The Larimer County Fair: 5 Things You Need to Know

The Larimer County Fair starts today — are you ready for it?

If you answered no to that question, don't panic. I've got all the information you need to know right here, so you can have the best time at the fair these next few days.

Before we begin, let's get the basics out of the way. The fair starts today (August 2) at 4 p.m. and goes until midnight on Tuesday (August 6). It is located at the Ranch Event Complex in Loveland. While some events require tickets, the fair itself is free (including the parking).

Now, let's get to the fun stuff.

1. There will be a carnival. 

Get ready to eat a bunch of cotton candy and then regret it after going on the rides, because the fair's Carnival Americana is open from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from noon to midnight on weekends.

Unfortunately, tickets are no longer available online, but your can grab yours at the gate for $35. If you want your ticket to be valid for all four days, you can upgrade to the All-Days ticket for $80.

2. Yee-haw, because the rodeo is coming to town.

Get your country on from Sunday (August 4) until Tuesday (August 6) with the PRCA Rodeo. Starting at 7 p.m. each night in the Budweiser Events Center, the rodeo will feature events such as bullfighting, mutton bustin', the Rodeo Queen coronation, and more.

Ticket information and prices can be found here.

3. For the over-21 crowd, there is a Colorado Craft Cave.

It wouldn't be a Northern Colorado event without craft beer. There will be three food and beer pairing sessions throughout the weekend, for $45 each. Saturday (August 3) will feature Breckenridge pairings starting at 3:30 p.m., followed by High Hops pairings at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday (August 4) will feature Dratz pairings at 6:00 p.m.

4. There is a free concert TONIGHT. 

Don't miss country superstar Jerrod Niemann's free performance tonight starting at 8 p.m. Featuring special guest CJ Solar, the concert will take place outdoors under the stars.

Niemann's latest track is "Old Glory," is a patriotic ode to his fellow veterans (he served multiple USO tours).

5. There are lots of other family-friendly attractions. 

Watch a movie under the stars. The Goonies will be shown on the main lawn of The Ranch on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.

For the early risers, don't miss a free pancake breakfast on Sunday at 7 a.m. Served by the Larimer County Fairboard Committee, the breakfast takes place in a tent outside of the Mac Equipment Inc. Indoor Arena.

Sounds like it's going to be an eventful weekend. For more information about the fair, visit The Ranch's website.