am to 10 pm all five days of the fair. Admission to the fair is free for those who are accepted to perform. If you would like to be a part of the Maricopa County Fair apply today!
Applications due by Monday, March 15, 2021
Apply early to get your preferred day and time-slot! Applications due by Monday, March 15, 2021
Bring home a blue ribbon! Categories range from art to baking to photography to quilting to woodworking – and more. No matter your hobby or skill level we have a department perfect for your students!
DEADLINE:
Online entries must be completed on or before, or postmarked by Wednesday, March 11th, 2021
Submit your entries using our exhibitor handbook that is available completely online. Entries must be completed by Wednesday, March 11th, 2021
The Youth Livestock Shows and Small Stock Shows at the Maricopa County Fair are some of the best in the state. Don’t miss your opportunity to join the Ag-Citing times. Having a project animal is an excellent way to learn about farming, agriculture, finances, responsibility, and showmanship. Raising an animal teaches children animal husbandry, finances, responsibility, and life cycle. It is an excellent learning opportunity.
The Annual Auctions are highlights of the fair and provide a chance for the youth to sell their projects providing money for college, further education, and future project animals. Join those that supported the kids during the 2020 auctions and show your commitment to our youth by becoming a buyer.
AUCTION DATES:
Small Stock Auction is April 9th
Large Stock Auction is April 10th
Those interested in raising an animal project should consider joining an organized youth club such as the 4-H or FFA.
One of the missions of the Maricopa County Fair, Inc. is to promote education to youth. The Scholarship Program (Educational Grant) is just one of the ways to accomplish this mission. In 2020 the fair awarded a total of $28,000 in scholarships to 11 deserving youth.
Participation Requirements: Must be a High School Senior, or will be attending your first year of college as a full time student (min 12 credits), are less than 22 years of age, a resident of Maricopa County, have participated in the Maricopa County Fair at least 2 times including the year of application and have a grade point average of 2.5 or greater, you may qualify to receive a scholarship. Application Deadline is February 20, 2021
Plan ahead! You can meet your participation requirement by entering an exhibit in any department at the fair or volunteering to work at the fair or in the fair office.
Sponsorship: If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund, please contact our office at 602-252-0717 ex. 403. 100% of all donations go directly to the scholarship fund.
Application Deadline February 20, 2021 - See application for important deadline information!