Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds
Fairgrounds hosting annual events, gateway to Roswell's UFO lore and New Mexico's natural wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience the main fair events
Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds
Best Time
Experience the main fair events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Fairgrounds hosting annual events, gateway to Roswell's UFO lore and New Mexico's natural wonders.
"A convenient spot for events, with Roswell's alien charm and nearby parks offering diverse experiences."
🎯 Ride Tickets Cost Extra
Budget for an additional $40 for rides on top of admission.
💰 Food Prices Are High
Expect steep prices for fair food; consider packing snacks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Annual State Fair
Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds
Experience a classic fair with rides, food, and entertainment. Don't miss the rodeo events!
Roswell UFO Spacewalk
Roswell
Step into a 3D interactive art gallery that plays on Roswell's alien mystique.
International UFO Museum
Roswell
Explore exhibits on UFO sightings and alien theories, a must-visit for enthusiasts.
Bottomless Lakes State Park
Near Roswell
Discover unique, crystal-clear sinkhole lakes perfect for swimming and exploring.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Fairground Fun & Beyond
Budgeting for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride Tickets Cost Extra
Budget for an additional $40 for rides on top of admission.
💰 Food Prices Are High
Expect steep prices for fair food; consider packing snacks.
👴 Seniors Free on Wednesdays
Take advantage of free admission for seniors every Wednesday.
🤠 Rodeo Fun
Don't miss the rodeo events for a taste of southwestern rock and country.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride Tickets Cost Extra
Budget for an additional $40 for rides on top of admission.
💰 Food Prices Are High
Expect steep prices for fair food; consider packing snacks.
👴 Seniors Free on Wednesdays
Take advantage of free admission for seniors every Wednesday.
🤠 Rodeo Fun
Don't miss the rodeo events for a taste of southwestern rock and country.
👽 Embrace the Alien Theme
Explore Roswell's unique UFO attractions for a quirky experience. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds a convenient location for events, with the annual fair offering classic entertainment. However, some note that admission and food prices can be high, and ride costs are separate. The fairgrounds are also a gateway to Roswell's unique UFO attractions and nearby natural beauty.
"My opinion & experience.....
$12 to get in is a bit on the high end but parking was free. A short aisle of food trucks was disappointing. The prices are RIDICULOUS! Ex: $20 for potato swirls, $9 for fried pickles or $12 for a cup of chocolate. (The noodle place & old soda place were great but also rather high.) The vendors were selling counterfeit items as real. The rides are cool but it's another $40 so you'll have to weight that for yourself. Definitely NOT "the happiest place on dirt"."
Cat
"I love the preview weekend because you don't have to pay to park to get in only for your armband I love the fact that seniors get in totally free on Wednesdays thanks for helping out the old people appreciate you"
Rosemary Dean
"The SCP security guard at gate 1 was very nice and helpful. I think his name is Billy. He has a red beard. He gave me directions that got me exactly where I wanted to go."
Lost The Farm DelMarq
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The fairgrounds are easily accessible from the main road in Roswell, New Mexico. Many visitors fly into Albuquerque (ABQ) and rent a car for the drive, which is about a 3-hour journey.
Yes, parking is available at the fairgrounds. It's often free, especially during the preview weekend of the fair.
Absolutely! Roswell is a popular stop for those visiting New Mexico, especially if you're interested in the Balloon Fiesta or exploring the southern part of the state.
Public transport options directly to the fairgrounds are limited. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach the location and explore the surrounding areas.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring New Mexico, as the state is vast. This allows you to easily visit places like White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the fair is typically around $12 per person. However, seniors often get free entry on Wednesdays.
Yes, rides are not included in the general admission price. You'll need to purchase a separate armband, which can cost around $40, for unlimited rides.
Information on advance ticket sales for the fair is usually available closer to the event dates on their official website or social media pages.
Seniors often receive free admission on Wednesdays. Keep an eye out for any special promotions or group rates that might be offered.
Fair hours can vary daily, especially during the main event week. It's best to check the official Eastern New Mexico State Fair schedule for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The fair typically features a variety of food trucks and vendors. While there are options like potato swirls and fried pickles, be aware that prices can be quite high.
Yes, the fair usually has rides and attractions suitable for children, alongside general entertainment and exhibits.
You can expect a traditional fair experience with rides, games, food vendors, and live entertainment, including rodeo events.
Beyond the fair itself, the fairgrounds are a hub for various events. Roswell, nearby, offers unique UFO-themed attractions like the International UFO Museum.
Some visitors have reported encountering counterfeit items being sold as authentic. It's advisable to be cautious when making purchases from vendors.
🎫 👽 Roswell UFO Attractions
Roswell is famous for the International UFO Museum and Research Center, the Roswell UFO Spacewalk and Gallery, and various alien-themed shops and sights.
For those interested in UFO lore and alien theories, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the subject matter with various exhibits.
Yes, the Roswell UFO Spacewalk and Gallery provides a unique 3D interactive art experience that plays on the town's alien theme.
Roswell fully embraces its UFO heritage, with alien motifs integrated into its businesses, street art, and overall atmosphere.
The International UFO Museum is dedicated to exploring the details and theories surrounding the 1947 incident.
🎫 🏞️ Nearby Natural Attractions
A popular nearby spot is Bottomless Lakes State Park, known for its unique sinkhole lakes. White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns are also within driving distance for a longer day trip.
You can swim in the clear waters, hike around the lakes, and enjoy the unique geological formations. It's a refreshing escape from the desert heat.
Bottomless Lakes State Park is located a short drive south of Roswell, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
Absolutely! White Sands offers stunning landscapes of gypsum dunes, perfect for photography and sledding down the dunes.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a bit further but can be managed as a long day trip from Roswell, offering incredible underground cave tours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the fair, Roswell offers the UFO Spacewalk and Gallery for a fun, interactive experience that appeals to children's imaginations.
💰 Budget Travelers
For affordable exploration, Bottomless Lakes State Park offers a low-cost way to enjoy New Mexico's natural beauty.
👽 UFO Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eastern New Mexico State Fair Experience
While the fair promises fun, it's important to note that admission fees can add up, with rides requiring a separate, significant cost. Food prices have also been noted as being on the higher side by some attendees.
Beyond the main fair, the grounds host various other events throughout the year, making it a versatile venue for concerts, expos, and community gatherings. Its easy access from the main road makes it a convenient destination for locals and travelers alike.
Unraveling Roswell's UFO Mystique
Adding to the otherworldly experience is the Roswell UFO Spacewalk and Gallery. This attraction offers a more artistic and interactive approach, featuring 3D murals and optical illusions that create an immersive, alien-themed environment. It's a fun, quirky way to engage with Roswell's famous narrative.
The entire town seems to participate in the fun, with alien-themed decor, shops, and even street art contributing to the unique atmosphere. Whether you're a true believer or just curious, Roswell offers a distinctively entertaining experience that capitalizes on its legendary status.
Exploring New Mexico's Natural Wonders
For those willing to venture a bit further, White Sands National Park presents a breathtaking spectacle of rolling gypsum dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. It's an iconic New Mexico landscape, ideal for photography, hiking, and even sledding down the powdery white slopes.
Another significant natural attraction within reach is Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This subterranean wonderland features vast caves with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, offering a glimpse into a hidden world beneath the desert surface. While a longer drive, it's a truly unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
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