Fan-favorite food contests return to 2026 New Mexico State Fair

From salsas to cheeseburgers, fairgoers pick best bites in the state.

Source: New Mexico Department of Agriculture
Photos: Courtesy

ALBUQUERQUE – Some of the State Fair’s most mouthwatering competitions return this year with bold flavors and local pride.

• Battle of the Salsas | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 1-3 p.m.
  Sample and judge salsas from local producers featured in the Country Store. The first 250 fairgoers receive chips, salsa samples, and ballots to cast their votes.
• Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge | Monday, Sept. 14 | Starts at noon
  Eight restaurants from across the state will cook their best burgers on-site in this fiery competition celebrating one of New Mexico’s most iconic foods. A panel of judges and a limited number of public tasters will select the winners.

The 2026 Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge contestants include:

• Badlands Burgers & Brews (Aztec)
• Effingbar and Grill (Albuquerque)
• Fat Sats Bar and Grill (Belen)
• Fuego 505 (Albuquerque)
• La Villa Burgers & Boba (Santa Rosa)
• Smash & Shake (Albuquerque)
• Sparky’s Burgers, BBQ & Espresso (Hatch)
• Stackers Burger Company (Albuquerque)

“These competitions are a delicious way to support local food and celebrate New Mexico agriculture,” saidNew Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “If you eat, you’re a part of agriculture—and these events bring that message home.”

As a reminder, below is a list of all NMDA events happening at the State Fair:

• Battle of the Salsas at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
• Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge at noon Monday, Sept. 14
• Red, White and Brews Happy Hours from 3 to 7 p.m. daily
• Country Store will be open from Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the duration of the fair (located inside the Agriculture Building)

All events take place near the Agriculture Building. For full details, visit the New Mexico State Fair webpage or contact the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Development Division at 575-646-4929.