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State Fair

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 27 through Sept. 7. For all of the events at the MPR booth and Dan Patch Park, go to mpr.org/statefair.

Here’s a guide to what to know before you go to the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, including information on tickets, transportation, attractions, what to bring and ways to save.

At the Great Minnesota Get-Together, sanitation workers spearhead trash awareness, composting

At the Great Minnesota Get-Together, sanitation workers spearhead trash awareness, composting

There has to be somewhere all that waste goes at the fair. Cue: the unsung hero of sanitation workers. Two workers say that working in sustainability, especially composting, has transformed how they look at the fair.
by Regina Medina

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'Terrifying': Crop artist speaks out after harassment over anti-Trump '8647' piece

'Terrifying': Crop artist speaks out after harassment over anti-Trump '8647' piece

Tamara Sawyer told MPR News that her viral “8647” crop art submission meant “Impeach Trump… I don't want him dead.” She was subjected to harassment and doxing online.
by Alex V. Cipolle and Sam Stroozas

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Why are there federal agents at the Minnesota State Fair?

Why are there federal agents at the Minnesota State Fair?

Minnesota State Fair officials say the people wearing Homeland Security uniforms are Transportation Security Administration Air Marshal service agents.
by Ahmed Hassan

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Hmong corndogs, cheese curd lumpia: Minnesota State Fair expands menu with global fusions

Hmong corndogs, cheese curd lumpia: Minnesota State Fair expands menu with global fusions

Among this year’s new food hits at the fair are more international foods — and some that borrow from the fair’s on-a-stick and deep-fried traditions. Chefs and fair food curators say it’s an intentional expansion.
by Estelle Timar-Wilcox

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How the State Fair launched the career of a Minnesota culinary icon

How the State Fair launched the career of a Minnesota culinary icon

Beatrice Ojakangas, 92, who won blue ribbons at the fair as a teen, went on to write more than 30 cookbooks, hobnob with cooking legends and invent one of the most famous frozen finger foods.
by Dan Kraker

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