Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds - Image 1
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Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds

4.3
·169 reviews·Roswell, United States

Fairgrounds hosting annual events, gateway to Roswell's UFO lore and New Mexico's natural wonders.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

October (Fair Week)

Experience the main fair events

CrowdHigh
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Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds - Image 1

Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds

Best Time

October (Fair Week)

Experience the main fair events

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Fairgrounds hosting annual events, gateway to Roswell's UFO lore and New Mexico's natural wonders.

4.3
(169 reviews)

"A convenient spot for events, with Roswell's alien charm and nearby parks offering diverse experiences."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 169 reviews

Type

Event Venue

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Annual State Fair

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 UFO Spacewalk

Roswell

Step into a 3D interactive art gallery that plays on Roswell's alien mystique.

International UFO Museum

International UFO Museum

Roswell

Explore exhibits on UFO sightings and alien theories, a must-visit for enthusiasts.

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Near Roswell

Discover unique, crystal-clear sinkhole lakes perfect for swimming and exploring.

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Planning Your Visit

Fairground Fun & Beyond

The Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds hosts events year-round, but the main fair in October is a highlight. Beyond the fair, Roswell offers UFO-themed attractions and nearby natural wonders like Bottomless Lakes State Park.

Budgeting for Your Visit

Admission can be around $12, with rides an additional $40. Food prices at the fair can be steep, so consider packing snacks or looking for specific vendors recommended by locals. Seniors often get free admission on Wednesdays.

Best Times

When
October (Fair Week)
Why
Experience the main fair events
Crowd
High
When
Wednesdays (Seniors)
Why
Free admission for seniors
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Full fair experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#greenscreen Roswell New Mexico flooded so I looked into it. #fypシ #fyp #viralvideo #roswell #newmexico #flooding #historical #weird #weather #land #strange #connectthedots #crazy
@oddical
142.2K likes • 2.5M views

🎯 Ride Tickets Cost Extra

Budget for an additional $40 for rides on top of admission. TikTok

💰 Food Prices Are High

Expect steep prices for fair food; consider packing snacks. Reddit

meanwhile, in roswell NM #roswell #ufo #et #alien #projectbluebeam
@sonderkeiser
48.5K likes • 673.8K views
🐎 We’re bringing a full-throttle southwestern rock rodeo to the Eastern New Mexico State Fair - Friday October 3rd 🎸 Grab your boots, your hat, and your loudest friends — we’re turning the fairgrounds into a honky-tonk showdown. #EasternNewMexicoStateFair #Roswell #NewMexico #rodeo #southwestern #southernrock
karsoncityrebels
4 likes • 78 views

👴 Seniors Free on Wednesdays

Take advantage of free admission for seniors every Wednesday. Reddit

🤠 Rodeo Fun

Don't miss the rodeo events for a taste of southwestern rock and country. Instagram

Bottomless Lakes State Park is located in south eastern New Mexico and is a must stop if you are ever passing through! #newmexico #505 #burque #fyppp #albuquerque #roswell #roswellnewmexico @New Mexico True
@thickhikerbabe
27.5K likes • 400K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Ride Tickets Cost Extra

Budget for an additional $40 for rides on top of admission. TikTok

💰 Food Prices Are High

Expect steep prices for fair food; consider packing snacks. Reddit

👴 Seniors Free on Wednesdays

Take advantage of free admission for seniors every Wednesday. Reddit

🤠 Rodeo Fun

Don't miss the rodeo events for a taste of southwestern rock and country. Instagram

👽 Embrace the Alien Theme

Explore Roswell's unique UFO attractions for a quirky experience. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.3
(169 reviews)

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

Convenient location
Annual fair entertainment
UFO attractions in Roswell

What People Dislike

High admission prices
Expensive food
Separate ride costs

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. Reddit

Yes, parking is available at the fairgrounds. It's often free, especially during the preview weekend of the fair. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the fair is typically around $12 per person. However, seniors often get free entry on Wednesdays. Reddit

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. TikTok

Information on advance ticket sales for the fair is usually available closer to the event dates on their official website or social media pages. Instagram

Seniors often receive free admission on Wednesdays. Keep an eye out for any special promotions or group rates that might be offered. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎡 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. Reddit

Yes, the fair usually has rides and attractions suitable for children, alongside general entertainment and exhibits. TikTok

You can expect a traditional fair experience with rides, games, food vendors, and live entertainment, including rodeo events. Instagram

Beyond the fair itself, the fairgrounds are a hub for various events. Roswell, nearby, offers unique UFO-themed attractions like the International UFO Museum. TikTok

Some visitors have reported encountering counterfeit items being sold as authentic. It's advisable to be cautious when making purchases from vendors. Reddit

🎫 👽 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. TikTok

For those interested in UFO lore and alien theories, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the subject matter with various exhibits. TikTok

Yes, the Roswell UFO Spacewalk and Gallery provides a unique 3D interactive art experience that plays on the town's alien theme. TikTok

Roswell fully embraces its UFO heritage, with alien motifs integrated into its businesses, street art, and overall atmosphere. TikTok

The International UFO Museum is dedicated to exploring the details and theories surrounding the 1947 incident. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ 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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

Bottomless Lakes State Park is located a short drive south of Roswell, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. TikTok

Absolutely! White Sands offers stunning landscapes of gypsum dunes, perfect for photography and sledding down the dunes. Reddit

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a bit further but can be managed as a long day trip from Roswell, offering incredible underground cave tours. Reddit

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