ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The end of summer signifies the start of fair season, and preparations are well underway to transform Expo New Mexico’s fairgrounds for the opening day of the state fair on Thursday. “If you love thrill-seeking, we’ve got something for you,” exclaimed Dan Mourning, General Manager of Expo New Mexico and New Mexico State Fair.
In just a few days, New Mexicans from near and far can finally get their fill of fried foods, and all around fair fun as the New Mexico State Fair prepares to open its doors for the 2025 season.
“There are so many moving parts, so many people. I kind of call it a symphony. You know, it’s just a concert with a great symphony of action, and everything is choreographed. Everything is coordinated, ” explained Mourning, adding that it takes about a month to get everything in the right place.
Mourning says fairgoers are in for a real treat, with a slew of new foods, entertainment, and coasters like the Lightning Ride. “This is adrenaline on steroids, trust me,” he explained. “This is an incredible ride. One-hundred-and-thirty-one feet in the air, and it spins and does all kinds of crazy things on it.”
And that’s not all. There will also be a new coaster called the Tower of Death.
The fun doesn’t stop there; you can expect to see two new stunt shows: a break-dancing group with a twist, and even a musical comedy show. Plus, a star-studded list of performers will take the stage at the Tingley Coliseum.
“We’re going to start off Friday night, the first week of the fair, with Wynona. I mean, it doesn’t get any better than that, but oh yes, it does. The next, following Saturday, it’s going to be Cypress Hill,” shared Mourning.
This year’s culinary lineup will feature new mouth-watering menu items from Korean corn dogs and lobster mac and cheese to even Dubai chocolate.
Whether you come for the food or the rides, Mourning says to come prepared. “Just prepare yourself for fun. Prepare yourself for sensory overload. Prepare yourself to have the most incredible time,” said Mourning.
The New Mexico State Fair has a special promotion for Labor Day weekend, where you can get tickets for just $4.
