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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.

State Fair reassures Minnesotans: Our rides are safe

State Fair reassures Minnesotans: Our rides are safe

Rides get three rounds of inspections, including an initial inspection when they're trucked in and assembled on the fairgrounds, a daily inspection by ride operators and a utility inspection by state electrical inspectors, said general manager Jerry Hammer.
by Tim Nelson

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When sideshows ruled state fairs

When sideshows ruled state fairs

In the 1950s and '60s, the U.S. had over 100 traveling sideshows — or "freak shows," as they were once known.
by MPR News Staff

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For Minnesota State Fair food judges, it's all tastefully done

For Minnesota State Fair food judges, it's all tastefully done

Food judging can be a sweet gig at the fair. But whether it's jams or jerky, the work demands a connoisseur's palate. Here's what we found -- and tasted.
by Brian Bakst

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Photos: State Fair's newest eats smush a lot of stuff together

Photos: State Fair's newest eats smush a lot of stuff together

This year's 31 new menu items range from sweet to savory to somewhat questionable. One of the new sandwiches was quickly renamed after backlash over it's anti-Semitic connotations.
by Tim Nelson and Nancy Yang

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Loud, vocal, dominant: What are they judging?

Loud, vocal, dominant: What are they judging?

Minnesotans can get competitive with just about anything at the State Fair.
by Nikki Tundel

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The definitive history of the corn dog (er, Pronto Pup)

The definitive history of the corn dog (er, Pronto Pup)

It's been a Minnesota State Fair staple since 1947, and it's about to be sold there for the 25 millionth time. It's quintessentially Minnesotan. But the Pronto Pup isn't from here — and its origin story is batter-dipped in mystery.
by Tracy Mumford

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Another big day at the fair for Minnesota's Hmong

Another big day at the fair for Minnesota's Hmong

The Labor Day event was among the State Fair's best draws last year, and it's back.
by Doualy Xaykaothao

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A sketchier look at the Minnesota State Fair

A sketchier look at the Minnesota State Fair

Here's a second round-up of artists' renditions of the Minnesota State Fair, from Pronto Pups to shearing sheep.
by Tracy Mumford

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