Sep 3, 2025

Fan-favorite food contests return to 2025 New Mexico State Fair

Contact: Jenny Green

Public Affairs Specialist

jgreen@nmda.nmsu.edu | 575-202-4249

Sept. 3, 2025

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

Haga clic aquí para español.

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

Battle of the Salsas | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 1–3 p.m.

Sample and judge salsas made by 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. 8 | Starts at noon

Nine 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 2025 Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge contestants include:

Downshift Brewing Company (Ruidoso)

Fuego 505 (Albuquerque)

Craft Republic (Albuquerque)

Owl Café (Albuquerque)

The Grill @ The Sheraton (Albuquerque)

Isleta Grill (Isleta Pueblo)

Laguna Burger (Laguna Pueblo)

Sparky’s Burgers, BBQ & Espresso (Hatch)

Grill at the Monte Carlo (Questa)

“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.”

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 (NMDA) Marketing and Development Division at 575-646-4929.

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. 6

Green Chile Cheese Burger Challenge at noon Monday, Sept. 8

Red, White and Brews Happy Hours from 3 to 8 p.m. daily

Country Store will be open from Sunday through Thursday from 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)

###

Find us at:

NMDeptAg.nmsu.edu

Facebook, X, Instagram: @NMDeptAg

YouTube: NMDeptAg | LinkedIn: New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Photo 1: Secretary Witte_BOS2024

Cutline: Some of the State Fair’s most mouthwatering competitions return with bold flavors and local pride this year. Mark your calendars for the Battle of the Salsas and Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge. All events take place at the Agriculture Building. New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte participated in the 2024 Battle of the Salsas competition. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

Photo 2: Close-up green chile burger

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