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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.

Photos: First day of the 2018 Minnesota State Fair

Photos: First day of the 2018 Minnesota State Fair

Crowds were inside the gates before the sun came up and animals were still sleeping when eager fairgoers crept through the barns in the early morning. But it didn't stay quiet for long.
by Evan Frost

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Food critics dish on State Fair's best (and not-so-best)

Food critics dish on State Fair's best (and not-so-best)

Three Twin Cities food critics give their recommendations, and condemnations, after sampling some of the most talked about food items at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
by Tim Nelson

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Meet the man behind the State Fair's wildest rides

Meet the man behind the State Fair's wildest rides

A Texas thrill ride operator who prides himself on offering some of the biggest attractions returns to the Minnesota State Fair. Michael Wood, the son of Michigan carnival workers, was "born into the business." He took over for his pioneering father who died 20 years ago.
by Tim Nelson

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4 changes at this year's State Fair that you need to know about

4 changes at this year's State Fair that you need to know about

The good news: More cookies! The bad news: A bus driver shortage means you may be getting to the fair later than usual.
by Nancy Yang

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North end makeover highlights 2018 Minnesota State Fair

North end makeover highlights 2018 Minnesota State Fair

The north end of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds hasn't drawn a lot of traffic. But when the 2018 Minnesota State Fair opens Thursday in Falcon Heights, fairgoers may want to head that way.
by Associated Press

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Great Minnesota Get-Together is just days away

Great Minnesota Get-Together is just days away

More than 1,000 vendors are working hard to set up for the Minnesota State Fair, which starts its 12-day run on Thursday.
by Nina Moini

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Photos: The miracle of birth isn't always pretty

Photos: The miracle of birth isn't always pretty

Curiosity, awe, disgust -- a gamut of emotions run across people's faces at the Miracle of Birth barn at the State Fair.
by Maria Cardona

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4 questions for the State Fair's grandstand guru

4 questions for the State Fair's grandstand guru

Renee Alexander's job is to book the must-see acts for the State Fair. She's pretty good at it. She tells MPR News of her best get, and the Big One that got away.
by Tim Nelson

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