New Mexico State Fair
The New Mexico State Fair is a 10-day event that is held at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. The event features agricultural shows, livestock shows, cultural exhibits, arts and crafts, concerts, a rodeo, food vendors, and carnival games and rides. Many families choose to RV camp at the on-site campground, spending many nights enjoying the event. If you don’t have an RV, browse our RV rentals in Albuquerque, NM. If it’s your first time staying in an RV, read our first-time RVer’s guide for more information.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
A huge part of the fair involves the rodeo. Participants will take part in bull riding, bareback riding, and tie-down roping, among other events. At Main Street Days, events include classic and antique car shows and appreciation days for first responders. The fair also hosts music concerts with a varied lineup of performers. Competitions abound at the New Mexico State Fair. View the competitions as a visitor or participate in them! Some of the competitions include events involving agriculture, art, creative arts, floriculture, a green chile cheeseburger challenge, home arts, horse shows, livestock shows, mutton bustin’, national anthem auditions, a unique food competition, school arts, and a queen competition. Find out more about participating in competitions and volunteering.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
If you need to rent a wheelchair, an electric scooter, or a stroller, you can do so at Gate 1, located next to the parking office, and Gate 8, located next to the ticket booth. In general, you can't bring any outside food into the fair. Exceptions include bottled water and baby formula. You won't go hungry or thirsty at the fair, though, with its numerous food and drink options with a New Mexico twist. If you have a service dog, it's fine to bring it with you as long as it's leashed at all times. New Mexico state police officers patrol the Expo New Mexico fairgrounds. If you're ever in need of first aid, find it in the Medicine Bow just across Racetrack from the Reithoffer Carnival. There's also a lost and found at the VetSec building on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. There's also a Sensory Station on-site for those with special needs.
LOCATION
The New Mexico State Fair is held at the Expo New Mexico. The address is 300 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108. Since the event is mostly outdoors, the venue could become muddy if it rains. We recommend that you bring an umbrella, a poncho, and rainboots.
FAQs About RVing to the New Mexico State Fair
Can you bring an RV to the New Mexico State Fair?
Yes, you can bring an RV and camp at the New Mexico State Fair. You must purchase a camping pass and reserve your spot in advance.
Where can you park an RV for the New Mexico State Fair?
Currently, RVs are restricted to the campground only. There aren’t any RV-specific parking spaces at the venue.
Are there RV hookups at the New Mexico State Fair?
Yes, there are full hookup RV sites at the on-site campground. You can also find primitive camping options.
Is the New Mexico State Fair family-friendly?
Yes, the New Mexico State Fair is family friendly, and you will find agricultural and educational shows. The Kiddie Land, Sensory Station, and the Red Barn offer activities for kids. The fair offers all-ages performances.
LINEUP
The 2026 lineup for the New Mexico State Fair includes Turnpike Troubadours, Ian Munsick, Everclear, Tanya Tucker, and the Warning. For further information, visit this concert guide.
RVING AT THE EVENT
RVing at the event can give you and your family immediate access to the fairgrounds. You can save on travel costs and meet new friends. By RV camping on-site, you can avoid crowds and visit the fair during non-peak hours.
Where to Camp Near the New Mexico State Fair
RVing near the event is also possible. You can choose from a variety of RV parks and campgrounds. The Albuquerque Central KOA Journey is about 5 minutes from the venue. It offers full hookups, a swimming pool, a jump zone, an indoor hot tub, a sauna, and minigolf. The Route 66 RV Resort offers full hookups, 16 picnic tables, pickleball courts, gas grills, and a full outdoor kitchen. You can also find game rooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Read our packing checklist, if you need advice about what to bring with you.
RV Rental Tips for the New Mexico State Fair
Reserve your camping spot in advance because they fill up quickly. You must pay for a camping pass according to the accommodations you want. Arrive at the campground early to get the best spot. You’ll enter the campground through Gate 3 at the intersection of San Pedro Dr NE and Copper Avenue NE. The on-site campground offers full RV hookups and dry camping. You can only bring one car to the campground. If you bring pets, they must stay on leashes when outdoors. Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. If you need advice, visit our travel trailer and Class C RV guides.
RV Rentals Near Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nearby RV Rentals
WHERE TO STAY
As the biggest city in the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque has plentiful accommodation options if you don't want to camp with your RV. Some properties to consider include the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown and the GreenTree Inn Albuquerque.
HOW TO GET THERE
The best way to get to the New Mexico State Fair is to take Interstate 40 and exit at the San Mateo or Louisiana exit. From there, follow directions to Expo New Mexico. Right-hand turns are the only ones permitted into the fairgrounds. Park-and-ride service will be available at the fair.
PARKING
Parking for the New Mexico State Fair is available at Gates 1 and 8. There is ADA parking at Gate 1.
TICKETS & PRICING
You can buy tickets to the 2026 fair online once they're available. General admission tickets are $15, with reduced rates of $10 for seniors and children ages 6–12. Children under age 6 enter free. Also, discounts are available for groups of 20 or more people. Tickets are nonrefundable. For more information, visit the event ticket page.
WRAP UP
Enjoy great food, family fun, thrilling rides, and more under the late summer sun at the New Mexico State Fair. Follow the New Mexico State Fair on Facebook for more information.
3-Day RV Itinerary for the New Mexico State Fair
● Day 1: Fairgrounds and The Green Chile Experience: Arrive at the campground and set up your RV. Head to the fair and explore the livestock and agricultural exhibits. Stop by the Manuel Lujan, Jr. Exhibit Complex. You’ll find many food vendors with a variety of cuisines. In the evening, you can participate in the Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge. You’ll sample creations for top local chefs. Later on, you can attend a concert or the rodeo. ● Day 2: Historic Albuquerque and the Arts: Start your morning with a drive to Old Town Albuquerque. You can stroll through the historic plaza and take in the sights. Stop by Church Street Cafe for breakfast. In the afternoon, go to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to explore art and history. You’ll also enjoy traditional tribal dances and exhibits. In the evening, head back to the fair, and enjoy carnival rides, classic foods, and a concert. ● Day 3: Scenic Sights and the Midway: Begin your morning with a drive down the Turquoise Trail and learn about mining towns. Go back to the fairgrounds and explore the on-site flea market area and fine arts gallery. During the evening, you can go to The Downs at Albuquerque for the horse races.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page .
Do you manage this event?
Work with RVshare to provide housing for staff, vendors, artists and executives. Earn additional revenue by creating unique VIP/GA turn-key packages for your attendees.
Interested in becoming one of our Corporate and Festival Partners? Fill out the form here.