ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico State Fair is heading into its final weekend, giving fairgoers one last chance to experience some of the event’s biggest attractions before the gates close Sunday.
The closing weekend will feature a mix of live music, cultural celebrations, classic car shows, rodeo action, student films, and family-friendly entertainment across the fairgrounds at Expo New Mexico.
One of the weekend’s major cultural events is the annual State Fair Powwow, taking place Saturday in Indian Village. Traditional drumming and dancing will fill the venue, with the Grand Entry beginning at 1 p.m.
On Sunday, the fair launches its Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Villa Hispana. The all-day event will feature folklórico dancers, performances from the National Institute of Flamenco, and other cultural entertainment.
Music fans can head to the Chevron Pavilion on Saturday for the second annual Soundwave NM Festival, showcasing New Mexico musicians alongside national headliner Metalachi.
The fair also continues its popular automotive showcases with a Hot Rods, Custom Cars and Classic Mustangs Show on Saturday and a Classic Car, Truck and Corvair Show on Sunday.
Inside Tingley Coliseum, the PRCA Rodeo continues throughout the weekend, paired with major concert performances from country music star Tanya Tucker on Friday and rock band The Warning on Saturday.
The weekend also includes the New Mexico State Fair Film Showcase, highlighting work from university student filmmakers across New Mexico.
Friday, Sept. 18
- PRCA Rodeo – 6 p.m.
- Tanya Tucker Concert
Saturday, Sept. 19
- Hot Rods, Custom Cars & Classic Mustangs Show
- Soundwave NM Festival featuring Metalachi
- State Fair Powwow
- Grand Entry at 1 p.m.
- PRCA Rodeo – 6 p.m.
- The Warning Concert
Sunday, Sept. 20
- Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Villa Hispana
- Classic Car, Truck & Corvair Show
- PRCA Rodeo Matinee – 4 p.m.
- Final Day of the 2026 New Mexico State Fair
For many visitors, the final weekend represents the last opportunity this year to enjoy fair food, exhibits, concerts, cultural performances, livestock competitions, carnival rides, and rodeo events before the fair concludes Sunday evening.
