What the Colorado State Fair & Rodeo Is
The Colorado State Fair & Rodeo is an eleven-day state fair at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo. The 2027 fair has been announced for August 27 to September 6. The fair began in Pueblo in 1872, when the Southern Colorado Agriculture and Industrial Association held it to promote agricultural diversity, and it aims to preserve Colorado's ranching and agriculture heritage. It combines youth and open livestock shows, the Junior Livestock Sale, PRCA rodeo, concerts and a carnival.
What You Can Do There
- Show livestock. Market beef, lamb, hog and goat shows open the fair, followed by dairy cattle, breeding classes and small animals. Market and breeding entries are online only.
- Sell a champion. Top market animals qualify for Colorado's Electric Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale.
- Watch PRCA rodeo and concerts. In 2026 the rodeo ran on the opening weekend with Ian Munsick (Friday, August 28), Dylan Scott (Saturday) and Neal McCoy (Sunday). Concerts that year included Jordan Davis, the I Love the 90s Tour, Celebracion de los Charros, and The Fray with ROME from Sublime.
- Ride the carnival. Unlimited-ride wristbands were $34 through the day before opening and $42 during the fair in 2026; an 11-day Mega Pass was $162, then $202.
Exhibitor Information
Entry for 2026 livestock closed July 27 for market animals and August 10 for open and junior breeding. All livestock entries are submitted online and mailed entries are not accepted. Market animals also need a county nomination with DNA submitted in the spring (April for beef, June for goats, hogs and lambs in 2026). Market and junior exhibitors must be 4-H members ages 8 through 18 or FFA members under 19 as of December 31 of the prior year. Entry fees are non-refundable, and premium checks must be cashed within six months.
Youth entered in a 4-H or FFA show can buy a $15 Youth Exhibitor Wristband in 2026; family members who are not competing do not qualify. The 2026 all-age wristband was $45 for all 11 days. Exhibitor passes are required for exhibitors and family members, including campers. On-ground camping is limited to prepaid, reserved spots.
Gate Admission, Hours and Parking (2026 fair)
| Item | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adults | $15 |
| Ages 5 to 12 | $7 |
| Ages 4 and under | Free with an adult |
| Hours | Monday to Thursday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Labor Day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Parking | $10 in the South Lot between Mesa and Northern Avenues |
A free Pueblo Transit shuttle ran from the Main Street Parking Garage (110 S. Main St.) to Gate 5 every 15 to 30 minutes during fair hours. Tickets are sold at Gate 3 (Mesa Ave.), Gate 5 (Prairie Ave.) and Gate 9 (Beulah Ave.). 2027 prices have not been posted.
Where
Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004.
Questions
When is the 2027 fair?
August 27 to September 6, 2027.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are prohibited except leashed dogs in direct competition and service animals.
Who do I call?
The main office at 719-561-8484 or 1-800-876-4567. General entry is extension 2080, livestock extension 2027 and ticket information extension 2070. The administrative office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Official Links
- Plan your visit
- General competition requirements
- Junior livestock competition requirements
- What's new in 2026
- KOAA: everything you need to know about the 2026 fair
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 State Fair Market Hog Show
Market hog show at the Pueblo state fair, starting at 9 a.m. in the livestock pavilion. Held each year; the most recent show was Aug. 28, 2026.
- Colorado State Fair Market Lamb Show
Market lamb classes at the Pueblo state fair, beginning at 9 a.m. in the livestock pavilion. Held each year; the most recent show was Aug. 29, 2026.
- Colorado State Fair Market Poultry Show
Market poultry judging at 8:30 a.m. followed by showmanship in the Small Animal Building at the Pueblo fair. Held each year; the most recent show was Aug. 29, 2026.
1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004 Official event details - Colorado State Fair Market Goat Show
Market goat and junior wether doe classes at the Pueblo fair, starting at 9 a.m. Held each year; the most recent show was Aug. 30, 2026.
1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004 Official event details - Colorado State Fair Market Beef Show
Market steer show starting at 9 a.m. on the opening Monday of livestock judging in Pueblo, followed by the FFA Heifer Wrangle. Held each year; the most recent show was Aug. 31, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.