Arizona Illuminated pavilion debuts at Great American State Fair

The Arizona Office of Tourism is bringing an immersive Arizona Illuminated pavilion to the Great American State Fair on June 25 in Washington, D.C., as part of America’s 250th Anniversary. The multi-sensory exhibit is designed to showcase Arizona’s landscapes and encourage visitors to plan a trip to the state.

Why it matters: - The Arizona Office of Tourism is using the Great American State Fair to market Arizona to a national audience during America’s 250th Anniversary. - The pavilion is designed as an in-person tourism showcase, with the goal of turning fairgoers into future visitors to Arizona. - Arizona’s tourism industry remains economically important, with tourism supporting more than 193,800 jobs in 2024 and contributing over $4.3 billion in tax revenue to federal, state and local economies.

What happened: - The Arizona Office of Tourism will debut its "Arizona Illuminated" pavilion at the Great American State Fair on June 25 in Washington, D.C. - The exhibit is located at the Central & Southwest State Pavilion on the National Mall. - Fairgoers can stop by to meet Arizona Office of Tourism staff and statewide partners. - Governor Katie Hobbs said Arizona is proud to spotlight the state on the national stage for America’s 250th anniversary.

The details: - The pavilion is a multi-sensory experience that combines light engineering, soundscapes, scents and digital elements. - The exhibit moves visitors through three Arizona-themed rooms. - Antelope Canyon is presented with a visual homage to the slot canyon and its light beams. - Ponderosa Pine Forest recreates Arizona’s high-country with dappled light through the canopy. - Stargazing over the Desert features a Sonoran Desert nightscape with saguaro cactus and blacklights illuminating stars. - Alix Skelpsa Ridgway, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, said the booth is meant to bring the heart of Arizona to the nation’s capital and invite visitors to experience the real Arizona. - More information is available at visitarizona.com. - Full-size images and videos are available through the release link labeled Click Here.

Between the lines: - The exhibit blends destination marketing with experiential storytelling, a format designed to make Arizona’s natural landscapes feel immediate and memorable. - Staging the pavilion in Washington, D.C., during a major national commemoration gives Arizona a built-in visibility boost beyond traditional tourism advertising.

What's next: - Fairgoers attending the June 25 event can experience the pavilion in person at the National Mall. - Arizona tourism officials are positioning the display as an invitation to plan a future trip to the state. - Visitors who want to explore Arizona’s natural wonders can use the tourism site to start trip planning.

The bottom line: - Arizona is turning the Great American State Fair into a live tourism pitch, using immersive design to sell the state’s landscapes, culture and travel appeal.