This summer, the Larimer County Fair returns to Loveland from July 31 to Aug. 4, 2026, bringing with it something bigger than rides, rodeos and ribbon-winning pies. Experience history, community and what comes next, marking both the United States’ 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries in a way that feels distinctly local and meaningful.
If you have been to the fair before, you will recognize the fan-favorite traditions. But this year adds something new. And if you happen to be traveling through Colorado during the fair, it’s definitely worth adding a stop!
A fair grounded in history and built for what’s next
The Larimer County Fair has always been rooted in agriculture, western heritage and community pride. This year, it expands that story. In honor of the United States’ 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries, the fair will feature a series of experiences designed to connect past, present and future, inviting visitors to not just attend, but participate.
You will still find the PRCA rodeo, 4-H livestock shows, carnival rides and food vendors. Layered into that familiar rhythm is something more reflective and immersive, grounded in Colorado’s shared story. But, attendees will also get to experience a number of events and features that are distinctly new and designed for this celebration.
Be part of Colorado’s largest time capsule
Visit Loveland and The Ranch Events Complex will host what is expected to be Colorado’s largest community time capsule, open to contributions from across the state. Individuals, families and organizations are invited to submit items that represent life in Colorado today, from small personal mementos to written notes capturing this moment in time.
Part of the celebration of Colorado’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary, the project will preserve the stories, memories and voices of Colorado today for future generations. The capsule itself is a repurposed industrial pipe that will be vacuum-sealed for long-term preservation and permanently placed on-site at The Ranch Events Complex as part of the future amphitheater development. Submitted items must meet qualifications and will be reviewed by a committee.
Coloradans from every corner of the state are encouraged to participate:
- Mail approved items to the Loveland Visitor Center- 5400 Stone Creek Dr. Loveland, CO
- Submit a digital entry with photos, letters or messages
- Meet the team at collection events in Denver, Colorado Springs and the Larimer County Fair
Whether it’s a handwritten note, a photo, a small keepsake or a message to the future, every submission helps tell the story of Colorado today. This is not just something to see. It’s something to be part of.
Moments that honor where we’ve been
Throughout the fair, you’ll find moments that reflect the shared history of the United States and Colorado, all rooted in community.
Indigenous-led opening ceremony
The fair will open with a tribal blessing led by the Iron Family Dancers, setting the tone for the days ahead. This ceremony recognizes the deep cultural history of the region and honors Indigenous communities whose presence and traditions continue to shape Colorado today. It is a meaningful moment of acknowledgment and respect for the communities who have long been part of this region, inviting visitors to begin the fair with a broader understanding of place and heritage.
Historical banner walk
On the new Event Lawn, the Historical Banner Walk will offer an interactive way to experience the foundation of the nation. Visitors can move through large-scale displays featuring documents like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, creating space to reflect on the country’s history and Colorado’s role within it. Rather than a static exhibit, the walk encourages movement, exploration and connection.
A stage for Colorado talent
This year’s fair keeps the spotlight close to home. All musical performances will feature Colorado-based artists, including Face Vocal Band, a popular all-vocal rock band from Boulder. Across the fairgrounds, visitors will experience local talent that reflects the creative energy of the region.
A new chapter at The Ranch
The 2026 Larimer County Fair will be the first major event held on the new 21-acre Event Lawn at The Ranch Events Complex. This marks an important step forward for northern Colorado’s event landscape, creating space for larger gatherings, expanded programming and future festivals.
For visitors, it offers a first look at what is ahead and a chance to experience the evolution of The Ranch in real time.
A night worth staying for
On Aug. 2, the fair will close out the evening with a special 250/150 drone show immediately following the rodeo.
Hundreds of synchronized drones will take to the sky, creating choreographed light formations that tell a visual story of the United States and Colorado. From recognizable symbols to sweeping, animated scenes, the show blends technology and storytelling in a way that feels both modern and memorable. Set against the open sky of northern Colorado, it is designed to be a shared experience that brings the crowd together for a final moment of celebration.
Make it more than a day trip
Spend time exploring the fairgrounds and experience the milestone events tied to the 250th and 150th anniversaries. Then enjoy time in Loveland beyond the fair, from local dining and breweries to nearby trails and easy access to the foothills and Rocky Mountain National Park, making it easy to turn a day at the fair into a full Loveland getaway.