Dates and Hours
What're the 2024 Arapahoe County Fair Dates and Hours?
2024 Arapahoe County Fair Hours*
July 25, 2024; 4 p.m.-Midnight
July 26, 2024; 11 a.m.-Midnight
July 27, 2024; 11 a.m.-Midnight
July 28, 2024; 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
*Gates close at 11 p.m. on July 25-27th and 9 p.m. on July 28th
Important note: Fair tickets are non-refundable, and the event is held rain or shine. Saturday is the busiest day of the Fair and attendees should know that gates and parking lots may close if capacity limits are reached. No refunds are issued for capacity closures.
Important Traffic Information
Is there any important traffic information I should be aware of?
South Harvest Road will be closed in both directions from July 25-28, to address safety and traffic management during the Fair. Motorists should use South Gun Club Road or East Belleview Avenue as alternative routes into the neighborhood and East Quincy Avenue or South Powhaton Road to access the Fair entrance.
Pricing
How do I redeem my online ticket?
You can redeem your ticket two ways.
1) Print your ticket and show it at the gate.
2) Show bar code proof of purchase on a smart phone.
We will not have record of your online purchase at the gate. There is no admittance if you do not have a printed ticket or proof of purchase on your phone.
Do I need to bring cash?
Most vendors take cash and credit. Mutton' Bustin does require payment by cash or venmo.
ATMs are available on site. Please refer to the Event Map for locations.
Does Mutton Bustin' cost money to compete?
Yes. Mutton Bustin' has a $15 entry fee for competition that can be paid by CASH or VENMO. However, you can watch the shows for FREE. Please register in person to compete 45 minutes prior to each show. Not to exceed 50lbs.
What's included with my admission ticket?
Unlimited Carnival Rides, Fireworks, Rodeos, Tractor Pulls, Roaming Entertainment, Petting Farm, Kids Corral, Heritage Hall, Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, 4-H shows at the livestock pavilion, Main Stage Entertainment, Public Competitions, and More.
*Midway games, Mutton Bustin, Food, and Alcohol are additional cost. Vendors may have items for purchase.
*Boots Not Suits and Pours on the Plains (Craft Brew Festival), are separate ticketed events. Please visit the TICKETS page to purchase.
Parking
How much is it to park at the Fair?
There is no fee for parking at the Arapahoe County Fair. We strongly encourage carpooling to the Fair.
Handicap and ride share drop-off parking is available.
For questions about vendor, exhibitor, or entertainer parking, please call 303-795-4955.
Mobility Assistance
What're the mobility options at Fair?
For those with mobility concerns, the ground at the Fairgrounds is uneven. We will work to provide you with accommodations when possible. Please contact our event staff at 720-450-7172 for more information.
Health & Safety
What COVID protocols do you have in place?
Arapahoe County follows current COVID-19 guidance from Arapahoe County Public Health which is in alignment with both the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and current CDC recommendations.
-Fairgrounds staff and midway ride operators perform regular cleaning of rides, restrooms, and other high-touch surface areas.
-Fairgoers are encouraged to wash hands frequently or apply hand sanitizer (available throughout the Fairgrounds).
-Food vendors must comply with all Arapahoe County Public Health cleaning and sanitization protocols.
-Fairgrounds staff and fairgoers are both encouraged to stay home if not feeling well and consider getting tested for COVID-19 if experiencing COVID-like symptoms.
-We will update this website if there any COVID-19 restrictions in place during the Fair.
What are you doing about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and livestock shows?
1. The 4-H poultry and cattle shows are still being held during the Fair.
2. The Round Robin event on Saturday, July 27 will use stuffed animals instead of live birds.
3. Arapahoe County is following the recommendations and guidance of the Colorado Department of Agriculture and will notify the public of any changes or important updates.
4. Health and safety measures are in place and livestock handlers have been asked to take extra precaution.
5. Public is advised not to feed or touch the animals and wash hands frequently when entering and leaving the 4-H livestock areas.
6. 6. Petting Farm participants are permitted to touch the animals with handwashing encouraged before and after. There will be no poultry or lactating dairy cattle in the Petting Farm.
Weather and Capacity Closure - Reentry
What if the Fair reaches capacity?
Important note: Fair tickets are non-refundable, and the event is held rain or shine. Saturday is the busiest day of the Fair and attendees should know that gates and parking lots may close if capacity limits are reached. No refunds are issued for capacity closures.
What happens if weather impacts the Fair?
Daily Fair tickets are non-refundable. Event is rain or shine.
To ensure the safety of fairgoers severe weather may cause entertainment and rides to temporarily shut down. Once inclement weather has passed, entertainment and rides will resume as approved by Fair management. If you leave the Fair due to inclement weather, you may reenter the Fair with your wristband that same day.
How do I re-enter the Fair?
The wristband you redeem will be valid to reenter on the same day you redeem your ticket. If you would like to come back another day, you will have to purchase another entry ticket.
Carnival Rides
How tall do I have to be to ride the rides?
Children must be at least 36" to ride carnival rides. Children under 36" will not have to purchase a ticket to enter the Fair. All fairgoers over this height must purchase a ticket to enter the fair. Children 37" - 42" have limited rides available and some require an adult to accompany them on the ride.
Carnival riding is UNLIMITED!
The carnival is just one feature of the Fair. If you do not wish to ride, we encourage you to enjoy other entertainment offered.
Carnival riding is UNLIMITED!
The carnival is just one feature of the Fair. If you do not wish to ride, we encourage you to enjoy our full lineup of entertainment on the Main Stage, Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, Rodeos, Kids Corral activity area, Toddler Town, 4-H exhibits and shows, Public Competitions, tractor pulls, and so much more!
**Midway Games are an additional cost**
Can I Bring...
What can I bring?
Fair management discourages bringing dogs or pets to the County Fair and associated grounds. Service animals and animals associated with competitors or entertainers are allowed within the Fairgrounds and Event Center.
Food and beverage in a cooler is allowed (no glass containers or alcoholic beverages).
Purses and small backpacks are allowed.
Umbrellas are allowed.
Lawn chairs or stadium/bleacher cushions are allowed.
Be sure to keep all personal items with you, the Fairgrounds is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please be courteous to others when using an umbrella during a spectator event and do not use lawn chairs in designated handicap areas.
Places to Stay
Are there nearby hotels where I can stay?
Yes! We recommend two hotels that are close to the Fairgrounds.
Fairfield Inn and Suites- Marriott
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/denas-fairfield-inn-and-suites-denver-aurora-parker/
Doubletree- Hilton
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/denitdt-doubletree-denver-aurora/?SEO_id=GMB-DT-DENITDT
Rules and Regulations
What are the Fair's Rules and Regulations?
The Arapahoe County Fair is organized as a family event and operated for educational purposes to encourage and promote agricultural, horticultural, livestock, and other activities.
Arapahoe County retains control and management of the Arapahoe County Fair and the Fairgrounds at all times, and will have the right at all times to enforce the rules and regulations of any lawful authority relating thereto. Any person violating any of the prohibitions enumerated below or other laws shall not be allowed to remain in the Fairgrounds and may be subject to fine and/or criminal prosecution under Colo.Rev.Stat. § 18-9-101, et seq., including 18-9-110 and 18-9-117.
1. The sale, consumption, or possession of alcohol is prohibited in the Fairgrounds, except where sold by licensed personnel and so long as consumed within the confines of the Fair.
2. Unauthorized carrying or discharging firearms or weapons of any kind is not permitted. Paintball, BB, pellet, air, blowguns, rocket slingshots, crossbows, martial arts weapons, fireworks, and explosives are prohibited on the Fairgrounds.
3. Smoking is prohibited on the Fairgrounds unless in a designated smoking area.
4. No noisemakers or sound-making devices such as whistles or air horns will be permitted on the Fairgrounds.
5. No glass containers may be brought into the Fairgrounds.
6. No pets are allowed into the Fairgrounds with the exception of service animals.
7. No bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, or scooters are allowed within the Fair or associated midway. A bike storage area(s) is provided for visitors who ride to the Arapahoe County Fair.
8. No use or operation of drones or other radio-controlled aircraft on the Fairgrounds, except when pre-approved by Fair Management.
9. No person shall engage in disorderly conduct, fighting, vandalism, illegal activity, or in any other conduct which may be reasonably expected to substantially interfere with the use and employment of the buildings, structures, facilities, or property, or which may otherwise constitute a general nuisance.
10. No person shall engage in foul, obscene, or abusive language or actions.
11. Arapahoe County has the right to eject all persons who fail or refuse to comply with the rules and regulations covering entry to the Fair and use of the Fairgrounds or who otherwise violate any laws, rules, ordinances, or regulations of local, state, or federal government.
12. Motor vehicles must be parked in designated areas.
13. Only Fair golf carts are allowed on the Fairgrounds and operation is restricted in areas of the midway or in pedestrian travel areas during Fair hours of operation.
14. No camping is allowed in the Fairgrounds, except by permit in areas designated by Fair Management.
15. Politicking, campaigning, or circulating of petitions is only permitted within specific area(s) designated by Fair Management.
16. Vendor space must be rented and a valid agreement for the current Arapahoe County Fair must be in place with Fair Management. Solicitation of merchandise, food, or beverage and handing out of fliers, pamphlets or other information is not allowed outside of designated vendor spaces.
17. Staff and volunteers shall not accept or encourage any special considerations, discounts, or free merchandise or food from any of the food or commercial vendors.
18. Arapahoe County will use all reasonable care to ensure the safety of the animals, exhibits, exhibitors, and Fair patrons, but under no circumstances shall Arapahoe County be responsible in any way for any loss or injury to any person exhibiting, assisting with, or attending the Fair.