Your guide to the state’s greatest celebration of all things Colorado
BY LEXI MARSHALL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COLORADO STATE FAIR
THE COLORADO STATE FAIR isn’t just an event—it’s a storied tradition predating Colorado’s statehood itself.
Since 1872, this agricultural exposition has evolved from a simple livestock show into a vibrant 11-day celebration of all things Colorado— August 22–September 1 this year. The fairgrounds moved to its current location in Pueblo in 1901, and today, it serves as the epicenter for what general manager Andrea Wiesenmeyer describes as “the memories we create.”
With more than $200,000 in free entertainment, world-class rodeos, chart-topping musical acts and culinary delights that will have you loosening your belt, this year’s Colorado State Fair promises something for everyone.
“We still keep agriculture at the heart of everything we do,” Wiesenmeyer explains, “but we’re also finding new ways to welcome and entertain people who may not come for the ag. The hope is that while they’re here, they walk away having learned something about it, too.”
Consider this your ultimate guide to “fair your way” through one of the state’s most beloved annual traditions.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
When to Go: Each day of the Colorado State Fair offers something unique, but none quite like Fiesta Day. Held on Sunday, August 31, this beloved tradition has been one of the fair’s longest-running cultural celebrations since 1967. The day begins with a mariachi Mass and continues with vibrant Folklorico dance performances, live mariachi music, a lively downtown parade and thrilling rodeo shows featuring skilled charros and beautifully trained horses. Fiesta Day transforms the fairgrounds into a celebration of Colorado’s Hispanic heritage, filled with color, energy and deep cultural pride.
Pro Tip: Save money by purchasing your tickets ahead of time—advanced purchases come with significant discounts and, if you’re attending a grandstand event or concert, include your fair admission. For the best bang for your buck, don’t miss One Price Wednesday, when you can enjoy the Ranch Rodeo, Ned LeDoux’s free concert and a variety of other attractions all for one flat price.
YOUR FAIR ITINERARY
Start Your Day Sweet!
Begin your fair adventure at Stubby’s for their legendary cinnamon rolls. Getting there early means shorter lines and fresher pastries—the perfect fuel for a day of exploration.
Navigation Tip: Stubby’s is located near the Main Gate off Prairie Avenue. Arriving early also means easier parking in the Main Lot.
Colorado Proud Farm Trail
While the crowds are still manageable, head to the interactive Colorado Proud Farm Trail in the small animal building—one of Wiesenmeyer’s top recommendations and a hidden gem many visitors miss. This hands-on agricultural education experience showcases everything Colorado from beef to peaches to melons, with new aquaculture exhibits this year.
“It’s an interactive way to learn about agriculture, featuring all of our key commodities,” Wiesenmeyer says. “And if you make it through all the activities, there’s a fun prize waiting for you, courtesy of our friends at Colorado Proud.”
Navigation Tip: The Farm Trail is best experienced early in the day when the interactive stations are less crowded.
Ag Pavilion
Looking for a quieter corner of the fair with family-friendly learning? Head to the Ag Pavilion, where agricultural education gets a creative twist. This year, a brand-new library space adds a literary element to the experience, inviting guests to slow down and engage with the roots of farming culture.
“We’re creating a library where visitors can stop in daily and hear a well-known guest read a children’s book,” Wiesenmeyer says. “And we’ll have plenty of hands-on, take-home activities that weave in some fun educational elements as well.”
Navigation Tip: From the Farm Trail, cut through the central corridor to reach the Ag Pavilion. Early visits allow you to catch the first reading session of the day.
ANIMALS & ENTERTAINMENT
Livestock Barns
If seeing animals is at the top of your fair to-do list, plan to go during the first weekend, when the barns are buzzing with activity and the widest variety of livestock is on display. That’s when youth competitions begin, and it all builds toward one of the fair’s most anticipated traditions: the Junior Livestock Sale, held Tuesday, August 26, at 2 p.m. in the Southwest Motors Events Center.
“Our youth shows kick off that first weekend,” Wiesenmeyer says. “It’s definitely the best time to see the most animals on the grounds, all leading up to the Junior Livestock Sale.”
To catch specific animals in action, time your visit around their competition events. Horses compete in the 4-H Arena or Rodeo Arena. Beef and dairy cattle have designated show days, while goats, swine and lambs are featured heavily during the opening weekend. Poultry and rabbits are housed in their own viewing areas, open daily, and longhorns make special appearances—check the daily schedule for those limited-time exhibits.
Navigation Tip: The livestock barns are located on the southwest side of the fairgrounds. Moving counterclockwise through them allows you to see all the animals efficiently before they settle down for afternoon rest.
The Magic Bean Show
After exploring the barns, catch the agriculture-focused magic show at The Magic Bean. This entertaining performance combines fun with education, perfect for all ages.
Don’t miss the little kids’ tractor pedal pulls happening nearby— Wiesenmeyer specifically mentioned these as a fun activity for youngsters.
Navigation Tip: The Magic Bean Show takes place next to the Ag Pavilion, which you may also see listed as “Agventure Land.”
Catch Strolling Entertainment
Keep an eye out for Rocket the Robot, an eight-foot crowd favorite and perfect for photo ops. “If you Google him, he’s fantastic,” Wiesenmeyer shares.
Navigation Tip: Rocket typically follows main thoroughfares, so positioning yourself near the Central Plaza gives you the best chance of spotting him.
CREATIVITY & COMPETITION
Fine Arts & Creative Arts Buildings
Often overlooked, the Fine Arts and Creative Arts buildings highlight some of the fair’s most impressive showcases of Colorado’s local talent. From award-winning quilts to culinary masterpieces, these air-conditioned spaces offer a welcome respite from the afternoon heat.
“We have an incredible fine arts exhibit featuring work from talented competitors across Colorado,” Wiesenmeyer says. “It’s an amazing place to see the wide range of things people are creating themselves.”
4-H Exhibitions
Just beyond the Creative Arts area, the 4-H buildings showcase a diverse array of youth-led projects that highlight the skills and creativity of Colorado’s young innovators. From robotics and model rocketry to cake decorating and photography, these exhibits reflect months of dedication and hands-on learning. “It’s another great space to explore what young people are accomplishing around the state,” Wiesenmeyer says.
Navigation Tip: Moving from the Creative Arts Building to the 4-H area creates a natural loop back toward the food vendors for dinner.
Explore the Colorado Building
Before heading out to the evening festivities, step inside the Explore Colorado Building, presented by the Colorado Tourism Office, to get inspired for your next adventure. This interactive space highlights the state’s eight tourism regions—from the towering Rocky Mountains to the rolling Eastern Plains—and encourages visitors to “Do Colorado Right” through sustainable and responsible travel. Open select hours throughout the fair, it’s an informative stop for travelers and locals alike.
FOOD & FESTIVITIES
Dinner With a View
As the sun sets, it’s the perfect time to dive into some serious fair food exploration. The Colorado State Fair offers a few exclusive treats you won’t find anywhere else. First up: the Deep-Fried Pueblo Chiles.
“We have deep-fried Pueblo chilies, and that is going to be unique to Colorado and the Colorado State Fair,” says Wiesenmeyer. “Grown here in southern Colorado, they bring a zesty kick—and yes, they’re deep-fried and perfect for dipping in cheese or ranch dressing.”
You’ll find them at Giodone’s, located in the State Fair Plaza.
Another local favorite is The Slopper—a smothered burger that’s typically a sit-down dish but is available at multiple locations throughout the fairgrounds in a more portable, fair-friendly version. If you’re visiting during the second Saturday, the World Slopper Eating Competition takes place—a uniquely Colorado spectacle you won’t want to miss.
And of course, no fair food adventure is complete without the classics. “You can’t go wrong, obviously, with
a corn dog and lemonade,” Wiesenmeyer adds. “That really is the quintessential fair food combo.”
Pro Tip: The lines for popular food vendors are shortest during grandstand events, so time your culinary adventure accordingly.
Evening Entertainment
As night falls, the Colorado State Fair comes alive with lights, music and nonstop entertainment. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone. The first weekend kicks off with PRCA Rodeo events—a beloved tradition since 1964—followed by high-energy country concerts from Cooper Allen, Lee Brice and Clay Walker. Comedy lovers won’t want to miss Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, performing on the first Sunday in the Southwest Motors Events Center, where most headlining acts take place.
For fans of major music acts, the Colorado State Fair is bringing big names to the stage. Flo Rida headlines on Friday, August 29. On Thursday, August 28, the My Generation Tour takes over, featuring The Lovin’ Spoonful, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, and The Hollies Greatest Hits with Terry Sylvester. Then on Saturday, August 30, country star Russell Dickerson performs with special guest Drew Green.
But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. Live music and performances also light up other venues like the PB&T Bank Pavilion, the AFW Amphitheater and the Pepsi Stage—all offering free shows from regional and local acts. Free attractions such as high dives, pig races and stunt shows also offer evening performances, ensuring something exciting is happening every night, all across the fairgrounds.
The Fair’s Future
As the Colorado State Fair continues to evolve, Wiesenmeyer and her team remain committed to balancing agricultural heritage with contemporary entertainment.
“We like to joke—and some even use it in their marketing—that it’s ‘fair your way,’” she says. “There’s really no wrong way to experience the fair. Everyone’s interests are different, and what you see can change with every visit.”
Whether you’re coming for the agricultural education, the unique foods or the star-studded entertainment, the Colorado State Fair continues a tradition that’s been bringing Coloradans together for over 150 years—creating memories that last long after the fairgrounds close.
Visit coloradostatefair.com for the complete schedule.
