I love the Pueblo festival! This year (2023) it was the best I've seen it so far - they rearranged…read morethe stands a little and there are a ton of places, I spent hours there. I think they should not charge for entry, I feel like it's a little bit weird plus they only accept cash or some online payment method, however there is NO CELLULAR RECEPTION in the place, and that's why I can't give them 5 stars. There is also a good shuttle service but we did wait a little long. Some stands are too expensive, especially the food stands. Prices should be more affordable. Also, I couldn't find a stand with the official event merch this year, maybe I just missed it. So overall, this is a great experience and I love supporting the Pueblo chile farmers, however, a few things to still improve: * faster shuttle service * no fee to enter * provide cellular reception. this is simply ridiculous! * some stands charge outrageous prices the good: * can get fresh chiles * lots of food options * lots of other stands * happy atmosphere * so much to do

The salsa and chili contest was disappointingly unorganized, at least for the non-commercial…read moreeateries, which is what I entered. Entered the salsa contest and was turned away due to my salsa being two degrees too warm. Was told I could come back if it was cool enough but I had to go back to work. Paid $10 to enter. I understand good safety. I get that they could only accept salsa at 45degrees or colder. But to only have one person with one thermometer checking the temp for all the food, both hot and cold, seemed unprepared. There should be two check in stations- one for the chili and another for the salsa. Separate thermometers for both good types. Also- was there no refrigeration for the salsa entrees? They provided hot plates for the chili but nothing to accommodate salsa they did accept? That means the salsa they are all testing and tasting will sit out and gradually get warmer regardless. Therefor, how would coming back once it's cooler even do anything? Make it make sense. After standing in line for an hour and a half, regardless of how iced my cooler was that held my salsa, it stands to reason anything will lose cool when out of refrigeration for that long. Ergo, this who ordeal seems to need some reorganization and better planned execution of accepting entrees. I hope more people input constructive criticism for this part of the event or any other part that they attended, because I love Pueblo, my home, and I want anything that puts it on the map in positive ways to do well- and anything and everything can and should be improved. Thank you.

Such a wonderful event to attend. A lot of fun and good people. I recommend getting out to this…read moreyearly event.

Although we've lived here for decades, we had never attended the coffin races so we thought we'd go…read morethis year (October, 2016). The races started at noon and we arrived at 10:30. Even so, the parking was horrendous. We finally "made" our own parking spot off the main road half in some bushes. We walked around until 11:20 and then reserved some curb space to watch the parade and races. It was in the 80s and hot in the sun. Finally it was noon, and, and nothing. Ten after noon, nothing, Twenty after noon, nothing. Finally at 12:30pm, we had had enough and left to find a place to have lunch. Afterwards we went back to the car to find a $35 parking ticket (nice gimmick, don't provide sufficient parking and then clean up financially). Some of the costumes were neat, but until Manitou can get their parking situation under control, don't bother, it wasn't that great. I won't go to any more events there.

I have had a hard time figuring out how to write this review. In all honesty I love the people that…read moreput the show on however it was very poor communication not only for vendors but for attendees and staff. The booth fee was 425.00 for a 10x10 for a 3 day event in the main room. There was maybe 30 booths and a stage in the middle all the activites were scattered taking attendees away from the vendors. The celebs were nothing spectacular. Which could be why the attendance was low. Also it's the first weekend of the month everyone paid Bill's. Attendance was very low considering it's in its 9th year. I understand the overhead to each event heck I had overhead between covering my shifts at my store renting a uhaul and the booth fee. Friday was open to the public and free however there was minimal advertising to state that. Sat they had security and it was a mess I get safety. Sunday was to short and superbowl sunday. Sundays people go to church ect then come out. I lost almost 700.00 on this event if not more. I was really hoping it would have better not only for the vendors but for the organizers. Sadly I think this show has run its course at the antlers maybe a venue change maybe something. As a vendor and shop owner and an organizer of events myself I know the power of advertising. I personally posted alot on social media and sent email blasts out. Sadly we know the risk we take but I think if u want a successful show like it was in years past look back on those years also the hallways had vendors the one table vendors right before you walk into the dealer room so that in itself was not helpful they pay 150 and make the sales before people even get to the room. Overall I would say sadly I cant afford to do it again unless it changes and I was disappointed in the floor layout I know again its alot of work but 3 years ago it was super fun but this year I think they need a change. Sadly I think the show lost its appeal Posted from. Vendors standpoint who paid alot to be there

Not as mind blowing as you would expect. Very VIP oriented and not worth the money. The schedule…read morewas only available online which is not at all helpful while roaming the event. The vending area was nice but very very small. Not sure this is a 3 day event experience. More like a half day event.

I actually don't like fairs, but my husband does and thinks it's a good activity to take the kids…read more It was $15 for admission and since our kids were under 4 they were free. We did watch the monster truck show which was cool. Definitely something you can't see anywhere. They have motorcross riders too. I would definitely recommend trying to see a show while here. Tickets do sell out for these so make sure to book in advance. The petting zoo is a free activity, and our kids enjoyed it. They had some different animals like a donkey, llama, pig, and wallabies. You can pay for food if interested to feed the animals. There was another area that had lots of baby animals to look at that my kids enjoyed too. This is about fairs in general, but I just want to know if I am the only one? Why does everything have to be deep fried? Really you do not have a choice but to eat the unhealthiest options. Lots of options though. Food stands everywhere. Rides are overpriced and so is the food, but this is the case at the majority of fairs.

Entry $15 is good but so little to do. Have they went to experience other state fairs? This is more…read moreof a large county fair in many states. Food is expensive. Shows are solid and well done,

What a great excuse to hang out in Manitou, outside, in the summer!…read more Here's a HUGE protip: Go Sunday over Saturday. Why? A huge noticeable difference in how crowded it is. Saturday tends to get a lot more crowded, and the tend to run out of beer in the afternoon. However, the lines are never THAT bad, and while you wait in line, you talk and drink beer. It's like Disney World without the rides and you enjoy the wait Also, there are always coupons and deals that go around the week before. Listen to the radio or look online and you're guaranteed to save some money

Ciao Cara! If you find yourself craving a little Italian food, music or wares, bring your…read more"appetito per la pizza e pizelle". Plenty of vendors for that as festval goers have options to enjoy a slice of Italian Pie. Shop local businesses here as they share their creativity and artistry, be it with clothing or empty wine bottles. Best part is the time of year so take a stroll on Alaska and enjoy all the festival offers. Colorado is "in its season", so grab a bite and park yourself in front of the music stage (the event showcases local talent with two band stages), then watch the local troop "throw flags" at closing ceremonies. Bella!

Our family attends every year! One of the highlights of the summer for us! The kids crushing grapes…read moreis fun for the whole family to watch...face painting and delicious food! Gigantic rice crispy treats, authentic Italian desserts, the olive oils are a must buy as well is the farmers market! Sausage and peppers are my favorite foods to sample and the strawberries and cheesecake on a stick is to die for! Make sure you bring tons of cash for the food samples, games for kids, drinks and gifts! For a family of four we bring $200 but that buys us each food, drinks, face painting, a bottle of wine, olive oil and veggies from the farmers market! Make sure to list this as a must for September! Bel-Mar is also such a beautiful area and the shops are fantastic as well

The lantern fest was definitely a bucket-list item for me. It's your one opportunity to live out…read moreyour princess Tangled movie-moment. Each attendant gets a wrist-band, a smores kit (enough to make 4 smores) with a sharpie & a lighter. You also get the giant, bio-degradable lantern that looks like a giant condom when opened up. Guests arrive @ the venue & are given all these items + 2 smores sticks upon showing them your ticket (bought online). The event has food vendors & live music. The gates open @1PM but the lanterns started going up around 6:30PM. There are tiki torches everywhere that people use to light their lantern. After lighting the lantern, you're supposed to wait ~3 minutes for the lantern to get air. You are encouraged to bring camping chairs & blankets to the event. You're allowed to bring in food but no alcohol (there was no check point upon entrance). They provide fire pits with fire. Come early to claim a spot. Music that played during the lantern lighting was awesome (they played XX, Florence & the Machine, etc.). You can pay extra to get extra lanterns. Kids under (11?) can go for free. I thoroughly enjoyed this event & would recommend it to any age (family, couples, friends). It was a breathtaking, magical experience that I would do again & again!

Drove all the way from Denver to see the lantern fest in Colorado Springs, but when I arrived to…read morethe place there was a sign that the festival was canceled. I received no notification about the cancellation.