Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo 2024

Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo brings five days full of fun entertainment, food, live music, carnival rides, and rodeo shows to the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, some 20 minutes west of Las Cruces.

Entertainment

Daily entertainment features games and rides through the midway experience, showcasing some of the latest and most spectacular amusement rides in the industry for a fun family outing. Visitors also can experience the thrill of freestyle motocross, Street Drum Corps performance, or dangerously fun juggling. For younger children, there is a petting zoo and pony rides. Special events include the Exceptional Rodeo, Sip and Shop wine tasting, a Model A Ford display, and the 4th annual Stick Horse Race. For music entertainment, on Saturday, September 28 will be a performance by George Ducas, and on Friday, September 27, the audience can enjoy the concert from Kyle Park. The heartbeat of the fair is traditional rodeo events.

Rodeo

Rodeo, a high-energy competition, has been attracting visitors since 1966, when the fair was first held. Riders from all across the region come here to compete for money and prizes in bull riding and breakaway roping competitions. Before the rodeo show kicks off, visitors can meet the cowboys and cowgirls in the Fan Zone. This area also offers activities for kids and adults.

Activities

In addition to the rodeo, the fair features a variety of unique competitions. Highlights include an antique tractor show with parades across the fairgrounds, a baking contest, a crazy hat competition, and Livestock events. Visitors can enjoy a day packed with activities, including dozens of amusement rides and over a hundred food booths offering a wide range of culinary delights.

Food

Local cuisine and refreshing beverages are also a major draw at the fair. The food court offers an impressive selection of local dishes that you can only find here, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Tickets & Hours

Adult tickets for ages fifteen and older cost $15 and are valid for one day only. Fair exhibits, entertainment, rodeo, and concerts are included in the ticket price. Child tickets (ages 7-14) cost $10.

Fair hours are as follows: from 9 am to 10 pm on Wednesday, 9 am to 11 pm on Thursday, 9 am to 12 am on Friday and Saturday. On the last day, Sunday, September 29, hours are from 10 am to 6 pm.

Queen and Princess of the Fair

Each year, the fair chooses the two most intelligent and representative ambassadors of the Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo. The princess and the queen must demonstrate excellent sportsmanship and represent the fair publicly the following year. The Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo Pageant usually takes place in late summer.