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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.

A look at a young 4-H member's first trip to the state fair — and her blue ribbon rabbit

A look at a young 4-H member's first trip to the state fair — and her blue ribbon rabbit

More than 7,000 Minnesota youth are with their animals at the State Fair this year. Cathy Wurzer spoke with Denica Sleiter of Morris, Minn. about her rabbit.
by Cathy Wurzer, Melissa Townsend and Ellen Finn

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Severe storms roll through Twin Cities, cause flooding at Minnesota State Fair

Severe storms roll through Twin Cities, cause flooding at Minnesota State Fair

The National Weather Service says multiple EF 0 tornadoes hit east of downtown St. Paul and in suburban cities in Dakota county. Visitors at the Minnesota State Fair scrambled for cover amid flash flooding on the fairgrounds.
by Andrew Krueger

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Free skin cancer screenings, sun safety teachings at the State Fair

Free skin cancer screenings, sun safety teachings at the State Fair

M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center will administer free skin cancer checks Saturday to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here’s what they’ll be looking for, a look at skin cancer statistics in Minnesota and tips on how to keep yourself safe out in the sun.
by Regina Medina

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Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens at the Minnesota State Fair overnight?

Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens at the Minnesota State Fair overnight?

Each day of the Minnesota State Fair, tens of thousands of people visit the fairgrounds. But what happens after they all leave? MPR News reporter Tim Nelson has been covering the fair for decades, at all hours of the day, and found the answer.
by Tim Nelson

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Minnesota State Fair, by the numbers

Minnesota State Fair, by the numbers

The “Great Minnesota Get Together” is upon us. And, of course, the best part about it is the data.
by Craig Helmstetter

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Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens to the DNR fish after the State Fair is over?

Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens to the DNR fish after the State Fair is over?

Each year the Minnesota State Fair stocks a pond full of fish at the Minnesota State Fair. But what happens to the fish after the fair is done? MPR News reporter Tim Nelson set out to reel in the answer.
by Tim Nelson

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Minnesota State Fair Weather Quiz 2022

Minnesota State Fair Weather Quiz 2022

It’s time once again to test how much you know about Minnesota weather and climate.
by Cathy Wurzer and Mark Seeley

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