Colorado State Fair

The 2026 Colorado State Fair is bringing three nights of country music to the Big R Arena to follow the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) events on August 28, 29, and 30.

This year’s concert lineup features country singer-songwriter Ian Munsick, multi-platinum artist Dylan Scott, and country music icon Neal McCoy.

With the international fair industry converging on Denver last week, the Colorado State Fair seized the home-field advantage to showcase its best work, securing top honors on both the regional and international stages. The fair is announcing a total of 15 awards from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and eight awards from the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs (RMAF), alongside the graduation of several staff members from prestigious industry management programs.

The Colorado State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition, an annual highlight of the Colorado State Fair, surpassed previous sales records during its 11-day run in 2025. A total of 67 pieces of art were sold, generating $14,737 in sales. This achievement overtook the previous record set in 2023, which saw $9,378 from the sale of 57 art pieces.

The Colorado State Fair is partnering with the Autism Society of Colorado and Pueblo Pediatric Therapy Center to ensure the fairgrounds provide a visiting time that is suitable for patrons with sensory sensitivities.

On Labor Day, Monday, September 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Colorado State Fair is hosting Sensory Day, a time when people of all ages and abilities who may have special sensory needs can enjoy the fair in a calmer, quieter, and supportive environment.

The 2025 Colorado’s Electric Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale held yesterday at the Colorado State Fair raised more than $508,000 in the auction of 102 animals raised and shown by young people from across Colorado. The 2025 Grand Champion Market Beef, raised by Jake King of Washington County, was purchased for $45,000 by the Sam Brown Family. The Kings are a family of champions: this was the second year in a row that Jake showed the winning steer and his sister Joslyn showed the Grand Champion Market Beef in 2021. 

Stoke Pizza from Pueblo won the coveted Governor’s Plate award at the 5th annual Governor’s Plate competition at the Colorado State Fair. This year, Chef Brother Luck served as the judge in the Governor’s absence, and chose the winner for the Governor’s Plate. Additionally, MC² Ice Cream Truck from Arvada won the People’s Choice Award.

The 153rd Colorado State Fair kicks off tomorrow, and the fairgrounds are bustling as organizers prepare to host approximately half a million fairgoers during the course of the next 11 days. 

Five food trucks from across Colorado have been selected to compete during the 2025 Governor’s Plate competition at the Colorado State Fair at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the State Fairgrounds in Pueblo.