Arapahoe County Colorado Fairgrounds Events
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center sits at 25690 E. Quincy Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80016, on the county’s eastern side near E-470. It serves two purposes: it is home to the annual Arapahoe County Fair, and it operates as a year-round venue for community festivals, animal shows, indoor markets, trade events, and private rentals.
The annual fair connects the county’s agricultural past with its present-day mix of suburban communities and rural properties. Visitors come for livestock exhibitions, 4-H projects, carnival rides, rodeo action, motor sports, food stands, and family activities. During the rest of the year, the fairgrounds’ indoor halls and outdoor spaces accommodate events that range from hobby gatherings to public expos.
The fair’s 2026 edition marked its 120th anniversary. As of October 2026, the next annual fair’s dates have not yet been confirmed in the information available here. Visitors planning ahead should distinguish confirmed upcoming events from dates that have not been announced.
Overview of Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
Location and access
The fairgrounds are in the eastern part of Aurora, at 25690 E. Quincy Avenue, several miles east of E-470. The setting is different from the county’s denser urban neighborhoods: the approach follows major roads into a more open area where event traffic, parking, and outdoor activities can be accommodated.
For large events, visitors should check road notices before leaving home. During the 2026 fair, South Harvest Road was scheduled to close in both directions, and drivers were directed to use alternatives such as South Gun Club Road, East Belleview Avenue, East Quincy Avenue, and South Powhaton Road to reach the entrance.
Who operates the fairgrounds?
Arapahoe County manages the fairgrounds and event center through its county operations, including Open Spaces. The county also organizes signature community events. The Arapahoe County Fair’s youth competitions are supported by Colorado State University Extension staff and a Fair Planning Committee that helps coordinate livestock projects and public competitions.
For general venue questions, the fairgrounds office can be reached at 303-795-4955 or [email protected]. For questions about 4-H programming and youth or adult competitions, the CSU Extension office is the more appropriate contact at 303-730-1920.
Size and layout
The property is commonly described as a large fairgrounds and regional park, with a combination of exhibition buildings, halls, arenas, and outdoor event areas. A historical account of the grounds described the site as approximately 236 acres when it opened in 2006. That figure gives a sense of its scale, though visitors should consult current venue information for the boundaries and facilities available for a particular event.
The indoor spaces serve different purposes. The Exhibition Hall provides a large event area; the Main Hall is used for gatherings and banquets; and the East Hall can accommodate community events, training, sporting activities, and animal shows. Outdoor facilities include the SM Energy Arena and a rodeo arena.
Upcoming Events at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds calendar runs beyond the July county fair. Events change from year to year, and a rental event may be organized by an outside promoter rather than the county itself.
Confirmed and seasonal events
One upcoming event on the 2026 calendar is the Fall For YOU Festival, October 24–25, 2026, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It introduces a fall festival format following the county’s earlier Treat Street event tradition.
The event center calendar also lists a broad mix of activities across the year, including indoor festivals, family expos, collectible shows, pet-related events, animal competitions, and public markets. The exact dates and program for each event should be checked before travelling, especially when an event is organized by an independent promoter.
What kinds of events take place here?
Depending on the season and the organizer, Arapahoe County fair events and venue bookings can include:
- The annual Arapahoe County Fair and 4-H competitions
- Livestock and small-animal shows
- Rodeo activities, horse shows, and riding events
- Carnival rides, family entertainment, and motor sports during fair week
- Trade shows, community festivals, and indoor markets
- Collectibles, hobby, and specialty events
- Dog shows and other animal-related competitions
- Training sessions, conferences, banquets, and private gatherings
Not every event type takes place every year. A listing for a gun show, motocross-style event, or specialty market should be treated as specific to the advertised date rather than a permanent part of the county fair schedule.
Renting space for an event
The fairgrounds are also a venue for outside organizations. Indoor halls suit trade shows, festivals, conferences, banquets, and community events, while the arenas and outdoor areas can suit animal-related activities and larger gatherings.
Rental availability, permitted uses, setup times, insurance requirements, and fees depend on the space and event. Organizers should contact the venue office directly rather than assume that all buildings or outdoor areas are available for every kind of booking.
The Arapahoe County Fair
When is the county fair held?
The Arapahoe County Fair traditionally takes place during the last weekend of July. The 2026 fair ran July 23–26, 2026, celebrating 120 years since the fair was formally established in 1906.
The 2026 schedule was:
- Thursday, July 23: 4 p.m. to midnight
- Friday, July 24: 11 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday, July 25: 11 a.m. to midnight
- Sunday, July 26: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
These are past dates, not the schedule for 2027. The next fair’s dates and daily hours should be confirmed when the county publishes its new schedule.
Livestock, youth projects, and public competitions
Agriculture and youth education remain central to the fair. The 4-H program gives young exhibitors a chance to present the projects they have worked on throughout the year. Animal divisions include beef, goats, horses, sheep, and swine, along with small-animal projects such as rabbits, poultry, cats, and dogs.
The fair also has public competitions and open-class entries. Depending on the year’s rules and entry book, these may include culinary arts, fiber arts, skilled arts, visual arts, and special contests. Participants should read the current rules carefully because project categories, entry requirements, judging arrangements, and deadlines can change.
Carnival, rodeo, and entertainment
The fair combines traditional agricultural exhibits with attractions aimed at a broad family audience. The 2026 general-admission package included unlimited carnival rides, rodeo action, motor sports, stage entertainment, concerts, a petting farm, a Kids Corral, and other scheduled activities. A drone show was also listed, subject to weather and fire restrictions.
Midway games, food, beverages, and some special activities cost extra. Mutton bustin’, for example, was advertised as free to watch with fair admission, while participation required a separate fee. These details should not be assumed to carry over to future years.
Visitors exploring Arapahoe County Colorado Fairgrounds Events can also discover local activities through Alamosa County Colorado Fairgrounds Events. Exploring both counties allows families and travelers to learn about regional heritage, discover seasonal celebrations, and enjoy community gatherings throughout Colorado.
Food vendors and the midway
Food stalls and commercial vendors operate around the grounds during fair week. Visitors can expect a fair-style mix of quick meals, snacks, drinks, and vendor merchandise, although the exact vendors and menus vary each year. Nonprofit and community food booths may appear, but their participation should be confirmed in the current vendor lineup rather than assumed.
Admission and parking
For 2026, general admission was advertised at $30 plus a $4 convenience fee, with free parking included. Children under 36 inches tall received free admission; children above that height needed a ticket. Midway games, food, drinks, and certain activities were additional expenses. The general-admission ticket was valid for one day only, so attending on multiple days required separate admission.
Those are historical 2026 prices, not confirmed future rates. Admission policies, ride restrictions, ticket bundles, and parking arrangements can change. Saturday was identified as the busiest day, and capacity limits could lead to temporary closures of gates or parking lots.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition halls and indoor spaces
The event center has several substantial indoor venues:
- Exhibition Hall: Approximately 24,870 square feet, with space that can be divided to accommodate separate events.
- Main Hall: Approximately 7,225 square feet, suitable for conferences, banquets, and community gatherings.
- East Hall: Approximately 16,875 square feet, used for training, sporting activities, community events, and animal shows.
These spaces allow the venue to host indoor events outside the summer fair season. The actual room layout, seating arrangements, loading access, and available equipment depend on the booking.
Arenas and livestock areas
The outdoor facilities include the SM Energy Arena and a rodeo arena used for riding, horse shows, and agricultural events. During the county fair, barns and exhibition areas support youth livestock and animal projects. The current event map and competition schedule are the best guides to locating a particular show or exhibit.
Do not assume that livestock stalls, arena time, or animal housing can be booked casually. Exhibitors should check the fair’s rules and contact the appropriate program coordinator about animal health requirements, check-in times, stall arrangements, and release procedures.
Camping, accessibility, and visitor amenities
Camping and RV availability should be verified for the specific event. A large property does not automatically mean overnight camping is allowed, and an outside event may operate under different arrangements from the county fair.
The same applies to accessible parking, entrances, restroom access, and paths between buildings. Visitors with mobility needs should check current venue arrangements before arriving. Restroom access was listed throughout the 2026 fair’s open hours, but that does not establish the schedule for every rental event.
Parking is event-specific. The 2026 county fair included free parking, but visitors attending a separate show should follow that event’s instructions. Food concessions, first-aid provisions, ATMs, and other services may differ between the annual fair and smaller indoor bookings.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Commercial vendors
Businesses and independent sellers interested in a booth should contact the fairgrounds or the specific event organizer. The annual county fair’s commercial vendor arrangements may differ from the booth application process for an indoor market, craft event, or trade show.
Before applying, ask about booth dimensions, fees, electricity, setup and teardown windows, insurance, product restrictions, and whether the event supplies tables or other equipment. Do not rely on last year’s terms without checking the current application.
Competitive exhibits and livestock entries
Competitive exhibitors should obtain the current fair book and read the rules for their category. The 2026 program included separate guidance for 4-H projects, 4-H and FFA livestock, and open-class competitions. The 2026 general rules listed June 15 as the 4-H/FFA fair exhibitor entry deadline, but that is a past deadline and should not be reused for 2027.
Livestock exhibitors may have additional requirements for project enrollment, identification or tagging, health documentation, weigh-in, and scheduled check-in. Deadlines vary by species and competition. For questions about youth competitions, contact CSU Extension at 303-730-1920.
Getting to Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
Driving from Aurora and nearby communities
The main address is 25690 E. Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80016, east of E-470. From central Aurora, drivers generally head toward the eastern part of the city and follow Quincy Avenue toward the fairgrounds. From Denver and other Front Range communities, E-470 can provide access to the Quincy Avenue area, depending on the starting point.
Because Arapahoe County covers a large area, directions from the county’s western communities will differ from those for visitors coming from Bennett, Deer Trail, or other eastern locations. Use the venue’s exact street address in navigation and check for event-specific traffic restrictions.
Public transportation and rideshare
Do not assume a dedicated shuttle or direct public-transit service operates for every event. Routes, service hours, and temporary event transportation should be checked for the day of travel. Rideshare passengers should agree on a pickup location that follows event staff directions, particularly during fair week when traffic and pedestrian volumes increase.
4-H and FFA at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
Youth agriculture and project learning
Arapahoe County’s 4-H program gives young people opportunities to develop practical skills through animal care, project work, demonstrations, and competition. The annual fair is where many participants present their work to judges and the public. The program is supported by CSU Extension, which provides guidance on project rules, fair entries, and youth participation.
FFA students may also take part in eligible livestock and agricultural competitions under the fair’s current rules. Specific school chapters and participation lists should be checked against the year’s exhibitor information rather than presumed.
The junior livestock auction
The Arapahoe County Youth Livestock Auction is a major event for participating young exhibitors. In 2026, it was scheduled for Saturday, July 25. At a youth livestock auction, eligible exhibitors present animals that meet the fair’s requirements, and buyers bid to support the young people and their projects. The precise process, sale order, buyer registration, and animal arrangements are governed by the current auction rules.
People interested in bidding should contact the fair or 4-H program before auction day to learn how registration works and what purchasing an animal entails. Buyers should also clarify whether they are buying the animal, supporting the exhibitor through an add-on or premium, or participating under another arrangement.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
The event center’s year-round schedule makes it more than a once-a-year fair venue. The calendar can include indoor festivals, public markets, collectible shows, pet-related events, animal competitions, and family expos. Examples listed on the 2026 calendar included the Fall For YOU Festival, specialty fairs, and indoor events organized by independent promoters.
The rodeo arena and outdoor areas are suited to horse-related and agricultural activities. Indoor halls can accommodate events that would be impractical during Colorado’s colder months, while outdoor spaces are especially useful for summer gatherings.
Event names, admission rules, and schedules change. A gun show, garage sale, motorbike competition, or holiday market should only be considered upcoming when its specific date has been announced. Organizers should also make clear whether the county is presenting the event or merely renting space to an outside group.
History of Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
From early agricultural gatherings to a permanent home
The roots of the Arapahoe County Fair reach back to the region’s agricultural and ranching communities. The first official Arapahoe County Fair was held in 1906 along the South Platte River in what is now Littleton. Over the decades, the fair moved among locations that included Deer Trail, Byers, Englewood, and Littleton.
The fair did not always have a stable home. Historical accounts describe periods when activities were spread across temporary sites and available fields, making it harder to bring all competitions together in one place. The fair’s early history also included interruptions, so the anniversary count reflects the event’s origins rather than an uninterrupted run at one location.
The present site
The current fairgrounds opened in 2006, coinciding with the fair’s 100th anniversary. Establishing a permanent site brought fair activities together at the eastern Aurora property and gave the county a venue for both the annual fair and other community events.
The fair celebrated its 120th anniversary in July 2026. Its continued emphasis on 4-H, livestock, agricultural activities, and Western-style entertainment connects the modern event to the farming and ranching traditions that shaped the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Arapahoe County Fair in 2026–2027?
The 2026 Arapahoe County Fair ran July 23–26, 2026. The 2027 dates have not been confirmed here. The fair is traditionally held during the last weekend of July, but visitors should wait for the official announcement before making travel plans.
What time does Arapahoe County Fairgrounds open?
Opening hours depend on the event. During the 2026 county fair, the gates opened at 4 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday. A separate indoor show or rental event may have different hours.
Is there camping at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds?
Overnight camping should not be assumed. Visitors planning to bring an RV or tent should contact the venue or the event organizer to confirm whether camping is permitted for their specific event.
How do I enter livestock in the Arapahoe County Fair?
Start with the current 4-H or FFA rules and fair exhibitor information. Requirements may include project enrollment, entry forms, animal identification, health documentation, weigh-in, and scheduled check-in. For youth competition questions, call CSU Extension at 303-730-1920.
Are dogs allowed at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds?
Do not assume that pets are permitted throughout the property. Animal rules can differ between the annual fair, livestock areas, and separate venue events. Service animals are subject to applicable requirements. Check the rules for the event you plan to attend before bringing a pet.
Where do I park at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds?
The grounds are at 25690 E. Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80016. The 2026 county fair included free parking, but parking arrangements for other events may differ. Follow signs and event staff instructions, and check for road closures or capacity restrictions during large gatherings.
Who do I contact to rent Arapahoe County Fairgrounds?
For general venue and rental inquiries, contact the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center at 303-795-4955 or [email protected]. Availability, rental charges, and permitted uses depend on the space and event.
How much does it cost to get into the Arapahoe County Fair?
The 2026 general-admission price was advertised at $30 plus a $4 convenience fee, with free parking included. Children under 36 inches tall received free admission. These are historical prices; future admission rates and ticket inclusions may change.
Does admission include carnival rides?
For the 2026 fair, general admission included unlimited carnival rides. Midway games and some special activities cost extra. Check the ticket terms for the year you plan to attend.
Can I rent a building for a trade show or community event?
Yes. The event center offers indoor halls and outdoor spaces for suitable bookings, including trade shows, conferences, community events, and animal-related activities. Contact the venue to discuss available dates, capacity, equipment, and rental requirements.
What is the address of Arapahoe County Fairgrounds?
The address is 25690 E. Quincy Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80016, east of E-470 in eastern Aurora.
What events happen at the fairgrounds outside fair week?
The year-round calendar can include indoor festivals, specialty markets, trade shows, dog and animal events, community expos, and private rentals. Event dates and admission details vary, so confirm the specific event before travelling.
One Comment