Heading to the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque? Here's what to know before you go.

The New Mexico State Fair returns this week to Albuquerque for about a week and a half of activities, entertainment, food and fun. Here's what you need to know before heading out to the Expo New Mexico fairgrounds.

The New Mexico State Fair is scheduled to last from Sept. 9 through 19. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The fair is held at Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque.

Free parking is available at Gate Eight off Louisiana Boulevard but the lot fills quickly. Regular and handicapped parking is available at Gate One off Central Avenue for $10 Monday through Thursday. Parking is $20 Friday through Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased online at statefair.exponm.com/p/buy-tickets.

Concert and rodeo ticket prices range from $15 to $120 depending on the date and location of the seats. Tickets can be purchased online at statefair.exponm.com/p/buy-tickets. Admission to the fair is included in the purchase of a concert ticket.

A full schedule of fair activities is available online at statefair.exponm.com/events.

The 2021 New Mexico State Fair Junior Livestock Shows and Sale is officially cancelled, but an unsanctioned event will happen anyway.

Fair organizers said the decision to cancel the show and sale was made after consulting with exhibitors, parents, medical experts, public health officials and 4-H and FFA leaders.

The cancellation notice came after State Sens. Cliff Pirtle and Crystal Diamond and former New Mexico State Fair Commissioner Tommy Spindle announced that the expo would be held Sept. 14-17 at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds in south Roswell.

Those organizing the unsanctioned show felt the state fair's vaccine requirement would have prohibited some potential exhibitors.

Fairgoers who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine — those ages 12 and up — must show proof of vaccination series to enter the event. If not vaccinated, proof of a valid exemption is required for admittance, along with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of arriving at the fairgrounds.

Children under 12 do not need to show proof of vaccination, exemption or a negative test.

Masks are required for all indoor spaces and are encouraged when in outdoor spaces, especially when social distancing is difficult to maintain.

A commemorative beer has been featured for the past five years. For the sixth year, both a beer and cocktail will be available for attendees of the fair 21 and up.

The commemorative beer for the 2021 fair is the Blue Corn Lager, brewed by Santa Fe'sTumbleroot Brewery & Distillery using Santa Ana Pueblo blue corn and northern New Mexico-grown hops.

More: Who makes the best salsa and green chile cheeseburger in New Mexico? We'll find out at the state fair.

Angry Mule is the commemorative craft cocktail this year, also produced by Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery. It is a take on a Moscow Mule, but with a simple syrup infused with red chile from Hatch, fresh ginger and spices.

Both the Blue Corn Lager and Angry Mule will be available only during the 11-day run of the fair.

A Sensory Station is available each day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Youth Hall for people with disabilities or sensory sensitivity. Hands-on activities and audio/visual effects will be on hand to help calm those feeling overwhelmed or anxious in the fair atmosphere. There is no age limit for the station.

In Doña Ana County: Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo returning for 54th year at the end of September

Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, lromero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.

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