The Colorado State Fair in 2026 will offer families a packed lineup of free entertainment, including live music, food contests, and varied attractions over 11 days. The event, running from Aug. 28 through Sept. 7, promises an exciting array of activities included with general admission.
Andrea Wiesenmeyer, the general manager of the Colorado State Fair, highlighted the fair’s goal to create lasting memories without financial pressure. “Your general admission tickets unlock more than $250,000 in non-stop entertainment over the 11 days of the fair,” she said in a news release, underscoring the event’s commitment to providing valuable experiences at no extra cost.
Live Music and Performances
This year’s music lineup includes Hairball, a nationally touring band known for 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s rock hits. Their concert is scheduled for Sept. 2 at the American Furniture Warehouse Amphitheater. Other performances include Uptown Jam, Dead Floyd, and Lies or Lullabies, a tribute band to John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen. Local Pueblo artists like The Martini Shot and Triple Nickel will also perform.
Besides music, visitors can watch Mighty Mike showcase feats like juggling bowling balls and sledgehammers, as well as bending solid metal. A 150-ton sand sculpture by Team Sandtastic, making its first appearance at the fair, will also return. The artists will work on the sculpture throughout the fair, completing it by the second weekend. The fair will also feature Agri-Golf, where each hole highlights Colorado’s agriculture, along with the Great American Duck Race, the Stilt Circus, and the Ag-Venture Land interactive area.
Culinary and Cultural Competitions
The Great Colorado Pork Green Chile showdown gives local cooks a chance to showcase their best green chile. The winner takes home $1,000 and a Big Green Egg prize package. Second place earns $750 and a pork-themed gift package, and third place wins $500.
Pueblo native Cody Cozz will end the free concert lineup on Sept. 7. A full schedule of free concerts and other activities is available on the fair’s website.
The Colorado State Fair, an annual tradition in Pueblo, serves as a key event for agriculture and culture. Wiesenmeyer’s comments emphasize the fair’s role in providing high-quality entertainment to all families, regardless of their financial status. The variety of activities, from energetic concerts to unique attractions like the sand sculpture and Agri-Golf, ensures a diverse and inclusive experience for everyone.
The music lineup is designed to include well-known national performers and local talents. Tribute bands like Hairball and Lies or Lullabies offer a nostalgic feel, appealing to audiences who might need to pay for these shows elsewhere. This approach enriches the overall experience and supports Pueblo’s arts community.
Art and Agricultural Attractions
The return of the 150-ton sand sculpture by Team Sandtastic is a standout attraction. The sculpture will be worked on continuously during the fair, drawing crowds until the second weekend. This large-scale, interactive project showcases the fair’s commitment to memorable, hands-on experiences for all ages.
Agri-Golf highlights Colorado’s agricultural heritage through a fun and educational mini-golf course. Visitors can learn about crops, livestock, and sustainable farming while playing each hole.
The Great American Duck Race and the Stilt Circus provide extra entertainment. The duck race adds a lighthearted, family-friendly element, while the Stilt Circus brings a sense of wonder with its acrobatic performances.
The Great Colorado Pork Green Chile competition celebrates both tradition and competition. It gives home cooks a chance to showcase their culinary skills, with prizes like the $1,000 grand prize and a Big Green Egg package, adding excitement to the fair.
Cody Cozz, a rising country artist from Pueblo, will close the free concert series with a performance on Sept. 7. His blend of traditional and contemporary country music will be a fitting finale for the fair’s musical lineup.
The fair’s official website offers a full schedule of events and activities. The site helps visitors plan their time effectively by listing event times and locations.
