New Mexico State Fair 2023: Here’s what you should know

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico State Fair is happening now through September 17.

The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday – and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Entertainment

Fair admission gives you access to various entertainment, including something new this year.

“This year, comedy at our main street bar every Friday and Saturday night from 9-11,” Mourning said.

Entertainment also includes unique foods, petting zoos and much more, including local music from Mango Cakes, Burque Jazz Bandits, Nosotros and others.

“We [also] have a good variety of music, but, you know what really great about the fair is that we showcase all the good local New Mexican talent.”

There is also a full slate of shows, along with the PRCA Rodeo, happening almost every day of the year (see below).

Getting to the Fair

“If you wait until the last minute, parking, you’re probably going to be waiting in line. You don’t want to do that so get here early that’s what we encourage people to do,” Mourning said.

If you don’t want to drive to the fair, you can get an Uber or Lyft. You can even take the bus.

ABQ Ride has four bus routes, including two Rapid Rides providing a direct ride to the fair.

You can catch that bus at the Uptown Transit Center, just west of Indian School and Louisiana.

Security at the Fair

At the New Mexico State Fair, there will be a police presence and you can expect to go through security when you get to the fair.

“We do have metal detectors, so there will be a bag check as you come in again to ensure people’s safety. Again, be smart about what you do and what you bring. Knives and bazookas are not allowed,” Mourning explained.

Ticket Info

Tickets to the fair are $15 for adults, $8 for seniors (ages 65 and older) and children (ages 6-12) and free for children ages 5 and under.

Deals and Discounts

The $30 Mega Pass is on-sale until September 8. It includes a one-day admission to the fair and an unlimited ride wristband.

If you miss out, there are also plenty of special days with deals and discounts:

Thursday, September 7

• $4 general admission
• Free admission for N.M. law enforcement officers and personnel (with valid ID)
• All vendors will offer one regular food menu item for $5 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

September 8-10 – Teacher Appreciation

• Free admission for all teachers (with a valid district-issued ID)

Friday, September 8 – State Employee Appreciation Day, Firefighter and First Responders Day

• $8 admission for all state employees (with a valid state agency-issued ID or paystub)
• Free admission for firefighters and first responders (with valid ID)

Monday, September 11 – Four Dollar Day

• $4 general admission all-day
• $30 ride wristbands

Tuesday, September 12 – Military/Veterans’ Day

• Free admission for all active and retired military and veterans (with valid ID)
• $5 general admission
• $30 ride wristbands

Wednesday, September 13 – Dollar Day

• $1 general admission all-day
• All rides are $1 per ride (minimum purchase of 10 rides required)
• Ride wristbands will not be available for purchase

Thursday, September 14 – Everyone is a Kid Day

• $8 general admission all-day
• All vendors will offer one regular food menu item for $5 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• $30 ride wristbands

Friday, September 15 – City and County Employee Appreciation Day

• $8 admission for N.M. city or county government employees (with valid employment ID)
• $40 ride wristbands

Tingley Coliseum Entertainment

Friday, September 8 – PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Mammoth WVH (Wolfgang Van Halen)

Saturday, September 9 – PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Justin Moore

Tuesday, September 12 – NM Invitational Ranch Rodeo
Chancey Williams

Wednesday, September 13
PRCA Rodeo

Thursday, September 14 – PRCA Rodeo
Country Comeback Tour featuring Shenandoah, Wade Hayes and Billy Dean

Friday, September 15 – PRCA Rodeo
Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Reynas de Los Angeles

Saturday, September 16
311 with PRCA Rodeo

Sunday, September 17, 4 p.m. matinee
PRCA Rodeo

Tickets for the September 8-9 and 14-16 shows are:

• $75 for box seats
• $60 for chair back
• $25 for bench seats

Tickets for the other shows are:

• $40 for box seats
• $25 for chair back
• $15 for bench seats

For the full schedule of events each day of the fair, click here.