Artists, artisans and crafters from across the Centennial State are invited to compete for “Best in Show” at the 2026 Colorado State Fair.
The Colorado State Fair’s General Entry and Fine Arts competitions feature a wide range of categories, for both amateurs and professionals, such as art, crafts, baking, canning, crocheting, dolls, agricultural mechanics, floriculture, needle arts, pantry, porcelain art, quilts, sewing, and farm and garden.
In addition, the fair offers special contests that invite broader participation and creativity, including poetry, coloring for all ages and the always-popular Pet Rock competition.
“Not only do these entries represent thousands of passions and hobbies, they also provide a way to remain connected to the heritage and legacy of the Colorado State Fair,” said Andrea Wiesenmeyer, state fair general manager. “Each year, thousands of entries are submitted, creating strong competition and showcasing the best of Colorado.”
This year, for the first time, the state fair will host a live-judged tablescaping competition on Sept. 4 featuring two-person teams competing under one of two themes: “Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy” or the 2026 fair theme, “Fairitage” (Your Fair. Your Heritage. Celebrate Your Fairitage).
“The Colorado State Fair has a long tradition of showcasing creativity, tradition and community, and this new tablescaping competition brings all of those elements together in a fresh, visual way,” Wiesenmeyer said. “This is a unique new contest that we’re very excited about.”
To recognize the talent among the fine arts submissions, the fair will officially kick off with a Fine Arts artists’ reception on Aug. 27. The reception, which is open to the public, offers an opportunity to meet artists and celebrate work across a variety of mediums from around the state.
Each year, the fair also hosts a hobby wine, craft beer and homebrew competition. Those winners have just been announced at ColoradoStateFair.com.
Competitions are now open, with most entry deadlines set for July 22. Visit coloradostatefair.com/competitions for specific contest details.
About the fair
The Colorado State Fair is an annual event held in Pueblo, Colo., that creates an entertaining, inspiring and educational intergenerational experience highlighting the preservation, promotion and exposition of our state’s vibrant and diverse agriculture, industry and culture.
This year’s Colorado State Fair will be a special celebration marking the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood, as well as the 250th anniversary of the United States signing the Declaration of Independence.
This once-in-a-lifetime double-celebration moment is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our communities, and shape the future together.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has been planning unique ways to mark these important anniversaries under the theme “Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy.” Additional details on the planned celebrations will be announced soon.
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