General Information
Can I bring in food or drinks?
No, with some exceptions. Baby formula is allowed, along with certain other exceptions for individuals with medical and special needs. You may bring sealed plastic water bottles, one per person, that can be filled utilizing water fountains located throughout the fairgrounds.
What kind of security personnel patrols the State Fair?
New Mexico State Police officers are the main on-site law enforcement providers. The State Fair has a public safety presence with representation from local police agencies, on-site security contractors, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel.
What if someone gets lost at the State Fair?
Notify a law enforcement officer or State Fair official immediately. We ask parents, guardians and caretakers to take advantage of the New Mexico State Police “Tag Your Tots." Visit the booth located just south of the Fine Arts Gallery.
What should I do during inclement weather?
Most storms around the fairgrounds only last a few minutes. We have plenty of temporary shelter areas including Tingley Coliseum lobby, Manuel Lujan Building, Creative Arts as well as many tented areas around the grounds. If weather is severe enough patrons will be notified via the State Fair App and grounds announcements.
Are Recreational Scooter Allowed?
Recreational scooter such as the ones you can activate via an app are not allowed within the State Fair. If you have a personal motorized recreational scooter you can drop it off and pick it up at the State Police office located near San Pedro Gate 3.
Are drones allowed at Expo New Mexico
Expo New Mexico prohibits using drones during all Expo events, including the New Mexico State Fair, without the express, written permission of the General Manager.
Admission
Can I purchase admission tickets online?
This year the State Fair will be offering admission tickets which will be available for purchase online via our website. Patrons will able to purchase tickets by following the “TICKETS” button in the top right-hand corner of this page.
How much is general admission?
$15.00 for adults. $10.00 for senior citizens and children 6-12 years old. Children 5 and under are free. Check our website for special days for deals and discounts.
Are group discounts available?
Yes, discounts for General Fair admission are available on orders of 20 or more. For groups of 20 or more please call us at (505)339-4786 for assistance.
Are Tickets Refundable?
Please note all tickets are non-refundable. This includes general admission, mega pass, park & ride and all Concert/ Rodeo Shows
Getting Here and Parking
What is the best way to get to the State Fair?
The best way to get to the State Fair is to take I-25 and exit at the San Mateo or Louisiana exit. From there, follow directions to Expo New Mexico. Right hand turns are only allowed into the State Fair grounds.
Where should I park?
Gate 1 on Central has parking available for $10.00 from Monday through Thursday and $20.00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Gate 8 on Louisiana offers ample parking but fills quickly. Parking for Gate 8 is $10.00. Handicap parking is best accessible at Gate 1. Gate 8 handicap access is limited with inclined tunnel access into the Fair. Handicap parking is available if you have a handicap placard and the placard holder is in the vehicle. Parking in the Fair West community on the west side of the fairgrounds is prohibited.
Are there drop off options to get to the State Fair?
Yes, fair-goers can drop off option and be dropped off or picked up at our special drop off gate off of California and Domingo. This gate will be a special entrance only for those utilizing ride share options.
Can I ride my bike to the State Fair?
Ride your bike to the State Fair and let the bike valet secure your bike while you enjoy your day. Enter through Gate 4 off of San Pedro. 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Will there be Park and Ride this year?
Yes, we are offering park and ride this year! Pick up will be at Coronado mall only on WEEKENDS. For more info visit: https://statefair.exponm.com/p/about/gethere
Things To Do
When is the state fair parade?
This year’s state fair parade is on Saturday, September 7th.
This year’s parade will leave the SE corner of Expo New Mexico (Louisiana/Central) at 8:30 am on the morning of Saturday, September 7, 2024. Parade units will travel west on Central Avenue, disbanding about 2.0 miles west of the starting point at Girard and Central.
What is the parade route?
The parade begins its procession from Gate 1 off of Central and proceeds West on Central Avenue, ending at the intersection of Central and Girard Streets.
Carnival Midway Rides
What are MegaPasses?
The MegaPass includes admission to the Fair and one unlimited ride wristband, good for any one day at the fair, for only $35.00 per pass. The MegaPass will be available for purchase online by clicking the "TICKETS" button at the top right-hand corner of this page. The Mega Pass will be available to purchase for a limited time until September 6th at 11:59PM.
What is the height requirement for the midway rides?
Your child must be at least 36 inches tall to ride any ride alone on our midway. Your child can be 32 inches tall and ride with you on a very limited number of rides. If accompanying a child on a ride the parent must also pay.
Concerts and Rodeo