Nothing makes me feel quite so nostalgic and full of that good ol’ fashioned New Mexico pride like a day at the New Mexico State Fair.
It’s farm animals, fry bread, amazing local art, rodeos, concerts, cultural celebrations, silly fun, thrill rides, and so much more. It really is a celebration of our beautiful, diverse state, and it has been since 1938!
People from all over the state flock to Albuquerque for the New Mexico State Fair every September, but we Burqueños are so fortunate to have it right here in our backyard.
There’s so much to see and do (and ahem, eat) at the fair that you couldn’t possibly do everything. So in this article, we aim to highlight the fair features FAMILIES will want to know about.
Hours
September 4th – 14th, 2025
Midway Hours (this is the area with the rides)
Opens 2:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
Opens 10:00 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Kiddie Land Hours (kids’ rides)
Opens 12:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
Opens 10:00 a.m. Saturday – Sunday
Admission & Pricing
Adult – $20.00 (in person) | $15.00 (online)
Senior (65 and older) – $15.00 (in person) | $10.00 (online)
Kids (5 to 12 years old) – $15.00 (in person) | $10.00 (online)
Children 5 and under – FREE
Mega Pass is $40. It includes one day’s admission plus unlimited rides. The last day to purchase a Mega Pass is Friday, 9/5. (It’s a great deal, especially if you are going to go to the fair on the weekend.)
Note: Please purchase tickets only through the official vendor of the New Mexico State Fair, eTix. The New Mexico State Fair cannot guarantee the validity of tickets purchased through other third-party vendors.
Discounts
Different days have different deals and discounts for admission, food, ride wristbands, and more. Find out when deals and discounts are on the fair’s website and keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
The Midway
The rides are not included with the price of admission of the fair. Different days will have ride wristbands or ride tickets available at different prices. The $40 Mega Pass is the best deal because it includes admission plus unlimited rides.
Keep your eye on the fair’s website and social media for announcements about Midway pricing.
Getting There
The fair is located at Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
Yes, we know. There have been rumors that it may be moving. But for this year, it’s staying put. (And from what I understand, the public will have a say on whether it moves or not.)
Driving
Parking
Park and Ride
Park and Ride Hours, September 6th- 7th & 13th- 14th, 2025
*Running Weekends ONLY*
*Children 5 and Under are Free
Saturdays:
Coronado Center to State Fair: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
State Fair to Coronado Center: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sundays:
Coronado Center to State Fair: 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
State Fair to Coronado Center: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Round-trip park and ride tickets are anywhere from $10.50 – $25.50. Buy Park and Ride tickets here.
Bike to the Fair
Family Friendly Attractions
**Unless otherwise stated, attractions are included with the price of admission.
Kiddie Land (ride tickets or wristbands required)
With so many fun rides, this area is sure to please the littles with a carousel, rides that spin, a small roller coaster, a giant slide, and so much more.
Insider Tip: If your kid lives to ride the rides, spring for the unlimited daily rides wristband or you will go broke buying a la carte ride tickets. You can purchase a Mega Pass ($40 for admission plus unlimited rides) until September 5th.
GASCAR Pig Races
This attraction is located on the Box Car Lawn (in front of the train car) and happens multiple times throughout the day. Cheer on your favorite farm animal to see who finishes first. Go little piggies! (You can get a schedule on the fair’s website or download the app.)
The Great American Duck Races
Getting chosen to race a duck is a highlight of my daughter’s 9th year. The Great American Duck Race features live mallard ducks raced on a water track. You may be one of the lucky ones chosen to hold and release one of the world’s fastest mallards into its racing lane. Silly? Definitely, but so much fun!
Insider Tip: Arrive early and sit up front for a better chance at being chosen as a duck racer.
Southwest Dairy Farmers
Trained instructors from the dairy industry will demonstrate how to milk a cow, describe how milk goes from the farm to the fridge, and then answer questions from the audience. This is an innovative program that brings the dairy experience directly to audiences of all ages!
Sea Lion Splash
The ocean fun comes to the desert! Don’t miss this educational and entertaining sea lion show. You will learn about the differences between seals and sea lions and be amazed at what an amazing animal a sea lion is.
Petting Farm (free to enter; additional cost to purchase food for the animals)
Fairgoers get an up-close and personal experience with cute and cuddly animals of all kinds. Pet and feed farm animals, llamas, and more at this truly hands-on exhibit. Last year, there were baby wallabies. Eek!
SunZia Farm
Your kids are sure to have a mooooovalous time on the SunZia Farm. Rope some toy longhorn cattle, ride a wooden horse, climb a real tractor, sort plastic vegetables, and craft to your heart’s delight.
Junior Livestock Shows
Watch as kids from around New Mexico show their livestock that they’ve raised all year long. If no shows are happening, it’s still fun to introduce yourself to cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, and more!
Performances in Indian Village
Don’t miss the beautiful performances by different Native American groups during the New Mexico State Fair. Particularly impressive is the Pow-Wow. The New Mexico State Fair was the first state fair to have an area solely devoted to Native American culture.
Foam Zone
There’s nothing like an outdoor foam party for some intense foamy fun! These happen on Adventure Alley at 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 5:00 pm.
Check out the fair’s website for a list of all the spectaculars (special entertainment) and things to do to plan your day.
What's New in 2025?
**Unless otherwise stated, attractions are included with the price of admission.
Kids Bungy Jump
For a $10 fee, adventurous kids can fly high all while tethered, of course.
Break-A-Boyz
Break-A-Boyz is an exciting, interactive show filled with break dancing, amazing acrobatics, and powerful stunts.
JUMP! The Ultimate Stunt Dog Show
Adorable and talented four-legged friends perform a customized stunt dog thrill show!
Off Axis Stunt Show
Off Axis is a world-renowned high-energy circus show from Las Vegas combining the talents of extreme sports and acrobatics. Think extreme bikes, skateboards, and trampolines.
Buckets N Boards
Buckets N Boards is a hilarious and high-energy show chock-full of amazing percussion, ridiculous songs, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation, and an incredible variety of musical talents!
Megamorph the Transforming Car
If you have a little Transformers fan, don’t miss this one. It’s a full-size automobile capable of transforming into a huge robot, right before your eyes.
Robocars
ROBOCARS are unique, transforming robot vehicles with skilled operators, including cars, trucks, and more!
Know Before You Go
Weekend Crowds
If you go to the fair on the weekend, it will be crowded, parking will be more difficult, and it will be more expensive. If you’re able to attend during the week, I’d highly recommend it.
Sensory Station
The New Mexico State Fair provides a sensory station. It’s a calm, safe space for any overwhelmed, sensory-sensitive, or disabled Fair guests. This space can be utilized to de-escalate, cool down, and/or satisfy any sensory processing needs before returning to Fair activities. Learn more here.
Outside Food & Drink
Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the fairgrounds with the exception of baby formula, along with certain other exceptions for individuals with medical and special needs. You may bring sealed plastic water bottles, one per person, that can be filled utilizing water fountains located throughout the fairgrounds. Definitely bring those sealed water bottles. It gets hot, and you’ll need them.
Prepare for the Heat
It is the desert after all. Bring sunscreen. Bring sealed water bottles. Plan to arrive early when the gates open to beat the heat. And do any indoor activities later in the day to cool down.
Tag Your Tots
Head to the Tag Your Tots station on Main Street when you arrive at the fair. This is a service where the parents’ and children’s information is collected by state police, and a child receives a wristband with a unique identification number, making it easy to reunite lost children at the fair.
Diaper Changing/Nursing Moms Stations
There are two diaper changing/nursing moms booths at the fair. Both are on Main Street. One is at the north end and another at the south end.
Plan Ahead
Check out the Main Street Days to make sure to attend on a day that interests your family. Got a little one who loves fire trucks, classic cars, or STEM? There’s a day for that!
Splurge a Bit on Fair Food
What’s a fair without fair food? Amiright? You and your kiddos will see people walking by with a funnel cake, ice-cold lemonade, mini donuts, fry bread, and more. Plan to purchase a special treat. Or if, for some reason, you can’t eat at the fair (allergies, intolerance, etc.), make sure to prepare your kids for all the food vendors you are bound to see.
Download the App
The New Mexico State Fair has its own app with maps and lists of things to help you find all the fun while you’re at the fair.
Have a wonderful time at the New Mexico State Fair!
Looking for more local fall fun? Make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Fall.
