FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact: Jenny Green
Public Affairs Specialist
jgreen@nmda.nmsu.edu | 575-202-4249

Aug. 24, 2026

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

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

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.

A woman selects small cups of salsa from cardboard trays, with event staff in the background. — Some of the State Fair’s most mouthwatering competitions return this year with bold flavors and local pride. Mark your calendars for the Battle of the Salsas and Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge. All events take place at the Agriculture Building. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

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,” said New 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)

A green chile cheeseburger sits on a white plate, topped with green chile, cheese, lettuce, tomato and other toppings, with people seated at a judging table in the background. — Some of the State Fair’s most mouthwatering competitions return this year with bold flavors and local pride. Mark your calendars for the Battle of the Salsas and Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge. All events take place at the Agriculture Building. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

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.

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The New Mexico Department of Agriculture benefits the public by promoting the viability and advancement of New Mexico agriculture and affiliated industries. The agency promotes a fair marketplace, food safety, marketing, and economic development; supports the beneficial use and conservation of natural resources; and works cooperatively with the public and private sectors.

Find us at:
NMDeptAg.nmsu.eduFacebook, X, Instagram: @NMDeptAg
YouTube: NMDeptAg | LinkedIn: New Mexico Department of Agriculture

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