Some of the most popular food competitions will return to the 2025 New Mexico State Fair, bringing back local flavors and community participation. The events, which will be held in the Agriculture Building, include the Battle of the Salsas and the Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge.
The Battle of the Salsas is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. Visitors can sample salsas made by local producers featured in the Country Store. The first 250 attendees will receive chips, salsa samples, and ballots to vote for their favorite entry.
The Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge will take place on Monday, September 8, starting at noon. Nine restaurants from across New Mexico are set to compete by cooking their burgers on-site. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and a limited number of public tasters.
Participating restaurants in this year’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge 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), and 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.”
Additional activities at the Agriculture Building during the fair include Red, White and Brews Happy Hours from 3 to 8 p.m. daily. The Country Store will operate Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., throughout the duration of the fair.
