From poets to quilters, bakers to whittlers, and photographers to potters, Colorado artists and artisans are invited to compete for "Best in Show" at the 2025 Colorado State Fair.
The State Fair has a competition category for everything from the whimsical (the Pet Rock or Funniest Pet Photo competitions) to the sublime (Fine Arts competitions that include oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and more), to the delicious (all those baked goods and pantry items), and even the weird (misshapen veggies).
It's all part of the excitement of the 153rd Colorado State Fair, along with rodeos and concerts, fair food, and carnival rides.
“The General Entry contests provide a platform for creators of all kinds, from those crafting in their home kitchens to those working in their art studios. The diverse range of submissions shows the rich cultural tapestry of Colorado,” said Colorado State Fair General Manager Andrea Wiesenmeyer. “From fine arts to culinary creations, we take immense pride in providing a platform for these individuals to share their passion and creativity with the entire state."
Competitions are now open to enter, and the deadline is July 16 for most competitions. Check coloradostatefair.com for specific details, as deadlines for particular categories can vary.
The Colorado State Fair's Fine Arts Competition is one of the longest-running contests, allowing artists from around the state to showcase their finest works. The competition has expanded to include eight categories in 2D and 3D art. Any art created by Generative Artificial Intelligence will be judged under the Digital Art category, and any use of AI software must be explicitly stated.
Pantry competitions include cakes, candy, canned fruit or vegetables, yeast or quick bread, pickles, preserves, pies, and more. Exhibitors who compete in at least 12 different Pantry divisions can earn the title of "Royalty of the Kitchen" or "Youth Kitchen Royalty" for competitors who are 18 and under.
The Fair also hosts a hobby wine, craft beer, and homebrew competition. Those winners have just been announced at ColoradoStateFair.com.
Farm and Garden divisions include produce — broccoli, cabbage, corn, peppers, tomatoes, and gourds — as well as fruit, herbs, field crops, and baled hay. The competitions even include "Nature's Oddities," such as Most Misshapen Fruit or Oddest Vegetable.
The special contests categories range from Funniest Pet Photo to the Pet Rock Competition. The special contests also include a cupcake baking competition sponsored by King Arthur Flour, where home bakers are asked to bake beautiful and delicious desserts. Entries will be judged on appearance, creativity, and taste.
Coloradans can also submit their creations and pay entry fees online. Beginning on June 9, in-person entry registration will take place through the front doors of the Fine Arts Building on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Once construction is completed in the Palace of Agriculture, in-person entry registration will move back to its usual location in the general entry office. The Fairgrounds will be closed June 19 in observance of Juneteenth and July 4 for Independence Day. Experts in each category will judge items, and winners will be revealed on the first day of the Fair.
General Entry and Fine Arts categories:
- Amateur Art
- Arts and Crafts
- Beer and Wine
- Dolls
- Agriculture Mechanics
- Fine Arts
- Floriculture
- Needle Arts
- Pantry
- Porcelain Art
- Quilts
- Farm and Garden
The Special Contests categories:
- Poetry
- Coloring for all ages
- Pet Rock
- Funniest Pet Photo
More information on each category, including specific entry requirements, can be found here.
The Fair will showcase competition winners during the entire 11 days of the 2025 Colorado State Fair, from August 22 - September 1, 2025, in the Creative Arts and Fine Arts buildings. Visit the Colorado State Fair website for additional details.