Arizona State Fair

Arizona State Fair

The Arizona State Fair is a Phoenix autumn tradition going back well over a century, taking over the state fairgrounds just northwest of downtown each fall. It's a sprawling, gloriously old-fashioned fair — carnival rides, livestock barns, competitive exhibits, headliner concerts and midway games all in one place.

The food is half the point: turkey legs, funnel cakes and whatever deep-fried novelty the year has dreamed up. Big-name concerts are typically included with fair admission, which makes for a fun, budget-friendly night out. Evenings are the sweet spot, once the desert heat eases and the midway lights come on.

It runs across several weeks in the fall, so check the current year's dates and concert lineup before you go. It's a classic family outing, and an easy one if your trip lands in autumn — go on a weeknight to dodge the biggest crowds.