Experience the Best of the La Plata County Fair in Durango

There's something timeless about a county fair. From the sounds of livestock in the barns to the aroma of fresh fair food, the La Plata County Fair is one of Durango's favorite summer traditions. Whether you're a first-time visitor or have been attending for years, the fair offers a fun mix of agriculture, family entertainment, competitions, local talent, and community spirit.

Held each August at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, the fair celebrates the rich agricultural heritage of Southwest Colorado while providing five days of activities for all ages.

Event Information

• Location: La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Avenue, Durango
• Dates: August 5–9, 2026
• Admission: Many exhibits and activities are free, while select events require tickets.
• For schedules and tickets: Visit the official La Plata County Fair website. https://laplatacountyfair.com/

 Here are some tips to make your “Fair Experience” the best ever!

• Because the Fair offers SO much to see and do, we recommend that you plan to attend a couple of times over the week, especially if you have little kids. This way, you can experience all the Fair fun and exhaust your little crew in the process.
• Take the time to see the animals early in the week – everything from goats and chickens to rabbits and pigs – and award-winning beef cattle. If you visit the fair on Sunday to see the animals, go early, as they make their way to the 4-H Auction that afternoon.
•  For the kids, bring some quick sanitation wipes. This makes it easy to get their hands clean after seeing (and petting) all the fantastic Fair animals. Watch the little ones around the geese. They can bite!
• Parking can be challenging over the weekend. Remember, the Fairgrounds is located adjacent to the Animas River Trail. For hassle-free parking, consider parking up off 32^nd and taking a short walk along the river to get to the fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds is located between 24^th and 29^th Streets, on the east side of Main Ave.
• Tickets for the Demolition Derby do tend to sell out, but you can often get last-minute tickets on Saturday morning. The Derby will take place the following Saturday, on August 15, at Sky Ute Fairgrounds, 115 Goddard Avenue in Ignacio. Tickets are just $15.

Things You Won't Want to Miss

Even if you don't attend one of the featured events, there is plenty to explore throughout the fairgrounds.

• Browse award-winning quilts, photography, artwork, baked goods, preserves, crafts, flowers, and homegrown produce.
• Visit the livestock barns to meet animals and talk with local exhibitors.
• Watch educational demonstrations throughout the week.
• Enjoy classic fair food including barbecue, burgers, funnel cakes, kettle corn, ice cream, and other local favorites.
• Shop local vendors offering handmade goods, western wear, specialty foods, and unique gifts.
• Let the kids enjoy games, contests, and hands-on activities throughout the fairgrounds.

Highlights of This Year's Fair

There's something happening every day during the La Plata County Fair! From livestock competitions and exhibits to family activities, live entertainment, and community events, here are some highlights of the events taking place during the fair. See the full schedule for a full list of events.

Thursday, August 6

• Exhibits Open to the Public — 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
• 4-H Livestock Fashion Show — 4:00 p.m.
• Carnival- 5 p.m.- 9 p.m
• Talent Contest — 7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 7

• Exhibits Open to the Public — 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Carnival- 12 p.m.- 10 p.m
• Dog Herding Competition — 3:00 p.m.
• 4-H Livestock Round Robin & All-Around Showmanship — 4:00 p.m.
• Chili Cook-Off with live music and a silent auction — 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 8

Saturday is one of the busiest and most exciting days of the fair!

• Fair 5K Run/Walk — Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m.
• Exhibits Open to the Public — 9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
• 4-H Dog Show — 9:00 a.m.
• Rooster Crowing Contest — 10:00 a.m.
• Community BBQ on the Patio — 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  • Pre-sale tickets are available at the La Plata County Extension Office, Basin Co-op, and Farmers Fresh Grocery Store.
  • Adults: $12
  • Children (10 & under) & Seniors (55+): $8
• Carnival- 12 p.m.- 10 p.m
• Rabbit Costume Contest followed by the Parade of Animals — 2:00 p.m.
• Fair Royalty Crowning — 5:45 p.m.
• Junior Livestock Sale — 6:00 p.m.
• Fair Family Dance on the Patio — 9:00 p.m. (Ticketed event.)

Sunday, August 9

• Exhibits Open to the Public — 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
• 4-H Catch-It Contest — 11:00 a.m.
• Carnival- 12 p.m.- 6 p.m

For the complete schedule of competitions, entertainment, judging events, and activities, visit the official event schedule: La Plata County Fair 2026 Event Schedule.

Add some fun at the Carnival 

The Carnival will run from Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are available at the ticket booth at the Fairgrounds. One ride is $3. Or 4 rides are $10, or 10 rides for $20. Tickets are good all days and all open hours. 

A Celebration of La Plata County

More than just rides and entertainment, the La Plata County Fair celebrates the people, traditions, and agricultural heritage that make Southwest Colorado special. It's a chance to support local youth, connect with the community, and experience an authentic slice of Colorado life.

Whether you're admiring prize-winning exhibits, sampling local food, or introducing your children to farm animals for the first time, the La Plata County Fair offers memorable experiences for every generation.

If you're visiting Durango in August, be sure to add the La Plata County Fair to your itinerary—you'll leave with a greater appreciation for the community that makes this region so unique.

The Excitement Continues: Demolition Derby

While the La Plata County Fair wraps up on August 9, the excitement isn't over just yet! The annual Demolition Derby returns on Saturday, August 15, at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds in Ignacio.

One of the area's most anticipated summer events, the Demolition Derby features drivers competing in a thrilling battle of strategy, skill, and endurance as they crash, spin, and smash their way toward the last vehicle still running. It's an action-packed afternoon that's fun for the whole family and a favorite tradition for locals and visitors alike.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, August 15
• Location: Sky Ute Fairgrounds, Ignacio, Colorado
• Gates Open: 2:00 p.m. Show at 4 pm
• Tickets: Presale and at the Gate $15 (all ages, ticket limits 6per person)

Presale tickets are available at Durango Muffler, Fender Menders Handlebar Motor Sports, Luck 7 Feed Store (Ignacio) and Casa Hermosa Furniture (Farmington, NM)

If you're planning to attend, arrive early to grab a good seat, bring hearing protection for young children, and get ready for one of Southwest Colorado's loudest and most exciting summer traditions. It's the perfect finale to another great La Plata County Fair season!