It’s that time again. The Colorado State Fair opens Friday, August 28 and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026, at the state fairgrounds in Pueblo. the event includes carnival rides, live entertainment, PRCA rodeos, demolition derby and all sorts of competitions. It can be a pricey visit (admission is $15/adults; $7 children ages 5-12 and a an unlimited carnival ride band is $42), if you don’t take advantage of one of their many deals and discounts. However, there are a ton of ways to save:
Buy in Advance
Buy online before end-of-day August 21 and general admission tickets are $9. Click on the buy tickets icon on the Fair’s website.
Senior Day
Patrons 60 years of age or older receive FREE gate admission on Friday, August 28 and Friday, September 4.
$5 Fridays Until 5 P.M.
On Fridays, admission is $5 if you buy your ticket before 5 p.m. Plus, every food stand offers a $5 item until 5 p.m.
American Heroes Day
On Sunday, August 30 — Military and First Responders receive $8 off admission.
Kids Day
On Monday, August 31 and Monday, September 7 — All kids 12 and under get FREE admission all day.
Two Can Tuesday
On Tuesday, September 1 — Get FREE fair admission by bringing 2 canned good items to donate.
One Price Wednesday
On Wednesday, September 2 — EVERYONE pays $15 for gate admission and receives admission to the Ranch Rodeo and a FREE all-you-can-ride carnival (except specialty rides) wristband.
Colorado Lottery Special
On Sunday, September 5 — Present a non-winning lottery ticket and receive $3 off adult admission. Must be 18 or older.
Carnival Fun
The Colorado State Fair’s carnival is an absolute must-see, whether it’s the highlight of your visit or just a fun detour before catching a show. This is where the magic of the Fair truly comes alive, with thrilling rides that twist and turn, classic games of skill, and the irresistible aroma of Fair food filling the air.
Whether you’re a daredevil seeking the adrenaline rush of a high-speed coaster or prefer the gentle whirl of the Ferris Wheel offering panoramic views, there’s a ride for every age and thrill level.
Photo courtesy: Colorado State Fair
Rodeo Events
The Colorado State Fair’s PRCA Rodeo is back to deliver four electrifying nights of professional cowboy competition. Feel the thundering hooves and roaring crowd as the nation’s top cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills in bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and more.
The rodeo is one of the top events at the Colorado State Fair, and this year is amplified with incredible post-rodeo concerts on three nights, featuring country music sensations like Ian Munsick (August 28), Dylan Scott (August 29) and Neal McCoy (August 30).
The rodeo action then continues with another thrilling standalone PRCA Rodeo on August 31.
Concerts & Live Performances
This year’s Fair features a star-studded concert lineup, including Jordan Davis (September 4) and the nostalgic “I Love the 90s Tour” featuring Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Color Me Badd, C+C Music Factory (September 5).
Other entertainment includes Celebración de los Charros with Banda Machos (September 6) and The Fray with ROME (September 6).
Make sure to buy your tickets to these amazing Colorado State Fair Events before they sell out.
Motorsports Events
Enjoy an adrenaline-fueled spectacle as the Monster Trucks roar into the Fair on both September 4 and 5. Witness two nights of colossal machines defying gravity, crushing cars, soaring over obstacles, and performing incredible stunts that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Feel the earth shake and hear the thunderous engines as these powerful vehicles showcase their raw strength and agility in a display of automotive dominance.
It is one of the most action-packed events at the Colorado State Fair with jaw-dropping jumps, daring maneuvers, and non-stop action.
The Demolition Derby smashes its way into the Fair on September 5. Witness an exhilarating battle where drivers strategically (or wildly!) collide, bumper-to-bumper, until only one vehicle remains.
The roar of engines, the crunch of metal, and the cheers of the crowd create an electrifying atmosphere as cars are pushed to their limits in a quest to be the last one standing.
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