This summer, the Arapahoe County Fair is celebrating a massive milestone. When the gates open in Aurora from July 23 to July 26, 2026, it will mark exactly 120 years of local tradition. But that is not the only reason this year’s event is so special. Get your pre-sale tickets now at https://www.arapahoecountyfair.com/p/tickets.

A Triple Birthday Party

The 2026 fair falls during a historic alignment of anniversaries. Along with the fair’s 120th year, Colorado is celebrating its 150th birthday, and the United States is marking its 250th birthday.

What started in 1906 as a small gathering for local farmers to show off their crops has survived world wars, economic shifts, and massive city growth. Today, it stands as Aurora’s oldest and most beloved summer tradition.

History Meets the Future

To honor this triple milestone, the fairgrounds will feature unique events you can only experience in 2026:

• The Moments That Made US: Walk through a special exhibition that explores how generations of Americans have given meaning to the ideals set out in the Declaration of Independence. The display is adapted from the acclaimed Moments That Made US exhibition created by History Colorado and currently on view at the History Colorado Center in Denver.
• Free Drone Shows: The Friday and Saturday night drone light displays will feature high-tech, customized tributes to Colorado’s and America’s historic birthdays.
• 120^th Anniversary Display: This year’s  Public Competitions will offer ribbons for a new exhibit class celebrating the Fair’s 120th Anniversary.
• 120 Free Things To Do: The ultimate list of free fair activities for everyone once you get through the gates.

Be Part of the Story

While the rides are faster and the lights are brighter than they were back in 1906, the heart of the fair remains the same: celebrating community. By stepping through the gates this July, Aurora families aren’t just enjoying a weekend out, they are becoming a part of Colorado history.

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