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.

Four chefs share their secrets at the State Fair

MPR's Kerri Miller hosts four chefs at the MPR State Fair booth. Her guests are Andrew Zimmern, Amy Thielen, Lenny Russo and Ann Kim.

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!
Franken and McFadden try to win over fairgoers

Franken and McFadden try to win over fairgoers

While Franken is trying to make the case that he can work with Republicans to get things done, McFadden is trying to paint the first-term incumbent as one of the most partisan Democrats in Washington.
by Mark Zdechlik

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!
For many kids, a first-ever day at the Fair

For many kids, a first-ever day at the Fair

We're checking in with first-timers at the Minnesota State Fair this week. Turns out, a lot of them are kids. Producer Britta Greene has this view from the crowds three feet off the ground.

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!

13 Vines that will make you feel like you're at the Minnesota State Fair

Photojournalist Jeffrey Thompson spent the day at the Minnesota State Fair and captured the sights and sounds in six-second Vine videos. There were smells, too, but you'll have to take his word on that one.
by Jeffrey Thompson

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!
Minnesota State Fair aims to be zero-waste event

Minnesota State Fair aims to be zero-waste event

With all the food waste generated at the fair, there is great potential for more composting. The main stumbling block will be all those plastic cups.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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: When crashes, mayhem and fire drew State Fair crowds to Thrill Day

Photos: When crashes, mayhem and fire drew State Fair crowds to Thrill Day

The Thrill Day theme continued through much of the 1930s and 1940s with stunts like a man setting himself on fire and diving into a pool, or acrobats performing on the wings of planes.
by Jon Collins

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!
The secret to preparing a sheep for a show

The secret to preparing a sheep for a show

Becky Tonne of Grenada, Minn., raises Suffolk sheep. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with her at the Minnesota State Fair about how she prepares her sheep to show.
by Cathy Wurzer

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!
Meet Frannie, the easy-going chicken

Meet Frannie, the easy-going chicken

You are likely to encounter lots of animals at the Minnesota State Fair. One of them is a chicken named Frannie.
by Jim Bickal

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!