Step right up! The Arizona State Fair returns this week, along with its Fine Arts & Photography Competition & Exhibition. Come see, play and – why not? – buy a piece of wonderful and affordable local art.

Every day of the fair (October 7-30) will feature free art demonstrations, with basket weavers, foil sculptors and other artists giving you some tips of their trade so you can make your own magic. The whole family can also participate in a free community mural project that will become part of the fair. Feel free to bring your “found objects” to contribute to the mural station (rules: any item smaller than a quarter and waterproof!) to help make the mural memorable.