PUEBLO– The 2021 Colorado State Fair opened Friday for its annual 11-day run through Labor Day. This year’s theme is “All Roads Lead to the Colorado State Fair,” which celebrates the tenacity of Colorado’s agricultural community and the importance of local and statewide agricultural events.

This year's fair is shaping up to be an event that guests, exhibitors, and community partners have loved for many years. Held at Pueblo’s historic fairgrounds, the guests will be able to take in new and traditional favorite attractions, animal, fine art, and food exhibits, contests, concerts, rodeos, and more. Pueblo Transit will operate free shuttles from 12 noon to midnight on weekdays (Aug. 20 to Sept. 2) and 10 a.m. - midnight every other day of the fair, running every 15-30 minutes from the Main Street parking garage to the fair’s main entrance gate.

“We’re thrilled to once again be welcoming back Coloradans to Pueblo’s historic fairgrounds, where they will be able to enjoy fair favorites and find some new events,”said Colorado State Fair General Manager Scott Stoller.“We were proud to be one of the few states to hold a fair last year, but there’s really nothing like hearing the roar of the crowd, the melodies of the carnival music, and the rumble of the monster truck rally. We hope our visitors are ready to continue the tradition of the fair and I hope they remember there’s too much to do in just one day!”

New Attractions This Year

A number of new free attractions will debut at the fair this year, including a new master showmanship competition, Duke of the Chutes X Broncs event, a new tourism exhibit, live mural painting, and more.

Music and Entertainment

The 2021 concert line-up features Casey Donahew, Dustin Lynch, Diamond Rio, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Jon Pardi, Nelly, and Luis Ángel “El Flaco.” Rodeo events will include four nights of PRCA Ram Rodeos, Calcutta and Ranch Rodeo, and Celebración de Los Charros. The Crabtree Carnival will feature more than 60 attractions with three new rides this year.

Special Events

A host of diverse special events will offer something for everyone and include the State Fair Parade, Stampede 5K Run and Fun Walk, World Slopper Eating Championship, monster trucks and demolition derby, NSPA Truck and Tractor Pull, Fiesta Day Celebration, an the inaugural Governor’s Plate competition. The Junior Livestock Auction will continue the tradition of supporting the future of Colorado’s agribusiness and highlighting the importance of raising quality livestock and the work required of those who pursue careers in agriculture.

Discount Days Discount days at the fair help make the event accessible to all, with free admission for older adults on Mondays, free entry for kids on Fridays, two dollar admission for all visitors on Tuesday, half price admission for all active military and first responders on Sunday, August 29, and half price admission for health care, frontline, and essential workers on opening day, Friday, August 27.

COVID-19 Protocols

As an agency of the State of Colorado, the Colorado State Fair adheres to all health and safety protocols set forth by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. We will continue to coordinate with public health officials and follow the most current guidance for both indoor and outdoor events.

The fair is strongly encouraging all visitors to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, and strongly suggesting everyone wear masks outside if unable to socially distance. Free face masks are available onsite to anyone who needs one.

To encourage Coloradans to receive the free, safe, and effective COVID vaccine, one of Colorado’s nine mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be present at the State Fair on August 27th-29th and September 3rd-6th. The vaccination bus can be found at Gate 5 of the fairgrounds from 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and various gift cards and incentives will be offered to those who get vaccinated. Anyone 12 and up is eligible for vaccination at the mobile clinics and both Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be available.

For a complete schedule of daily events, fair hours, admission pricing, and parking information, visit www. coloradostatefair.com, and the Colorado State Fair Facebook page or call 719- 404-2080