Highlight of the Summer: Colorado State Fair Welcomes Fair Guests for 11 Days of Food, Fun and Tradition

The gates are officially open for the 2026 Colorado State Fair, inviting Coloradans from across the state to celebrate 11 days of agriculture, entertainment, food, family traditions, and community connection through Labor Day (Monday, September 7).

"The Colorado State Fair is where Colorado comes together," said Andrea Wiesenmeyer, general manager of the Colorado State Fair. "For generations, families have made memories here, whether that means competing in livestock competitions, cheering on rodeo competitors, discovering a new favorite food, enjoying live entertainment, or experiencing the excitement of the midway. We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to Pueblo for another unforgettable State Fair."

This year's fair schedule features free entertainment, competitions, educational exhibits, youth showcases, and signature events that honor Colorado's agricultural heritage while creating new experiences for fair guests.

From livestock competitions and hands-on agricultural experiences to live music, cultural celebrations, carnival rides, and fair food favorites, the Colorado State Fair offers something for fairgoers of every age and interest.

The ticketed entertainment lineup includes country music, classic hits, nostalgia, alternative rock, regional Mexican music, rodeo, monster trucks, and demolition derby action:

• Ian Munsick following the PRCA Rodeo on August 28 at the Big R Arena.
• Dylan Scott following the PRCA Rodeo on August 29 at the Big R Arena.
• Neal McCoy following the American Heroes PRCA Rodeo on August 30 at the Big R Arena.
• PRCA Rodeo on Monday, August 31 at the Big R Arena.
• Governor's Harvest Table Dinner, featuring six local chefs and their teams competing for a People's Choice and Governor's Plate awards on September 1.
• Jordan Davis performs September 4 at the Southwest Motors Events Center.
• The I Love the '90s Tour, featuring Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Color Me Badd, C+C Music Factory, performs September 5 at the Southwest Motors Events Center.
• The Fray, with special guest ROME from Sublime with Rome, performs September 6 at the Southwest Motors Events Center.
• Fiesta Day, on September 6, includes Celebración de los Charros and Banda Machos at the Big R Arena, along with other celebrations of the state's Hispanic heritage throughout the fairgrounds.
• Monster truck events take place September 4 and 5, followed by a demolition derby on September 5 at the Big R Area.

Fair guests are encouraged to explore the full lineup of events, plan their visits in advance, and take part in the traditions that have made the Colorado State Fair a beloved annual destination. This year's fair includes more than $250,000 in entertainment value with general fair admission.

Free entertainment options include:

• Mighty Mike, who presents daily strongman shows featuring feats such as juggling bowling balls and sledgehammers and bending solid metal.
• Team Sandtastic, which will create a 150-ton sand sculpture live during the fair. The completed artwork is expected by the second weekend.
• Agri-Golf, presented by 21st Century Equipment, which makes agricultural learning interactive through a mini-golf course in which each hole highlights a different sector of Colorado agriculture.
• The Great American Duck Race, presented by FAMLI Paid Leave, which lets guests get close to the ducks, choose a favorite competitor, and cheer them on.
• Stilt Circus performers, who bring roaming entertainment throughout the grounds.
• The Bubbler, who will be roaming the grounds with large-scale bubble entertainment for families.
• AgVenture Land, which returns with hands-on agricultural activities designed for families and children.
• The Freedom Truck, a mobile museum that brings American history and storytelling to communities across the country as a part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Fridays at the fair are also "$5 Fridays 'til 5 p.m.," with 45 food vendors across the fairground offering one item for $5 from opening until 5 p.m. The affordable menu makes it easy for everyone to find a delicious reason to indulge in fair classics, savory snacks, sweet treats, refreshing drinks and kid-friendly options.

The 2026 Colorado State Fair runs August 28 through September 7 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo. For the full schedule, ticket information, and more, visit ColoradoStateFair.com.