FAQs State Fair General Information

KRQE - Whether it’s sampling the bounty of New Mexico’s farms and ranches, admiring the creativity of artists and craftspeople or being entertained by local talent, there’s something for everyone on the 236-acre fairgrounds.

How to get there

The New Mexico State Fair is located at Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro Blvd. N.E. Albuquerque, NM. The best way to get here is to take I-40 and exit at San Mateo or Louisiana exit, follow the directions to Expo New Mexico.

Admission Fees

Children: $5.00 (under 12)
Adults: $7.00
Seniors: $5.00 (62+)

Parking: $7.00

General parking locations:
Gate 1: Central
Gate 8: Lomas & Louisiana
Gate 9: Louisiana & Central

Handicap parking is available at the following gates:
Gate 1: Central
Gate 4: San Pedro
Gate 8: Louisiana, south of Lomas

Carnival Daily Ride Passes

$15 Wednesdays & Thursdays
$20 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

State Fair Hours (subject to change)

The 2010 New Mexico State Fair is closed Mondays & Tuesdays. However, livestock shows that normally take place on those days will take place as scheduled. Select horse shows will also take place Monday and Tuesday, September 13 & 14. Spectators may enter the grounds at gate 8 (Louisiana just south of loams). There is a $7 per vehicle charge for parking.

Live horseracing and gaming at the downs racetrack & casino will also take place on Mondays and Tuesdays during the fair.
 

Exhibit Buildings 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays	Manuel Lujan Jr. Complex 10 am - 9 pm Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays 10 am - 10 pm Fridays & Saturdays
Entertainment Stages Noon-9 p.m. Wednesdays & Thursdays Noon-10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays	Carnival Opens at noon Wednesdays & Thursdays Opens at 11 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

Here’s what you’ll find at the different venues located throughout the grounds.

Agriculture Building and Courtyard
You and your students can find some of New Mexico’s best “home grown” products at the Agriculture Building, which is located on Avenue of the Governors. You can also learn about New Mexico’s farming and ranching industries.

Art Galleries
Local artists express the diversity and culture unique to New Mexico through award-winning creations in an array of different mediums. The Fine Arts Center, Hispanic Arts Gallery and the Native American Arts Gallery are all located on the Avenue of the Governors.

Creative Arts Building
Demonstrations from quilting to Chile Ristra making are held in the Creative Arts Building.  Collectors, hobbyists and craftspeople from around the state proudly display their finest work. The popular cooking and baking contests are held in the Creative Arts Building.

Villa Hispana
Flamenco, folklorico, food, music and mariachis can be found at Villa Hispana. Located off Heritage Avenue, Villa Hispana reflects New Mexico’s Hispanic culture. Our Amphitheatre features entertainment by local, regional and international artists. Shops feature Santos, retablos, tinwork and demonstrations by artisans.

Indian Village
The Indian Village features a broad taste of New Mexico’s Native American cultures. From colorful Indian dances and songs to arts and crafts, nestled under the cottonwood trees off Heritage Avenue. You and your students can watch!

Pee-Wee Stampede
The Pee-Wee Stampede is a “mock rodeo” for little city slickers ages 3 to 6 years old complete with live music, stick horses, cowboy hats, chaps, stick bulls, rodeo numbers, trophies and ribbons.  With an emphasis on good character, everyone is a champion at the Pee-Wee Stampede.  Each child receives a prize while learning the importance of good sportsmanship, as well as characteristics such as sharing and waiting their turn, following directions, paying attention and developing good listening skills.

Natural Resources Building
The Natural Resources Building is a collaborative effort involving many state and federal land use agencies. Students will learn about forests, state parks and recreational activities. Live fish, birds, plants and animals are on exhibit every day of the Fair.

Farm
Some favorite children’s nursery rhymes like “The Farmer in the Dell,” “Mary Had A Little Lamb,” and “Old MacDonald Had A Farm” come to life in a special area.  The Farm Sponsored by Mc Donald’s allows a hand’s on experience from farm to market; from the chicken coop to the country store interactive exhibit promotes education, culture, science and agriculture. 

School Arts and Flower Building
Take a break from the crowds and spend some meditative time in the School Arts and Flower Building. Over 4,000 pieces of art adorn the walls of the Schools Arts Building and New Mexico’s elementary, middle and high school students created them all. An oasis of pungent herbs and floral designs are right next door in the Flower Building.

Don Chalmers Ford Horse Complex
There are 20 horse shows held during the Fair at both the indoor and outdoor horse arenas. Students can see a variety of breeds and will delight in the beauty of horse and rider as participants compete in several horse competitions.