So many people attend the New Mexico State Fair every year. Locals enjoy coming back again and again, and many visitors come from outside Albuquerque and some from other states to enjoy what the State Fair has to offer. There is a lot to love about the fair, whether a young child enjoying the barnyard animals or a teen swinging high in the air on a thrill ride. Adults love it too, for its great entertainment and of course, the wide variety of food.
When is the State Fair?
The 2011 New Mexico State Fair runs from Friday, September 9 through Sunday the 25.
The fair will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so there will be no fair days on September 12, 13, 19 or 20.
Although the State Fair will officially be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the livestock shows that normally take place on those days will go on as scheduled. Access the horse and livestock shows at Gate 8, on Louisiana just south of Lomas. There will be a $7 parking fee.
When is the Parade?
Everyone loves a parade, and the State Fair parade never disappoints. This year's theme for the parade is Everyday is a Holiday. The parade starts 8:45 a.m on Saturday, September 10, starting at the corner of Louisiana and Central. The parade will travel east to about Eubank Boulevard.
What are the State Fair Theme Days?
The theme days at the New Mexico State Fair change each day. Be sure to find out when to go to maximize your visit.
New Mexico State Fair Admission
State Fair admission prices have stayed at this level since 2007. That's a fair deal!
Adult: $7
Senior: (ages 62 and up): $5
Children 6-12: $5
Children 5 and under are free.
What Do You Get With Admission?
The State Fair has a lot going on, and you don’t have to spend a lot to have a good time. Many activities are free once you have paid the entrance fee. Visit the 4-H exhibits, McDonald’s Farm, the rodeos and more, all at no charge. Of course, the food is always a temptation!
Carnival
For many, especially the kids, the Carnival is the ultimate destination at the fair. Ticket prices have not yet been announced. Tickets can be picked up at the Murphy Brothers kiosks in the Midway.
Rodeo
The rodeo includes the barrel racing you'd expect at a rodeo, but live music is part of the venue every year, making this a bargain entertainment ticket.
Rodeo tickets are $16 - $18 for bench seats, $25 - $27 for chair back seats and $35.50 - $37.50 for box seats.
Admission to the State Fair is included IF tickets are purchased by August 31, 2011.
Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster, all Ticketmaster outlets and at the Tingley Coliseum Box Office. All rodeo-concert events begin at 7 p.m.
Concerts
Concerts take place in Tingley Coliseum, during the PRCA Rodeo. This year's concert lineup features a full line of country music stars. See the
concert schedule for complete details.
Hours
State Fair Box Office
Tickets can be purchased prior to the fair opening at the State Fair Box Office. Find it just inside Gate 3 off San Pedro, between Lomas and Central. The office has turquoise awnings. Current box office hours are 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Fairgrounds
The New Mexico State Fair takes place in Albuquerque at the Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds, with Louisiana to the east, San Pedro to the west, Central to the south, and Lomas to the north.
Parking
Parking is $7 per vehicle. Use these gates for general entry:
Gate 1 at Central west of Louisiana
Gate 8 at Louisiana south of Lomas
Gate 9 at Louisiana near Central
Handicap parking is available at all general public parking lots.
There are parking lots with shuttle service, from nearby lots, but the lots are paid lots.
Find out about alternatives to parking at the Fair.
