Fair events and activities change daily – grab a guide at the entrance so you know what’s happening!
Did you know that the Colorado State Fair is older than the state? The first fair was held in 1872 in Pueblo and continues the fine traditions of prize agriculture, livestock, crafts and carnival food today. A walk through the Colorado State Fair grounds in Pueblo provides a taste of our history and our future. Take a road trip to check out the historic buildings and browse through the Jim Cook Museum – one man’s collection of state fair items over more than 60 years. Then, walk through the many food stalls and sample some old familiar or completely new carnival food treats! Take in a concert or a rodeo, or simply browse through the blue ribbon food, craft and fine art exhibits. There are many delights to experience at the fairgrounds.
Who can resist some classic carnival snacks? There are even “gourmet” offerings. But the star of the show is the meat – and there’s lots of it!
Some history tidbits (courtesy of the Jim Cook Museum). At the first state fair in 1872:
- Bat Masterson was Trinidad’s Marshall
- The so-called Indian Wars were just beginning
- Jesse James and the Younger gang were busy robbing banks
- It was 4 years before the Custer battle
- Billy the Kid wouldn’t kill his first man for another 5 years
- It was 9 years before the gunfight in the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona
- Leadville wouldn’t have its first public hanging for another 9 years
- It was 10 years before “Doc” Holliday was arrested in Pueblo in connection with the gunfight in Tombstone
- Judge Roy Bean wouldn’t become Justice of the Peace and Law west of the Pecos for another 10 years
Next to the Horse Show Complex is the Jim Cook Museum. Every item on display was collected by the historian and Pueblo native.
There’s a variety of free entertainment to take in across the venue such as pig racing, professional high divers, and the petting farm. For the thrill seekers, there are carnival rides and skill games available at an additional charge.
High-dive show finale.
The fair has something for everyone. Daring drivers can even try the obstacle course at the Dodge Ram exhibit.
The Creative Arts Building features award-winning quilts, needlework, ceramics and much more. The highlight of the building is the large model train setup, which features a variety of different landscape and town layouts.
A favorite section of the train layout shows an extraterrestrial visitor.
Other buildings provide interactive displays of agricultural and farming significance. There’s even a building for shoppers. But no state fair visit would be complete without seeing some of the animal exhibits. There are horse shows and hog shows; rabbit, poultry and lamb judging; goat, sheep and heifer shows; and even a miniature horse show. Visit the Colorado State Fair website (https://coloradostatefair.com/) for details on what’s happening each day of the fair. This year (2025) the fair takes place August 22nd to September 1st.
In 2026, our state and country celebrate big milestones. Colorado turns 150 years old and the United States turns 250 years old. Look for 250/150 celebrations across the state over the next 12 – 15 months.
The Colorado State Fair is already gearing up for a once-in-a-century celebration in 2026. Next year, Colorado turns 150 years old and the United States celebrates 250 years. They’ll be celebrating 150 years of Colorado”s agricultural legacy with the theme, “Setting Colorado’s Table.” Visit SettingColorado’sTable.org for more information.
Written by Marian Robinson August 2025
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