Your Guide to the 2025 New Mexico State Fair!
Órale! Hey Albuquerque, the most exciting time of the year is almost here! Get ready for 11 fun-filled days Albuquerque! The 2025 New Mexico State Fair is just around the corner, and we couldn't be more thrilled to share all the incredible fun waiting for you and your familia from September 4-14 at EXPO New Mexico. As lifelong Albuquerqueños who've been calling this amazing city home for decades, the Sandi Pressley Team knows there's nothing quite like fair time to bring our community together for pure, unforgettable joy!
Whether you're a longtime New Mexican or new to the Land of Enchantment, this year's fair promises to be absolutely spectacular. From heart-pounding rodeo action to mouth-watering green chile everything, from stunning local artistry to thrilling carnival rides that'll have the kids (and let's be honest, the adults too!) squealing with delight – this is your invitation to experience the very best of what makes New Mexico so special.
Daily specials and discounts allow Albuquerque families to enjoy the fair together. How would you like to save some money while having the time of your life? New Mexico State Fair officials have announced fantastic discounts and special recognition days throughout the fair, because, as General Manager Dan Mourning says, they seek to provide affordable options to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the magic.
Here are some of the great money-saving opportunities:
Military and Veterans Appreciation Day (September 9): Active-duty military personnel and veterans receive free admission with proper identification – it's our way of saying thank you for your service! Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to experience all the special tributes and ceremonies honoring our heroes.
School Employee Days: Teachers and school employees get free admission with proof of employment – because our educators deserve all the fun after getting our kids ready for another school year!
First Responder Days: Firefighters and first responders get free admission with a valid ID – we're celebrating the brave men and women who keep our community safe every single day.
State Employee Specials: State employees can get $10 admission (on-site only) with proof of state employment throughout the fair.
And here's a secret we love sharing with our neighbors: each food vendor offers a select menu item for just $5 on certain days, making it even easier to sample all the delicious treats!
One of our absolute favorite aspects of the New Mexico State Fair is Main Street Days, because it feels like the whole community comes alive. The daily Main Street celebrations are like having a different festival every single day! Each day brings a unique theme that celebrates different aspects of our incredible community:
September 5: Main Street at Night – Experience the magic of the fair after dark with special evening entertainment and that enchanting fair atmosphere under the stars.
September 6: MOPARs, Classic VWs, and Classic Jaguars Car Show – Classic car enthusiasts, this one's for you! Main Street transforms into a vintage automotive wonderland.
September 7: Antique Cars and Classic Tractors Show – From gleaming chrome to restored farming equipment, it's a celebration of American craftsmanship and agricultural heritage.
September 8: Seniors' Celebration and Healthy Living Day – Booths and vendors geared toward senior citizens and healthy living feature on Main Street, with free flu shots and health screenings available.
September 9: Military and Veterans Appreciation Day – A special tribute ceremony at 11 a.m. at the NMSF pavilion stage, honoring our service members with the respect and gratitude they deserve.
September 10: Pathway to College and Career Day – Multiple trade schools and higher education institutions from New Mexico and surrounding states provide information for prospective students, parents, and teachers.
September 11: New Mexico True Day and Gathering of Counties – A celebration of New Mexico and everything unique about our state, where guests can get information about places all over New Mexico and plan their next adventure.
September 12: Science, Technology, and Environmental Appreciation Day & Main Street at Night – Innovation meets celebration as we highlight the cutting-edge work happening right here in New Mexico.
September 13: Hot Rods and Custom Cars/Classic Mustangs – Rev your engines for this high-octane celebration of American muscle and custom automotive artistry.
September 14: Classic Cars, Trucks, and Corvairs Show – The fair closes with another stunning display of vintage automobiles that'll have car lovers in heaven.
This year's entertainment lineup is absolutely incredible, and we're not just talking about the big-name concerts (though those are amazing too!). The New Mexico State Fair has added more free special entertainment options, also known as spectaculars, to its lineup this year, and trust us, you won't want to miss these!
New Spectacular Shows for 2025:
- Off Axis Stunt Show: A Las Vegas-based high-energy extreme sports acrobatic stunt show that combines BMX, tramp wall, teeterboard, and more into one breathtaking act
- JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show: Talented pups performing with frisbees, completing agility courses, and dock diving – perfect for the whole family!
- Break-A-Boyz: A breakdancing group combining acrobats, comedy, vintage street style, and old-school beats
- Buckets N Boards: A high-energy musical comedy show with precise percussion, ridiculous songs, and tap dancing
Concert Series Lineup: The entertainment roster features some incredible headliners. Country music icon Wynonna Judd opens the concert series on September 5, followed by hip-hop legends Cypress Hill on September 6, Grupo Marca Registrada on September 12, and country favorite Clay Walker, who closes out the concerts on September 13.
Don't miss Soundwave NM on Sunday, September 7, starting at 11 a.m. at Tingley Coliseum – a first-of-its-kind music festival promoting local New Mexican musicians!
As you would expect, the rodeo action is second to none and will get your heart pounding. There's nothing like watching real cowboys and seeing the real Wild West action at the New Mexico State Fair's professional rodeos. Come out to watch world-class cowboys and cowgirls compete in heart-stopping events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and bronc riding:
- September 9: NMBRA Barrel Racing – Free admission!
- September 10, 11, and 14: Chevron PRCA Rodeo – Professional rodeo at its finest
Let's talk about the real reason we all come to the fair – THE FOOD! Aside from the landscapes and the friendly locals, the number one thing people miss when outside of New Mexico is the food, and there's no surprise there with red or green chile, special sweet treats, and the most intricate flavor palette this side of the Mississippi.
Everyone should check out the Food Competitions:
- September 4: Candy Contest; September 5: Chile Contest; September 8: Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge and Bread Contest; September 9: International Food Contest; September 12: Cake Contest and Cookie Contest; September 13: Junior Baking Contest; September 14: Pie Contest
Explore the new Food Adventures added this year: This year's new savory options include specialty mac and cheese (featuring lobster, bacon, and additional varieties) and Korean corn dogs. For those with a sweet tooth, you'll find Dubai chocolate sundaes and pineapple whip (think pineapple soft-serve)!
Grab the whole family and come out to make lasting memories. Sure, the fair is entertaining, but what really stands out to us is that it’s an experience for making memories! From the petting farm on the Box Car Lawn, where kids can feed goats, sheep, and llamas, to the Indian Village and Villa Hispana showcasing our rich cultural heritage, every corner offers something magical for families.
The fair's midway offers classic carnival experiences with modern thrills: traditional carnival rides for all ages, games of skill and chance, cotton candy, funnel cakes, and fair food favorites, plus live midway entertainment throughout the day.
Don't miss Mutton Bustin' – those gentle, giggle-inducing thrills that'll have the whole family cheering!
We’ve Made Going to the Fair Easy for YOU
Fair Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Special Hours:
- Midway opens 2:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays
- Kiddie Land opens 12:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. Saturday-Sunday
Pricing: Online tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (65 years and older), and $10 for children (6-12 years old), and are free for children 5 years and under. Pro tip: Buy online to save money!
The Sandi Pressley Team: Your Albuquerque Insiders
We've had the incredible privilege of watching our city grow and thrive over the years. As longtime Albuquerque residents and real estate professionals, we've helped countless families find their perfect homes in neighborhoods from the Northeast Heights to the Westside, from downtown lofts to Foothills retreats. But more than that, we've been part of this community's heartbeat – attending every State Fair, cheering at Isotopes games, hiking the Sandias, and celebrating what makes Albuquerque absolutely magical.
The New Mexico State Fair has been a favorite gathering place for New Mexicans since 1938, celebrating local food, competition, culture, creativity, and our rich agricultural heritage. We're honored to be part of this incredible tradition year after year.
When people ask us what makes Albuquerque special, we tell them it's moments like these – when our entire community comes together for 11 days of pure joy, celebration, and connection. It's the green chile cheeseburger that tastes better because you're sharing it with friends. It's the way kids' eyes light up when they see the Ferris wheel for the first time. It's the pride we feel watching local artisans showcase generations of traditional crafts.
Whether you're considering making Albuquerque your home or you're already part of our vibrant community, we're here to serve as your trusted advisors for everything Albuquerque. From the best neighborhoods for families to the hidden gems locals love, from investment opportunities to dream homes – we know this city inside and out because we've lived it, loved it, and made it our home.
Located just five miles east of downtown Albuquerque at EXPO NM, the New Mexico State Fair has consistently been in the top 5 ranked fairs in the nation based on affordability, programming, and weather. And honestly? It’s another event that reminds us of why we love living in Albuquerque.
The fair kicks off tomorrow, so be sure to add the fair to your calendar for September 4-14, 2025, and prepare to experience the very best of New Mexico's culture, creativity, and community spirit. We promise that your 2025 New Mexico State Fair experience will be fun and that you’ll enjoy the celebration.
Whether you're craving that perfect green chile cheeseburger, ready to cheer on world-class rodeo athletes, excited to discover local artisans, or just want to create magical memories with your family, this fair has something for everyone.
See you at the fair, neighbors! ¡Vamos!
Ready to explore everything Albuquerque has to offer, from State Fair fun to finding your dream home? The Sandi Pressley Team is here to help you navigate all the best our city has to offer!
Contact The Sandi Pressley Team Today:
📞 Phone: (505)263-2173
🌐 Website: https://www.sandisells.com/
Your trusted Albuquerque real estate experts and proud community members
¡Órale! Let's make some memories at the fair!
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