This Is the Prettiest State Fair Food You Must Check Out in Arizona 

Everyone knows it’s not a state fair without fun “fair food.” And some of this fun fair food is almost too pretty to eat (emphasis on the “almost”). The Arizona State Fair’s “Cotton Candy Cake” is one of those treats. Whether it’s your birthday or you’re just celebrating the gift of life, this colorful cake is bound to be an unforgettable foodie find. 

Available at Candyland, the Cotton Candy Cake is just as sweet as it sounds. This multi-layered cake is made entirely of cotton candy and sprinkled with colorful sugar crystals. The explosion of flavors in your mouth is bound to satisfy any sweet tooth or sugar craving. 

The Arizona State Fair in Phoenix will be open from September 19 through October 26, 2025, Thursdays through Sundays. The event will celebrate its 141st year of fun fair food, with a 2025 theme of “Grow Happiness.”

There’s also something new and special coming this year—”September Nights at the Fair.” This means the event will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 19, through September 28, and showcase the beautiful desert sunsets of Arizona, backed by the sparkling lights of the rides for a magical evening. 

A regular general admission ticket for $17.50 (including all fees) gives you entry to the event and free entertainment across the fairgrounds, such as tribute bands, grandstand shows, animals, cultural performances, and more. It also includes access to the range of exhibits, shopping, and legendary fair food. 

Each year, the fair debuts at least 50 new fun foods for visitors. From savory to sweet, there is no shortage of options to try something interesting and unique. Other past fair food favorites include treats like a giant mozzarella stick with cheese that stretches seemingly forever when you bite into it. There’s also the candied pineapple, a thick and juicy slice of pineapple wrapped in sour candy and covered in chamoy and chili flakes. The birthday cake ice cream shake is another classic, featuring cold and refreshing ice cream, frosting, and funfetti sprinkles galore.  

Those feeling especially brave can cross their fingers that one of 2024’s most standout items, the famous Chamoy Pickle, is available again. It’s exactly what it sounds like. The spicy and tangy sensations of a giant salty dill pickle collide with the sweetness of spaghetti chamoy candy. All of this is wrapped in a Fruit Roll-Up and drenched in a sweet, spicy sauce called chamoy.

But the cotton candy cake is a crowd favorite that’s bound to bring you back to the simplicity of a childhood daydream. This creation is topped with rainbow sprinkles and marshmallows, and feels like biting into a cloud. Don’t miss indulging in this or one of the other special fair foods at this year’s Arizona State Fair in Phoenix this fall. 

Southwest foodies should also read about (and drool over) these 10 iconic Arizona foods influenced by Indigenous and Latino cultures found throughout the state. And Arizona festival fans can't miss adding these other local festivals to their calendar.