Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now

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.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar at the Minnesota State Fair

Sen. Amy Klobuchar at the Minnesota State Fair

Gary Eichten interviews Minnesota's senior senator in front of a live audience at the Minnesota State Fair.
by MPR News Staff

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Noise, movement and household items: What are they judging?

Noise, movement and household items: What are they judging?

For some, the Minnesota State Fair is all about competition. Every day this week, All Things Considered is asking: "What's being judged?" Here are some hints. Can you figure it out?
by Nikki Tundel

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Photos: Old ways, new generation meet at Minnesota State Fair

Photos: Old ways, new generation meet at Minnesota State Fair

The State Fair experience has been a staple of Minnesota life for more than 150 years. Each year, a new generation embraces the fair's traditional — and not so traditional — joys. This year was no exception. Take a look.
by Courtney Perry

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Food critics take on the State Fair's new eats

Food critics take on the State Fair's new eats

Pioneer Press food critic Jess Fleming, Mecca Bos from City Pages and the Heavy Table's James Norton ate their way through the old and new offerings at the 2016 fair.
by Tim Nelson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
It wouldn't be the State Fair without plenty of politics

It wouldn't be the State Fair without plenty of politics

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are unlikely to show up at State Fair this year, but their supporters are making the case to fairgoers, whether they want to hear it or not.
by Tim Pugmire

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
New at the fair: Recipe cards

New at the fair: Recipe cards

This year, the fair is giving away a half dozen collectible recipe cards that feature Blue Ribbon-winning foods. Several of the featured chefs talk about their experience.
by Tim Nelson and Amanda Furru

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Ties that bind: It's Minnesota State Fair time again

Ties that bind: It's Minnesota State Fair time again

The fair has been a special place for millions of Minnesotans since 1859. Heartfelt stories and wide smiles were easy to find Thursday morning as the gates swung open on Day One, 2016.
by Tim Nelson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
At Minnesota State Fair, a last stand for ash trees?

At Minnesota State Fair, a last stand for ash trees?

Fair officials are in the middle of one of the state's most intensive efforts to keep the tree-killing emerald ash borer at bay and the fairgrounds green. Here's a look inside the battle.
by Tim Nelson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!