From poets to quilters, bakers to whittlers, and photographers to potters, Colorado artists and artisans are invited to compete for "Best in Show" at the 2025 Colorado State Fair.The State Fair has a competition category for everything from the whimsical (the or competitions) to the sublime ( that include oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and more), to the delicious (all those and ), and even the weird (misshapen veggies).It's all part of the excitement of the 153rd Colorado State Fair, along with rodeos and concerts, fair food, and carnival rides. “The General Entry contests provide a platform for creators of all kinds, from those crafting in their home kitchens to those working in their art studios. The diverse range of submissions shows the rich cultural tapestry of Colorado,” said Colorado State Fair General Manager Andrea Wiesenmeyer. “From fine arts to culinary creations, we take immense pride in providing a platform for these individuals to share their passion and creativity with the entire state."Competitions are now open to enter, and the deadline is July 16 for most competitions. Check for specific details, as deadlines for particular categories can vary.The Colorado State Fair's is one of the longest-running contests, allowing artists from around the state to showcase their finest works. The competition has expanded to include eight categories in 2D and 3D art. Any art created by Generative Artificial Intelligence will be judged under the Digital Art category, and any use of AI software must be explicitly stated.Pantry competitions include cakes, candy, canned fruit or vegetables, yeast or quick bread, pickles, preserves, pies, and more. Exhibitors who compete in at least 12 different Pantry divisions can earn the title of "Royalty of the Kitchen" or "Youth Kitchen Royalty" for competitors who are 18 and under. The Fair also hosts a,, and. Those winners have just been announced at .Farm and Garden divisions include produce — broccoli, cabbage, corn, peppers, tomatoes, and gourds — as well as fruit, herbs, field crops, and baled hay. The competitions even include "Nature's Oddities," such as Most Misshapen Fruit or Oddest Vegetable. The special contests categories range from Funniest Pet Photo to the Pet Rock Competition. The special contests also include a cupcake baking competition sponsored by King Arthur Flour, where home bakers are asked to bake beautiful and delicious desserts. Entries will be judged on appearance, creativity, and taste.Coloradans can also submit their creations and pay entry fees online. Beginning on June 9, in-person entry registration will take place through the front doors of the Fine Arts Building on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Once construction is completed in the Palace of Agriculture, in-person entry registration will move back to its usual location in the general entry office. The Fairgrounds will be closed June 19 in observance of Juneteenth and July 4 for Independence Day. Experts in each category will judge items, and winners will be revealed on the first day of the Fair. categories: Amateur Art Arts and Crafts Beer and WineDolls Agriculture Mechanics Fine Arts Floriculture Needle Arts Pantry Porcelain Art Quilts Farm and Garden The categories: Poetry Coloring for all ages Pet Rock Funniest Pet Photo More information on each category, including specific entry requirements, can be found. The Fair will showcase competition winners during the entire 11 days of the 2025 Colorado State Fair, from August 22 - September 1, 2025, in the Creative Arts and Fine Arts buildings. Visit the for additional details. , Join us in Pueblo, Colorado for our annual Colorado State Fair & Rodeo. Free attractions, carnival & entertainment. Fun for the whole family!, EVENT DETAILS: 2025 Colorado State Fair Dates: Aug. 22, 2025 – Sept. 1, 2025 Hours: Varying times noted below Monday – Thursday: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m..