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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.

As Minnesota State Fair returns, have we seen 'peak fair'?

As Minnesota State Fair returns, have we seen 'peak fair'?

Before COVID, Minnesota State Fair attendance reached a record 2.1 million in 2019. The fair's growth had become an end-of-summer ritual. But amid concerns about COVID and public safety, can that growth resume? Or have we already experienced what might be called "peak fair"?
by Tim Nelson

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Based on the data, here are the lower traffic days to visit the State Fair

Based on the data, here are the lower traffic days to visit the State Fair

Based on the last nine years of State Fair attendance data, the first Thursday of the Great Get-Together tends to have the lowest traffic. Even though 2021 had slower traffic overall, trends for attendance data remain consistent.
by Matt Mikus

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Officials, neighbors say they're ready to keep this year's Minnesota State Fair a safe one

Officials, neighbors say they're ready to keep this year's Minnesota State Fair a safe one

The Minnesota State Fair's new police chief, Ron Knafla, says 200 officers will be working on the 300-acre fairgrounds during this year’s fair. Neighbors are also teaming up to serve as ambassadors, guides and eyes on the streets surrounding the fair.
by Tim Nelson

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Making the Get-Together great for everyone: State Fair focused on addressing accessibility

Making the Get-Together great for everyone: State Fair focused on addressing accessibility

While the 12-day get-together can be the event of the year for Minnesotans, for some there are concerns about access. The State Fair is working to create a more inclusive environment, understanding and accommodating of people with disabilities.
by Sam Stroozas

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Beginners try their luck at a Minnesota State Fair favorite: crop art

Crop art is a staple of the Minnesota State Fair. Artist Liz Schreiber recently spent a Saturday morning teaching a crop art class in Marine on the St. Croix.
by Sam Stroozas

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Sundae sammies, pickle pizza: New Minnesota State Fair foods are here

Sundae sammies, pickle pizza: New Minnesota State Fair foods are here

The Minnesota State Fair unveiled its new foods Tuesday, the annual preview of the dizzying array of new eating and drinking options at the 12-day gathering and eat-a-thon. 
by Tim Nelson

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State Fair final attendance: 1.3M, far below 2019 record

State Fair final attendance: 1.3M, far below 2019 record

The Minnesota State Fair wrapped up its 12-day run with total attendance of about 1.3 million, well below usual numbers as the delta variant kept many fairgoers away. 
by The Associated Press

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