Get ready for two full weeks of dirt-flying rodeo action, carnival lights, hometown pride, and nonstop summer excitement as the Yuma County Fair & Rodeo returns from July 21 through August 3 at the Yuma County Fairgrounds in Yuma, Colorado, located at 1000 W 4th Ave, Yuma, CO 80759. This beloved annual tradition transforms the fairgrounds into the heartbeat of eastern Colorado, where agriculture, community, and western heritage come together in one unforgettable celebration. From sunrise to the final arena lights at night, the fair delivers a full spectrum of energy, color, and excitement that draws families, competitors, and visitors from across the region.
A Fairgrounds Alive With Energy and Tradition
The moment you step onto the fairgrounds, you can feel it, the buzz of anticipation, the sound of livestock in the barns, the laughter echoing from the carnival, and the steady rhythm of a community coming together. This is more than a fair; it’s a summer tradition built on pride, hard work, and generations of agriculture.
Inside the barns, 4-H and FFA exhibitors proudly present livestock they’ve spent months raising and preparing. These young competitors embody dedication and responsibility as they step into the ring with cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, and poultry, each one representing hours of early mornings, late nights, and unwavering commitment. In the exhibit halls, creativity takes center stage. Handcrafted quilts, stunning photography, baked goods, produce, floral arrangements, and art displays showcase the incredible talent and heart of Yuma County residents.
Schedule
July 21
- 1 PM – Fashion Revue Judging
- 7 PM – Fashion Revue Public Show
July 27
- 9 AM – General and HomeEc Interview & judging
- 5 PM – Ranch Horse Show
July 28
- 830 AM – Dog Show
- 9 AM Fair Queen tryouts
- 5 PM Princess Program
- 6 PM Tack can begin moving in
July 29
- 7 AM – All animals can begin moving in
- 8 AM – Performance Horse Show
- 4 PM – Open Class HomeEc, Gen, and crops check-in
- 5 PM – Animal weigh-ins
July 30
- 930 AM – Pedal Tractor Pull
- 930 AM – Judging of Open class HomeEc, General & Crops
- 10 AM – Market Sheep Show
- 2 PM – Dairy Show
- 3 PM – Rabbit Judging
- 3 PM – Gymkhana
- 5 PM – Draft Horse Show
- 6 PM – Swine Show
July 31
- 7 AM – Farm Bureau Breakfast
- 7 AM – Nitrien Tallest Corn Contest Entry Check-in
- 8 AM – Senior Day
- 9 AM – Beef Show
- 11 AM – Judging of Tallest Corn Contest
- 1 PM – Bucket Calf Show
- 1 PM – Adventure Zone Open
- 3 PM – Goat Show
- 7 PM – Night Show Concert
August 1
- 730 AM – Working Western Show
- 10 AM Parade
- 10 AM – Public Farmers Market
- 12 PM – Community BBQ
- 1 PM – PRCA RODEO
- 1 PM – Adventure Zone Open
- 430 PM – 4-H Awards and Queen Crowning
- 5 PM – Junior Livestock Sale
- 8 PM – Hispanic Concert
- 9 PM – Teen Concert @ Old Threshers
August 2
- 7 AM – Cowboy Church
- 9 AM – County Event & Queen Barrel Race
- 12 PM – Stallings Memorial Draft Horse Show
- 1 PM – Adventure Zone Open
- 3 PM – Round Robin Contest
- 4 PM – Begin check-out of crops and livestock
- 5 PM – Ministerial Alliance Show
- 730 PM – PRCA RODEO
August 3
- 10 AM – Rodeo Slack and Steer roping
Rodeo Nights That Bring the Thunder
When the sun sets, the energy shifts to the arena where the Yuma County Rodeo takes over with heart-pounding action and crowd-igniting moments that define the western lifestyle. Expect the roar of the crowd as cowboys and cowgirls battle it out in classic rodeo events, barrel racing with razor-sharp turns, team roping at lightning speed, steer wrestling that demands strength and precision, and tie-down roping that tests skill under pressure. And when the chute gate swings open for bull riding, the entire arena holds its breath as man meets power in one of the most electrifying events in all of rodeo. Every ride, every run, every second in the arena adds to the legacy of this summer tradition.
Carnival Lights, Fair Food, and Family Fun
Beyond the arena, the fair transforms into a glowing world of carnival lights and summer magic. The midway comes alive with rides spinning against the night sky, games of chance and skill, and the unmistakable scent of fair favorites filling the air. Funnel cakes dusted in powdered sugar, smoky barbecue, fresh lemonade, roasted corn, and ice-cold treats make every visit a must for food lovers. Families stroll through the grounds, kids race from ride to ride, and friends gather under the lights to soak in the atmosphere that only a county fair can deliver. Live entertainment, local vendors, and community showcases keep the excitement going all day long, making it easy to spend hours exploring everything the fair has to offer.
A Celebration of Community and Western Heritage
The Yuma County Fair & Rodeo is more than just an event on the calendar; it’s a celebration of identity, tradition, and community spirit. It honors the agricultural roots that built the region while giving future generations a place to learn, compete, and grow. For many families, this fair is a yearly reunion. For youth exhibitors, it’s a defining moment of accomplishment. For visitors, it’s a chance to experience the authenticity of small-town Colorado hospitality at its finest.
Don’t Miss the Tradition
Mark your calendars for July 21 through August 3 and experience one of eastern Colorado’s most spirited summer celebrations. Whether you’re there for the rodeo thrills, the livestock shows, the carnival lights, or simply the sense of community that fills the air, the Yuma County Fair & Rodeo promises memories that last long after the final night ends. This summer, Yuma isn’t just hosting a fair; it’s throwing a full-scale celebration of western life, and everyone is invited.
Last Updated on 07/06/2026 by Olivia Clements
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