City News Arizona State Fair Returns This Month, Boasting an Electrifying Concert Lineup and More Neighborhood Groups and Nonprofits Can Now Apply for Funds to Activate a Local Park

Photos courtesy of Arizona State Fair

STARTING THIS MONTH IN PHOENIX, THE ARIZONA STATE FAIR PROMISES TO BE A FOCAL POINT OF ENTERTAINMENT.

Admission to the Arizona State Fair comes with a diverse and vast offering of entertainment. Running from September 22 through October 29, families can enjoy many of the fair’s newest attractions, as well as animal and cultural exhibits.

THIS INCLUDES:

Fairytales on Ice: Beauty and the Beast – Delight in the spectacular as award-winning skaters bring your favorite fairy tale characters to life through ice skating, singing, and music! Cool down inside the Coliseum, experience an act of kindness, and break the curse.

Great American Petting Zoo – Get the chance to get up close and personal with a variety of animals.

All Star Monster Trucks – Six of the biggest and baddest All Star Monster Trucks from across the United States will do battle to see who can be crowned 2023 Arizona State Champion.

Godfrey the Magician – Award winning magician Godfrey will mesmerize audiences with his incredible sleight of hand magic!

Xtreme Bulls – Enjoy extreme thrills with some of the best bull riding action.

Meanwhile, after a three-year hiatus, concerts are making a triumphant return to this year’s fair. The lineup is eclectic and sure to delight fans of diverse musical tastes, including a special performance by the alt-rock pioneers, Violent Femmes.

The Violent Femmes are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their iconic self-titled debut this year. Their concerts have been resonating with nostalgia across the nation, as fans come together to relive classics such as “Add It Up,” “Gone Daddy Gone,” and the perennial favorite, “Blister in the Sun.” Their

Wanell Costello, the fair’s executive director, says, “For decades, the Madhouse on McDowell hosted nightly concerts during the State Fair — featuring big names like Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, and even Selena Gomez.” She further elucidated the fair’s new approach: “The postpandemic music industry forced us to evolve our business model, and in order to bring back headliner talent, every seat is reserved and includes your fair admission.”

The 2023 concert series is distinctively billed as “An Evening With…” This ensures the spotlight remains on the main act, allowing attendees more leisure time to enjoy the fair’s attractions and delectable offerings — perhaps grabbing that turkey leg before the show, and leaving room for a post-concert funnel cake.

PERFORMERS MAKING THEIR MARK AT THE FAIR INCLUDE:

Friday, Oct. 13: Walker Hayes

Saturday, Oct. 14: Becky G

Friday, Oct. 20: Ne-Yo

Saturday, Oct. 21: Brothers Osborne

The Arizona State Fair is located at 1826 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. The festivities run Thursdays through Sundays. For more information, visit azstatefair.com.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HOSTING A CONCERT, FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL OR COMMUNITY CELEBRATION IN YOUR LOCAL PARK? Phoenix Parks and Recreation is inviting neighborhood groups and nonprofits to apply for grant funds to activate their local park.

Registration is open for park activation grant funds through the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. Eligible neighborhood groups and nonprofits can be awarded up to $10,000 to host events or activities such as movies in the park, youth sports, fitness programs, concerts and more!

“We are excited to offer this opportunity in our city,” says Director of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Cynthia Aguilar. “Our goal is to build stronger communities by working together to activate our parks in positive ways.”

Registration closes on September 29. Register online at phoenix.gov/parks/ arpa

WHERE DID THIS MONEY COME FROM?

In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 was signed into law providing the city of Phoenix with nearly $396 million. The first allocation of $198 million was received in May 2021 of which $28,800,000 was dedicated to youth and education programs. In April 2023, the Phoenix City Council approved the use of an additional $500,000 to fund the department’s first Park Activation Grant Program. A portion of these funds are allocated to hiring a Neighborhood Grant Administrator to oversee and facilitate ARPA grant funds.

WHAT IS PARK ACTIVATION?

Park activation is the process of building community trust and engagement with parks and open spaces. Phoenix Parks and Recreation seeks to activate parks through programming in a variety of ways to promote recreational opportunities, the enjoyment of city parks and facilities, and ensure parks provide a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Neighborhood organizations listed with the city of Phoenix or nonprofits seeking to coordinate and hold park activation events and programs in parks serving qualified census tracts are eligible to apply.

WHAT EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR APPLICATION?

• Movies in the Park

• Concerts in the Park

• Food Truck Festivals

• Youth Sports Programming

• Neighborhood Farmers Markets (Must be free admission and have free activities associated with the event)

• Neighborhood Resource Fairs

• Safety Events (ex. Bike Rodeos)

• Fitness Programs

• 2024 GAIN Events

• Neighborhood Celebrations (May include inflatable jumpers and free activities)

Events and activities must be free of cost/admission for the community and park rules must be followed. All events/ programs listed here will be considered priority in the application process. If your event/program category is not listed, please email tannia.ruiz@ phoenix.gov for further consideration.