The 10 best rides at the Arizona State Fair 2023, from thrilling coasters to romantic views
It’s finally state fair season in Arizona, which means copious amounts of fried food, concerts, gigantic stuffed animals to win and extreme rollercoasters to ride.
This year, the Arizona State Fair runs from Sept. 22 to Oct. 29, Thursday through Sunday with gates opening at 12 p.m., and there are plenty of thrilling attractions to get your adrenaline pumping, from high-speed roller coasters to gravity-defying amusements.
We attended opening day to help you narrow down the best rides that are worth the price of admission. Tickets can be purchased in sets, for example, 40 tickets for $50, and rides range from 4-20 tickets. Wristbands for unlimited rides can be only purchased on Thursdays and cost $50.
Here's your guide to the 10 best rides at the Arizona State Fair 2023.
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The Classic: La Grande XL
What’s a state fair without a massive Ferris wheel? Well, a slightly less cool state fair. For the ultimate views and a little air-conditioned reprieve from the heat, you won’t want to miss the La Grande XL, which can seat up to six people per gondola.
How many tickets: 9
Most chill: Sky Ride
If you’re looking for a way to take in the sights of the state fair while sitting back and relaxing, then the Sky Ride is for you. Similar to a ski lift, this ride is even more beautiful at sunset or during the night. It can fit up to three people on one lift, so it's perfect for chatting away with a family member, friend or significant other.
How many tickets: 6
Best new ride: Raptor Coaster
We proclaim the Raptor Coaster the best new ride at the Arizona State Fair. It's fast, has abrupt turns and drops to make your stomach ache in the best way possible, and your anticipation will build with each twist and turn. Don't skip out on this one.
How many tickets: 7
Best for thrill-seekers: OMG
OMG is the best if you’re looking for a thrill ride. Flipping you upside down and in circles at a rapid speed, there are points when you feel like you are pummeling straight toward the ground. There is a lot of excitement, but it's not for the faint of heart. This ride quite literally leaves you saying OMG afterward. The Joker 360 is a similar ride, but with a larger price tag at 8 tickets.
How many tickets: 6
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Best for high-flyers: Endeavor
This might look like a Ferris wheel from afar, but this ride offers an exhilarating experience with open-air, suspended passenger vehicles that make it feel like you're flying suspended in the air.
How many tickets: 6
Best if you don't like heights: Ice Jet
Not a big fan of heights? No problem. With the Ice Jet ride you can experience smaller drops, while going around in a quick circle. The fog and music add to the ambiance and makes for a fun dizziness-inducing ride.
How many tickets: 6
Best for ride and a show: Mach 1
Spin around up in the air as this attraction rotates riders in circles while its arm-mounted lights create a radiating outward pattern for a visually stimulating experience.
How many tickets: 9
Best for breezy nostalgia: Sky Flyer
This ride makes you feel like you’re a kid on the swing sets again. The Sky Flyer lifts you up in the air and swings you in circles. It's a great ride for laughs and a cool breeze in your face as you swing in fast circles up in the air, feeling weightless.
How many tickets: 6
The most intense ride of 2023: Titan
The most intense ride at the state fair, this high-speed thrill ride will flip you upside down and propel you more than 100 feet off the ground.
How many tickets: 14
Best before eating: Zero Gravity
Get ready to ride this gravity-defying ride to the sky. Zero Gravity simulates weightlessness by using spinning and tilting motions that make it feel as though you're floating.
How many tickets: 5
Arizona State Fair unlimited ride wristband
If you want to try them all, consider the unlimited ride wristband for $50, which is only available on Thursdays. They must be purchased at the fair between noon and 6 p.m. and are honored until 8:30 p.m.
Details: Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com.
All the prices: How much are Arizona State Fair tickets, rides and parking
Reach the reporters at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com and Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter and @tiffsario on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State Fair 2023: Guide to the best rides, unlimited wristbands
