EVENT | ALBUQUERQUE
‘The greatest things that our state represents’
From dinosaurs to tattoos and green chile cheeseburgers — The New Mexico State Fair has something for everyone
Don’t wake up on Sept. 21 and realize you missed the State Fair.
That’s the advice of Dan Mourning, general manager of Expo New Mexico and the New Mexico State Fair, which runs Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 20.
He said the fair has lots of cool stuff for all ages. A new attraction this year is Dino Encounters, where eventgoers can meet and learn about five different dinosaurs.
“It’s really something that’s never been here in New Mexico, so we’re really excited,” Mourning said.
There will also be a film festival featuring New Mexico State University and University of New Mexico filmmakers that will become a competition next year.
“We’re just using it as a showcase to kind of show what our universities are bringing and the talent that we have out here,” he said.
The fair is also partnering with True Grit Tattoo, and eventgoers will be able to get flash tattoos at the Manuel Lujan Jr. Building. Tattoo artist Brandon Burke said people will be able to choose from a sheet of tattoos.
“A lot of it’s state fair-based or New Mexico-based. So we have things like chile ristras. We have some fair things like some clowns, and we have some Zia symbols,” Burke said.
“We just wanted to do something that’s going to represent the community, you know, especially at our state fair,” he said. “Something that can promote that.”
The tattoos will range in price and Burke said they could be as large as about 5 inches. He said being able to tattoo at the fair is a great way to not only meet the community but also get True Grit Tattoo’s name out there.
“Tattooing’s more in the mainstream now, too, and it is cool that our state’s willing to help support us,” Burke said.
The midway will be open for a special early preview on Labor Day weekend alongside the All American Futurity, which previously was held in Ruidoso before moving to The Downs Racetrack & Casino for 2026.
Mourning said there is some great stuff this year in the unique foods category, including Blue Taki Pickle Pizza from R&J Concessions, a Mac and Cheese Churro Bowl from Maxima Churro Bowl, and Cookies n Crème Churros from The Pancake Girl.
“A lot of sweet stuff, and then we get into the really crazy savory stuff,” Mourning said.
He said a big part of the state fair is the food contests — The Original Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge kicks off Monday, Sept. 14.
The state fair celebrates everything New Mexico, Mourning said.
“This is New Mexico’s event. This is our chance to show off. This is where New Mexico shines. This is the greatest things that our state represents crammed into one big happy event.”
Elizabeth Secor is an arts fellow for the ϼ. You can reach her at esecor@abqjournal.com.
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