MAIN Travel USA New Mexico New Mexico State Fair

Today, it's known as "The Biggest Show in New Mexico."

The New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque was an immensely popular hit from the outset when it opened in 1881.

The first fair (which opened before New Mexico was even an official state!) ran a total of five days which attracted huge crowds despite the gloom of rainy weather. Business owners knew knew an opportunity when they saw one, and invested heavily.

Crowd pleasing trapeze artists and other daredevil acts like parachute jumpers who jumped from hot air balloons -- and even a pool-diving mule -- eventually earned the fair a reputation as being one of the greatest entertainment events in the Southwest.

2025 New Mexico State Fair

This year, the New Mexico State Fair is an 11-day event that kicks off on Thursday, September 4 and runs until Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Entertainment, of course, is still a big draw along with artisans, performers, and food vendors showcasing the state's rich Spanish and Native American heritage and culture.

Not to be outdone by rivals, the New Mexico State Fair also follows an All-American venue featuring livestock shows and exhibits, as well as traditional cooking and gardening competitions.

2025 concert lineup and rodeo shows

The New Mexico State Fair concert lineup has in the past included such star headliners as Josh Turner, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, and many others.

This year, the full 2025 concert and entertainment schedule will be announced over the summer with individual tickets going on sale in mid-July..

For more information about concert tickets, see the official site online or at Ticketmaster outlets. Early purchase of tickets includes gate admission to the Fair.

General admission prices usually run about $7 for adults (that means age 13 and older.) Special discounts are available for kids and seniors. Children under 5 get in free. Additional fees are charged for carnival rides with special discounts for parties of 25 or more.

Another great New Mexico State Fair tradition? Rodeo and bronco riding extravaganzas, and mariachi music (as well as local ethnic bands) usually round out the attractions that offer family-friendly fun for anyone traveling through New Mexico at summer's end.

Have fun!

DID YOU KNOW? New Mexico State Fair fun facts

• Because so many students were skipping school to attend the Fair, Albuquerque schools closed for a week-long vacation during the Fair in 1906.

• In 1964, the New Mexico State Fair became the first state fair in the country to have an exhibit solely devoted to Native American art & culture.

• In 1985, the first-ever tornado in Albuquerque's history touched down near the fairgrounds and immediately afterward vendors began offering T-shirts reading: "I survived the Albuquerque tornado".

• The Fair hosted high-diving "Aqua Mules" for a number of years when public protests ended the controversial show in 1991..

• Today, the New Mexico State Fair is usually ranked as among the Top Five state fairs in the nation in terms of attendance and attractions.

New Mexico State Fair photos

The big parade - plus food, local arts and crafts, and kid-friendly attractions are all a part of the fun.

also see -> This Christmas in New Mexico

New Mexico Lakes & Beaches

More about the New Mexico State Fair around the Web:

2025 New Mexico State Fair - Check out the official site with information on admission and ticket prices, fair highlights, entertainment line up, and events including food concessions, kid-friendly attractions, directions, map, photos.

New Mexico State Fair - A Complete Guide - Trip Savvy.com guide offers highlights, details on admission, complete schedule including rodeo and parade times, related resources.