Every year in late September, Southern New Mexico comes together to celebrate our agricultural heritage while having a great time.This year, the Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo takes place at the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds west of town, September 24 – 28, 2025. This annual historic community event has charmed and entertained Southern New Mexico since 1966!
There’s nothing quite like a state fair! It truly embodies the wholesome, family-friendly spirit cherished in this neck of the woods. It’s a joyful celebration of our region’s agricultural heritage and a tribute to the people who passionately nurture it.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo.
About the Southern New Mexico State Fair
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that traditional rodeo events are the heartbeat of the fair. This highly competitive event is the weekend staple.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association brings contestants from across the country to compete for money and prizes in bull riding, roping, and barrel racing competitions. There are also competitions for locals and other cowboys from the region.
Ah, but that’s not all there is to be experienced at the fair. For many, the midway is the draw, with carnival rides, games, and fried food to gorge on.
For others it’s the concerts, featuring national touring acts alongside local favorites and regional surprises. There’s also the antique tractor show, a crazy hat competition, baking contests, livestock exhibits, a petting zoo, auctions, and more, educating and promoting a healthy lifestyle with emphasis on agriculture, environment, and family.
If traditional Americana gets your blood pumping, the Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo is for you.
2025 Southern New Mexico State Fair Event Details
Fair Dates: Wednesday, September 24 to Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Location: Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 12125 Robert Larson Blvd., Las Cruces.
General Admission Fair Tickets
Adults $15, Children 7 – 14 $10, 6 and under get in free with an adult.
Get $5 off all day Wednesday and till 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday: Discounted tickets are only valid during the specified dates and times.
Get Southern New Mexico State Fair general admission tickets now!
Carnival Ticketing
When you’d like to contrast the serenity of 4-H livestock, master quilt making, and the antique tractor show with high-speed adrenaline-pumping rides, snag Southern New Mexico State Fair carnival tickets.
The carnival is open every day of the fair at different times and durations. Please check the detailed schedule below for more information.
Southern New Mexico State Fair carnival tickets cost $30 per person to spin on all the rides you can stomach during the opening window. Save $3 per person when you buy carnival tickets in advance through September 29. Discounted carnival tickets are available now for purchase.
Special note: Attendees must purchase a general admission fair ticket in addition to a carnival ticket.
2025 Southern New Mexico State Fair Schedule
Every day of the Southern New Mexico State Fair is an absolute blast. Check out the detailed schedule below to find the days that excite you most.
The Junior Livestock Show, where kids show off up to two of their self-raised prize barnyard animals, is available for view through Saturday. View skills showcased at the Adult and Youth Ag and Creative Competitions such as agriculture, fine arts, fiber arts, floriculture, quilting, and more.
Don’t miss out on 4-H Indoor Exhibits, the Crazy Hat Contest, and the creme de la creme Baking Contest.
Daily events include the Frazier Shows, with spectacular rides, games, and food, and the Noah’s Way Petting Zoo and Pony Rides.
Wednesday, September 24
Fair Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Carnival Hours: 6 to 10 p.m.
Visit the Southern New Mexico State Fair on opening day to receive $5 off ticket prices. Adult general admission tickets cost $10, and the 7 – 14 child ticket is just $5 on Wednesday. You can catch the carnival rides whizzing and swirling from 6 to 10 p.m. with wristband purchase for $30 per person ($27 when purchased in advance).
Exceptional Rodeo
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds Covered Arena
The Southern New Mexico State Fair Exceptional Rodeo returns to the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds Covered Arena on Wednesday, September 24, at 5 p.m. This event provides a heartwarming and inclusive experience, giving children with special needs the thrilling chance to be cowboys and cowgirls for a day through engaging adaptive rodeo events, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved.
To enter, please email dr.whettendvm@gmail.com with a completed Exceptional Rodeo entry form, or call Tiffany Whetten 575-649-4411 with questions. Please submit an entry form prior to the event date.
Live Music TBA
Southern New Mexico State Fair musical acts are still in the booking process for Wednesday. Check the live musical entertainment schedule for updates.
Thursday, September 25
Fair Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Carnival Hours: 6 to 11 p.m.
Ranch Rodeo
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds Covered Arena
Experience a true ranch rodeo! Watch teams of cowboys and cowgirls, usually 4 to 5 members strong, “Ride for the Brand” on Thursday night. They’ll compete in events that directly reflect the demanding work they do every day on the ranch, making it a unique departure from individual rodeo competitions.
Live Music TBA
Musical act TBA
Friday, September 26
Fair Hours: 9 to 12 a.m.
Carnival Hours: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Sip and Shop Wine Tasting
Time: All Day
Shop with local vendors and enjoy Lescombes Family Vineyards wine in the Special Events Building, Friday through Sunday.
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo
Time: 7 p.m.
The Pete Domenici Arena is set to host an expanded Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event, featuring contestants from across the U.S. HiLo ProRodeo, a fast-growing stock contractor, will provide top-tier bucking stock and timed-event animals, ensuring an even more exciting rodeo at the Southern New Mexico State Fair (SNMSF), which is known for its outstanding rodeo reputation.
Rick Trevino Live in Concert
Time: TBA
Grammy Award-winning country artist Rick Trevino brings his hits to the Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo on Friday, September 26. Known for chart-toppers like “Running Out of Reasons to Run” and his groundbreaking bilingual debut single, Trevino promises an unforgettable night.
Saturday, September 27
Fair Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Carnival Hours: 1 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Sip and Shop Wine Tasting
Time: All Day
Sip on Lescombes Family Vineyards wine while you browse local vendors in the Special Events Building, available Friday through Sunday.
Annual Stickhorse Race
Time: Registration at 2; Racing begins at 2:30
Head to the Pete Domenici Rodeo Arena for the fair’s most beloved race. The Stickhorse Race offers a spirited and fun competition for all ages. Bring your own stickhorse or get one on loan, sign up to race in your age bracket, and ride to win a ribbon or prizes.
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo
Time: 12 & 7 p.m.
The Pete Domenici Rodeo Arena will host an expanded Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event, featuring competitors from all over the U.S. An additional Saturday noon performance has been added to boost the professional rodeo action. HiLo ProRodeo will supply their top bucking stock and timed-event animals, enhancing the excitement of the Southern New Mexico State Fair’s already well-regarded rodeo.
Model A Ford Display
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Borderland A’s Model A Ford Club presents an incredible display of Model A Fords, manufactured between 1928 and 1931, on Saturday, September 28. Don’t miss these beautiful, historic vehicles!
Randall King Live in Concert
Time: TBA
Get ready for an amazing night of honky-tonk music as country star Randall King performs at the Southern New Mexico State Fair. Since moving to Nashville, Randall King has quickly become a leading voice in traditional country, with his latest album, Into the Neon, expertly blending classic honky-tonk sounds with a fresh, modern edge to take the genre to exciting new heights.
Sunday, September 28
Fair Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Carnival Hours: 1 to 5 p.m.
Youth Ranch Rodeo
Time: 11 a.m.
Witness the talent of tomorrow’s ranch hands at the Youth Ranch Rodeo. See young cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills in a series of engaging events.
Check out the full schedule of events and vendor list, or become a sponsor.
Don’t Miss the 2025 Southern New Mexico State Fair
Ready for New Mexico’s premier fair experience? Buy your Southern NM State Fair tickets now by securing them online and start planning now!! Visit the Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo website for tickets and more information.
SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO STATE FAIR
VISIT THE WEBSITE
Posted by LasCruces.com
