Everything you need to know about the Pima County Fair

It's a big event and there's lots to see and do, so we thought we'd break it down into a guide of sorts, so you don't miss anything, especially the discount days!

Speaking of which, today — Wednesday, April 18 — is the last day to purchase 10 rides for $15 at Fry's. If you plan on doing the rides, you don't want to miss this. It'll save you about 65 percent. 

Thursday, April 19 is opening day. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the carnival opens at 3 p.m.

Pro tip: If you're going on opening day, go early to wander around and look at the animals, art and other free exhibits to avoid the crowds. It's going to be busy Thursday night since it's wristband day ($35 for unlimited rides) AND Ludacris is playing.

Here's the skinny on events, discounts and new stuff to watch for.

General info

The fair runs April 19-29, 2018 and is located at 11300 S. Houghton Road.

Gates open at 1 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends. Carnival hours are 3 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. weekends.

Admission is $9 for anyone over 10; $5 for military and children ages 6-10 and free for children 5-and-under.

Parking is $5.

Be on TV

This year's fair is also your chance to be an extra on a Cooking Channel show. 

Cooking Channel and Citizen Pictures will film two episodes of a new show called Carnival Kings which is slated to air this summer. It features chef Richie Farina as he searches for cutting edge culinary competition at carnivals across the country. 

If you want to be an extra, email CKaudience@gmail.com with your first and last name to register. You'll be emailed a form to fill out and bring with you to the fair for free admission and parking. You must do this by the end of the day Wednesday to be included.

Filming will take place April 20 and 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Save $$$

There is no doubt about it, the fair can put a dent in your wallet. From food to rides to shopping, it's easy to lose track and spend more than you wanted. Pro tip: Bring cash and leave your bank card at home. When you're out of cash you won't be tempted to pay $5 to get your own money out of the ATM. 

Here are some ideas if you want to save a few bucks:

Read and Ride: Get your kids in grades K-8 to read three books and get a coupon for three free rides. They just have to download the form, write a brief summary for each book and take it to the Pima County Fair Guest Services office just past the entrance to receive their passes. If your child is 6 or under, he or she can draw a picture to describe the book.

Free stuff for kids: You don't have to pay for rides to have a good time. There are plenty of kid-centric things to keep them entertained. Check out the interactive science center, interactive agriculture center, petting zoo, sea lion encounters and a Bengal tiger exhibit.

Food drive days: Bring three cans of unopened food until noon on Sunday, April 22 and Sunday, April 29 to get FREE admission. 

Discount admission and parking: Parking and admission are each only $2 on Monday, April 23. Plus, bring your parents or grandparents, as long as they are 55+, for free wheel and carousel rides. 

Wristband days: Bring an unopened 20-ounce bottle of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi or Real Sugar Pepsi and get $5 off of your $35 wristband, which is good for unlimited carnival rides from 3 p.m. to midnight on April 19, 25 and 26. (Soda collection benefits GAP Ministries)

Discounted rides and games: Carnival rides and games are only $2 on April 24! Plus you can get $2 menu items from participating food vendors and $2 beer at the Estrella Cantina and participating beer gardens from 4-6 p.m.

New this year

Every year the fair brings in new food, rides and exhibits on top of old favorites.

This year is no exception.

There are three new rides: Flying Jumbo, Konga and Rockin Rodeo.

We're always most curious what new foods will be at the fair. I mean, how many things can you actually fry??? New on the 2018 menu: Fried Chicken on a Stick, Garlic and Truffle Oil Fries, Fruity Pebbles Shrimp and Giant Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Make sure to check out the new NASA Space exhibit, as well as the Kiddie Korral. 

And, there are new gender neutral bathrooms. 

Concerts

One of the great things about the fair is the concerts. They're FREE with admission. Where else can you see big name shows for like $9? 

Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are on the Budweiser Main Stage. There are a limited number of upgraded seats available for $15 the day of the show and on sale at the Main Stage beer gardens.

Here's the lineup:

Thursday, April 19: Ludacris, 8 p.m.

Friday, April 20: Everclear, 8 p.m. on the 4 Peaks Stage and Anthrax, 9 p.m. 

Saturday, April 21: Randy Houser, 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 22: I Luv the '90s Tour with Rob Base, All-4-One, Kid N Play, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 23: Jefferson Starship, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 25: MercyMe, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 26: Ja Rule & Ashanti, 8 p.m.

Friday, April 27: REO Speedwagon, 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 28: Easton Corbin, 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 29: Banda el Recodo, 7:30 p.m.

Other entertainment

There's a plethora of entertainment, aside from concerts. Here are a few highlights.

Sea Lion Encounters: Daily at 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. across from the administration office.

Cowgirl tricks: Daily at 5:30 and 8 p.m. at the KLOVE Central Park Stage

Amazing World of Birds: daily at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the KLOVE Central Park Stage

Bengal Tiger Exhibit: daily at 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. across from the administration building

Beer Fest: Saturday, April 21, noon to 4 p.m. at the Estrella Cantina. You can get 10 tastes for $15.

Hunter Jumper Shows: 8 a.m. April 21 and 5 p.m. April 22 at the equestrian arena.

4-H Livestock Shows: April 24-27 in the barns and ramada.

Blacksmith Demonstrations: Daily from noon to 8 p.m. near Old West Hall

GCPRA Rodeo: April 28-29 starting at 1 p.m.

Click here for more info on the Pima County Fair. Like its FB page for more updates.