Let’s be real: If you’re heading to the Colorado State Fair, you’re probably salivating already over the food you plan to devour.
Whether it’s a famous Pueblo “slopper” — a hamburger smothered in green chile — pies, ice cream floats or cotton candy, food at the state fair is its own attraction.
You’ll discover other fair favorites: rodeos, livestock competitions, fine-art exhibits, carnival rides, live music and more.
And thanks to the 250th and 150th birthdays of the United States and Colorado, respectively, this year’s fair features a host of activities and exhibits that will delight anyone who loves celebrating the red, white and blue and the Centennial State. (Check out ideas for fun things to do in Colorado as we celebrate the state’s 150th birthday.)
The state fair draws about 500,000 visitors during its 11-day run each year from late August through early September. It takes place at the fairgrounds in the heart of Pueblo. And with that location, fairgoers get a taste of what makes this southern Colorado city so special, with Fiesta Day, local food vendors, live music from local groups and much more.
For the past few weeks, the state fairgrounds have served as a major livestock evacuation center and shelter for residents affected by the Aspen Acres wildfire. Nonetheless, fair organizers will be ready to launch the fair on Aug. 28.
Andrea Wiesenmeyer, who joined the fair as general manager two years ago, has a message for Coloradans and visitors alike, whether they attend the fair every year or are thinking about heading to Pueblo for the first time.
“Come and spend a day here,” she said. “The fair really is the best of so many parts of Colorado.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the Colorado State Fair.
When and where is the Colorado State Fair?
The Colorado State Fair runs every year from late August through early September.
Check out the details and learn about the hours.
The fairgrounds are located at 1001 Beulah Ave. in Pueblo.
Visitors can take free shuttles or use paid parking lots.
The 2026 fair runs Aug. 28-Sept. 7. Hours are:
- Mondays through Thursdays: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Fridays through Sundays: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Labor Day (closing day): 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
What can I see at the Colorado State Fair that celebrates the U.S. and Colorado birthdays?
While many state fairs around the country are celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States, Colorado marks its sesquicentennial. So the Colorado State Fair will feature a number of special exhibits and events honoring both milestones.
“We are in a unique position in Colorado,” Wiesenmeyer said. “We get to celebrate the anniversary of our state and the 250th birthday of the United States. It’s a pretty cool place to be.”
Special exhibits and events marking the anniversaries include:
- An entire building devoted to the anniversaries, in the Colorado Building. Exhibits inside will include a statewide quilt exhibit featuring more than 50 artists and a display of Colorado flags.
- “Old time” competitions that scream nostalgia, including a beautiful baby contest and best beard competition on Sept. 7, the last day of the fair.
- A free show by The Westernaires, the horse drill organization for kids age nine to 19, telling the story of America and Colorado.
- A 15- minute evening drone show called Stories in the Sky on Sept. 3 and Sept. 7. The drone show is part of a statewide series of drone light shows about the state’s landscapes, history and communities, “blending art, technology and local culture into a shared, awe-inspiring experience,” organizers say.
- A visit by one of the Freedom Trucks. This traveling museum is housed inside a semi-truck trailer that features interactive exhibits about the founding of the United States.
What favorite activities are back at the Colorado State Fair this year?
- Fiesta Day is one of the most popular events of the fair. It celebrates Hispanic culture with food with dancers, mariachi music and more. The Colorado State Fair Fiesta Day is one of the oldest celebrations of Hispanic culture in the U.S., having started in 1967.
- Livestock competitions take place throughout the fair run. The popular junior livestock sale, where youngsters sell beloved cows, pigs and other livestock that they have raised is a highlight every year.
- Cooking and crafting enthusiasts can find plenty of the inspiration at the Colorado State Fair too. The popular general entry competitions for baking, canning, sewing, crocheting, quilting, agriculture, arts and crafts and more are back this year. See what your fellow Coloradans made in a variety of categories.
- The fair also features free musical performances by community groups, including high school bands, musicians and more. (Check out the schedule of performances.)
- The carnival will offer more than 40 rides for all ages, including such classics as a Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl and a carousel near Gate 3.
- A fair favorite, the giant sand sculpture, is always worth adding to your fair to-do list.
What can I eat at the fair?
“Calories don’t count at the fair,” Wiesenmeyer said with a laugh. “Food is a huge reason people come to the fair.”
Colorado State Fair vendors include the classics, or “everything on a stick,” as Wiesenmeyer said. That means corn dogs, funnel cake and plenty of other choices.
The Colorado State Fair also features distinctly southern Colorado cuisine, including sloppers from Pueblo staple Giodone’s Italian Bar and Grill; sandwiches from Pass Key Restaurants, owned by the same Pueblo family for 50 years; and ice cream and shaved ice from Pueblo West-based Shiver and Shake.
What does it cost to get into the fair?
Gate admission is $15 for adults, $7 for kids age 5-12 and free for children age 4 and under when accompanied by an adult. Buy advance tickets online for $9 before Aug. 27.
Carnival tickets purchased in advance range from $34 to $162 for a “megapass.”
Entertainment and concert tickets are additional but include gate admission if purchased before the fair starts.
Is the fair fun for people of all ages?
Yes. The fair has something for everyone, whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart.
Families and children will love the Colorado Proud Trail, which allows kids to gather and learn about Rocky Ford melons, Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Pueblo green chiles and more.
The fair also has a petting zoo, kid-sized carnival rides, and AgVenture Land, with family-friendly agriculture-themed activities.
Teens can check out the carnival and food vendors, along with concerts and rodeos.
Mighty Mike the Strongman will be performing daily, bending metal and shredding phone books.
Adults will enjoy seeing who wins the general-entry competitions, including tablescaping, pet rock designs and crocheted creations.
How can I save money at the fair?
Fair deals and discounts include:
- Senior Day, Friday Aug. 28 and Friday Sept. 4, 2026. Free admission for adults age 60 and over.
- American Heroes Day, Sunday Aug. 30, 2026. Military and first responders get $8 off admission.
- Kids Day, Monday Aug. 31 and Monday Sept. 7, 2026. Free admission for children age 12 and under.
- Two Can Tuesday, Tuesday Sept. 1, 2026. Free admission with a donation of two canned food items.
- One Price Wednesday, Wednesday Sept. 2, 2026. Pay $15 for fair admission, ranch rodeo and a carnival ride wristband.
“There’s really not a day that you can’t get a deal” at the fair, Wiesenmeyer said. “We want the fair to be affordable.”
What about live music and entertainment?
Live music this year includes Ian Munsick, Dylan Scott, Neal McCoy, Jordan Davis, the I Love the 90s tour featuring Vanilla Ice, The Fray with ROME and Celebración de los Charros with Banda Machos.
Other live entertainment includes a monster truck show and demolition derby.
There are also free concerts daily on two stages at the fairgrounds.
When are the rodeos?
Rodeos take place throughout the fair. Check out the schedule.
There are four nights of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, Aug. 28-31 in the Big R Arena.
The free (with fair admission) Mountain States Ranch Rodeo happens 6 p.m. Sept. 2, featuring open ranch bronc riding.
And one of the highlights of Fiesta Day is the Celebración de Los Charros, a charreada or traditional Mexican equestrian event, similar to a rodeo, which showcases horsemanship, livestock handling and cultural heritage.
Are there any improvements to the fairgrounds this year?
Yes. Thanks to a two-year capital improvement plan, two buildings are getting air conditioning: the Ag Palace and the Colorado Building.
Other improvements include new historically accurate windows in both buildings, a family restroom in the Colorado Building and improved paving in some areas.
When did the Colorado State Fair begin?
Coloradans started holding an annual state fair in the late 1800s, then moved to today’s fairgrounds in 1901.
Many of the historic buildings on the fairgrounds date to the 1930s and 1940s and exist thanks to the craftsmanship of federal Works Progress Administration laborers.
Wiesenmeyer has a special fondness for the fairgrounds and their history. After all, she grew up in Iowa, home of the legendary Iowa State Fair, and attended the fair every year.
Everyone who attends the Colorado State Fair will discover their favorite food or activity. Whether you love carnival rides or bucking broncos, the fair is a perfect place for summer fun.
Said Wiesenmeyer: “My job is to create memories for people.”