Albuquerque/New Mexico State Fairgrounds
300 San Pedro Dr. NE
(10am-9pm)

(ALBUQUERQUE)— Military veterans and national guard/reserve/active-duty service members will be admitted free to the New Mexico State Fair on 2023 Military and Veterans Day at the State Fair Tuesday, September 12.

This annual day at the state fairgrounds in Albuquerque is presented by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), the New Mexico National Guard, and the New Mexico State Fair to honor and thank the men and women who have served our country as members of the United States Military.

Gates open at 10a.m., and the fairground closes at 9p.m.

Service members, veterans, national guard/reserve personnel, and retirees must present either a valid Uniformed Services Retiree Identification Card, a valid New Mexico veterans-designation driver’s license, VA Veterans Health ID Card, or a copy of their DD-214 Separation Papers at the gate in order to obtain the free admission.

Veterans and active-duty personnel must still pay for parking at any fairground parking lot. Non-veteran/non-military spouses or family members are not eligible for the free admission.

In addition to the numerous rides and attractions at the state fair, there will be dozens of booths, exhibits and information tables throughout the fairgrounds staffed by DVS, the New Mexico National Guard, and dozens of other veterans’ organizations, and other community service groups.

11 a.m. ceremony on the main stage
The 44th Army Band will present a 30-minute musical prelude prior to the annual 11 a.m. brief ceremony on the main stage that honors the service and sacrifice of our active-duty servicemembers and veterans.


The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) provides support and services to New Mexico’s 144,134 veterans and their families. DVS treats every veteran, regardless of their rank achieved during military service, with the respect and gratitude befitting someone who has served our country. We strive every day to live up to our agency’s official motto: Serving Those Who Served.