Something for Everyone! Free Entertainment Lineup Unveiled for 2026 Colorado State Fair

"The state fair is all about creating memories, and we want fairgoers to be able to do that without breaking the bank," said Andrea Wiesenmeyer, general manager of the Colorado State Fair. "Your general admission tickets unlock more than $250,000 in non-stop entertainment over the 11 days of the fair!"

Stages across the fairgrounds will feature a diverse lineup of experiences. Step back into classic midway entertainment as strongman Mighty Mike will take to the Pepsi Stage daily, showcasing feats of strength such as juggling bowling balls and sledgehammers and bending solid metal.

A 150-ton sand sculpture, a perennial fan favorite, will make a long-awaited return, creating awe-inspiring works of art in real time. Team Sandtastic , will be coming to the Colorado State Fair for the first time to bring this art to life. The artists work on the sculpture throughout the fair, with the piece finalized by the second weekend.

Fairgoers can challenge friends and family while learning about agriculture with Agri-Golf presented by 21st Century Equipment, a mini-golf course where each hole highlights a different aspect of Colorado's agricultural industry. This new attraction combines hands-on learning with fairtime fun.

Guests can also cheer on their favorites at The Great American Duck Race presented by FAMLI , an interactive experience where attendees can get up close, engage with the ducks, and root for their preferred competitor. These no-additional-cost attractions are available daily throughout the fair.

As visitors take in the sights and sounds of the fair, roaming performers from the Stilt Circus will bring entertainment to the skies above, while The Bubbler returns to Main Street, delighting guests with bubbles of all shapes and sizes. Families can also enjoy the return of "Ag-Venture Land," a dedicated area featuring hands-on, family-friendly agricultural activities.

Wednesday, September 2, will once again be " One Price Wednesday ." presented by Rocky Mountain Steel Mills For a single $15 fee, guests receive admission to the fair, entry into the Mountain States Ranch Rodeo at the Big R Arena, a carnival wristband, and a chance to catch Hairball in concert on the American Furniture Warehouse Amphitheater stage. This nationally-touring act brings the best of 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s rock to life and has entertained audiences for more than 25 years. The Mountain States Ranch Rodeo will feature a 5-Man Hybrid Scramble with Open Ranch Bronc Riding.

"This year's free concert lineup features several artists who would typically require separate tickets elsewhere," Wiesenmeyer said . "We've built a diverse lineup that promises a memorable end to the summer for everyone who attends."

The PB&T Bank Pavilion and the American Furniture Warehouse Amphitheater will host a strong lineup of free concerts , including Double Wide , Uptown Jam , Lies or Lullabies (a tribute to John Mellencamp, Bryan Adams, and Bruce Springsteen), The Outlaw Mariachi , Dead Floyd (a tribute to the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd), as well as local favorites The Martini Shot and Triple Nickel . Pueblo native and rising country artist Cody Cozz will close out the free concert lineup on September 7.

During the fair's 11-days, the Pepsi Stage will also play host to several Pueblo-based entertainers including local dance troupes, singers, as well as performances from high school marching bands representing a large portion of the state.

The Great Colorado Pork Green Chili Showdown , presented by the Colorado Pork Producers Council, will take center stage at the Colorado State Fair's Pepsi Stage on September 5. This cook-off will pit family traditions, secret ingredients, and local pride against each other to determine who makes the best bowl of one of the state's most iconic dishes. Aside from bragging rights, the winner will take home the G rand prize is $1,000 dollars and a Big Green Egg prize package, second place will take home $750 along with an assorted pork gift package, while third place will win $500.The deadline to apply to compete is August 5. Click here to apply and view full competition details.

Click here to see the full schedule of free concerts at this year's State Fair.

Entertainment tickets purchased through August 27 include general admission to the fair. Single-day carnival wristbands are $34 when purchased in advance. MegaPasses, valid for all 11 days of the fair, are available for $162 through opening day, after which the price increases to $202.