What the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo Is
The Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo is the county's summer showcase for 4-H youth, livestock, carnival rides and professional rodeo, held at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland. The most recent fair began July 31, 2026, with three nights of PRCA rodeo in the Blue Arena and the Junior Livestock Sale on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. General fair admission is free; the carnival and the rodeo are paid extras.
Ways to Take Part
| Who you are | What you do |
|---|---|
| Fairgoer | Walk the grounds for free, watch 4-H livestock shows, buy carnival wristbands, catch the fireworks and the parade |
| Rodeo fan | Buy PRCA rodeo tickets online through AXS or at the Blue Arena box office |
| Youth exhibitor | Raise an animal through 4-H and sell it at the Junior Livestock Sale (ages 8 to 18, Larimer County youth) |
| Buyer | Bid at the Junior Livestock Sale and, if you like, donate the animal or its meat to the Larimer County Food Bank |
| Little cowboy or cowgirl | Apply for Mutton Bustin' before the rodeo (the 2026 application closed and chosen riders were notified by July 27) |
The PRCA Rodeo
The 2026 rodeo ran August 2 to 4 at 7 p.m. each night in the Blue Arena. Each performance featured eight events: Mutton Bustin', bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, team roping and saddle bronc riding.
- Sunday, August 2: Military and First Responders Night
- Monday, August 3: 4-H Youth Night
- Tuesday, August 4: Bobblehead Night, while supplies last (arrive early)
The Price Fund Sensory Room on the event level is open for the whole rodeo with a rodeo ticket, and a limited number of free sensory bags (noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, strobe-reduction glasses and verbal cue cards) are available at guest services while supplies last.
The Junior Livestock Sale
Youth ages 8 to 18 raise animals and sell them at the sale. In 2025, 264 youth took part. The sale is built to teach animal husbandry, responsibility, time management, record keeping and public speaking, and the money from each animal goes to the youth to help cover college or career expenses. Add-on contributions are available the day of the sale and close within a week. For sale committee questions, the chair is Tanner Adams at 940-230-0310 and the vice chair is Caree Rinebarger at 970-219-1690.
Key Dates
- Fair opened: July 31, 2026
- PRCA Rodeo: August 2 to 4, 2026, 7 p.m. nightly
- Junior Livestock Sale: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- Fireworks: Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.
Check the fair schedule in the app, on the website or on the printed tri-fold for the current year's times, including the Fair Parade.
Costs and Parking
- Fair admission: free
- Carnival: wristbands sold separately; the carnival is run by Carnival Americana with its own refund policy
- Rodeo: tickets sold through AXS and at the Blue Arena box office
- Parking: paid parking begins in 2027, with the first 29 minutes free, $3 per hour from midnight to 5 p.m., $6 per hour from 5 p.m. to midnight and a $30 daily maximum. 4-H participants park free.
- Accessible parking: Lot B, next to the Blue Arena main entrance, with a valid state-issued permit
Where
The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538. The Information Shed at Gate Two has tri-folds and lost and found and closes at 8 p.m. The 4-H Youth and Community Building is at 5400 Arena Circle. Equestrian events are held in the Longhorn Outdoor Arena and Castorena's Equine Center indoor arena.
Questions
Can I bring my dog or my own food?
Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed in barns. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, and food must be eaten before entering barns.
Can I touch the animals?
Ask the 4-H animal owner for permission first.
Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed?
Yes. Strollers and ADA mobility devices may be brought in. Scooter and golf cart rentals are not offered.
Who do I call?
The Ranch administration office: 970-619-4000. The Blue Arena office: 970-619-4111.
Official Links
Colorado County Fairs: The Essentials
Colorado county fairs run through local CSU Extension offices, so every county sets its own dates and deadlines. In 2026 they ran from San Miguel's July 10-19 fair through Delta County's August 1-9.
Deadlines
Garfield County required fair entries on FairEntry.com by July 1 at 5:00 pm with no late entries. Delta County's pre-entry forms were due June 26 at 4:30 PM. Market animals are tagged at spring weigh-in.
Rules
Counties often require Meat Quality Assurance training for new exhibitors and set weight ranges. Washington County's market hogs run 220-300 lbs and lambs 100-170 lbs.
The junior sale
Garfield sells only blue and red ribbon animals. Delta requires two buyer invitations per exhibitor and a 5 percent consignment fee. Thank-you notes are expected. Confirm 2027 dates with your Extension office.
More to know
Elbert County's fair ran July 25 to August 2 in Kiowa, and Washington County's fair week began July 20. The Colorado State Fair is in Pueblo. Interview judging for general 4-H projects happens just before fair, and record books are often due soon after.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Colorado Cattlemen's Association Annual Convention
Annual convention of Colorado beef producers at Embassy Suites Loveland Conference Center. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 22-24, 2026.
- Larimer County Fair Swine Weigh-In
Swine weigh-in and vet check for 4-H market hogs on July 31, 2026, the opening step of the Larimer fair livestock week in Loveland. Held each year.
5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538 | 970-619-4000 | Organizer: Larimer County 4-H Official event details - Larimer County Junior Livestock Sale
Market beef, goat, lamb, swine, chicken, duck, turkey, rabbit and goose sold at 1 p.m. on August 5, 2026. In 2025, 264 youth ages 8 to 18 took part. Held each year.
5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538 | 970-619-4000 | Organizer: Larimer County Junior Livestock Sale Committee Official event details - Colorado Cattlemen's Association Mid-Winter Conference
Winter policy conference of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association at the Denver Marriott West in Golden, set for Dec. 14-15, 2026.
- National Western Stock Show
Sixteen-day stock show and rodeo at the National Western Complex in Denver, with open breed shows, an auction of junior livestock champions, pro rodeos and horse shows. The 2027 dates are posted.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.