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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.

Your Minnesota Weekend: State Fair Lovers (or not) Edition

Your Minnesota Weekend: State Fair Lovers (or not) Edition

If you're the fairgoing type, consider this Your Minnesota Weekend: State Fair Edition. But if the idea of shuffling in the humidity elbow-to-elbow with thousands of fellow Minnesotans trying to keep their fried food from and melty ice cream from falling on your toes, laden with bags full of Education-Building swag, consider this Your Minnesota Weekend: Last Chance of Summer Edition.
by Meg Martin

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Photo gallery: Welcome to the fair

Photo gallery: Welcome to the fair

The Minnesota State Fair kicked off Thursday morning and marked historic changes, an annual parade of new foods (some on a stick!) and the unofficial start to campaign season.
by Jeffrey Thompson and Jennifer Simonson

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McFadden challenges Franken to double their debates

McFadden challenges Franken to double their debates

Franken has agreed to meet McFadden in three debates, in addition to the Farm Fest forum they appeared at earlier this month. McFadden wants an additional three. Franken counters that their three remaining encounters will be enough.
by Mark Zdechlik

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Dayton declines Johnson's request for multiple debates

Dayton declines Johnson's request for multiple debates

Republican gubernatorial nominee Jeff Johnson said he is requesting 13 debates to better inform the voters.
by Tom Scheck

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State seeks fairgoers' help for honeybees

State seeks fairgoers' help for honeybees

Campaign aims to recruit people to protect pollinators.
by Jon Collins

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Gov. Dayton takes the Ice Bucket Challenge

Gov. Dayton takes the Ice Bucket Challenge

Gov. Mark Dayton took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the State Fair today. The governor accepted the challenge from Twins owner Jim Pohlad. The national craze has raised millions for the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease. MPR’s full State Fair coverage
by MPR News Staff

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Climate Cast

Climate Cast

MPR Meteorologist Paul Huttner and University of St. Thomas Professor John Abraham will be talking about the unusually hot world temperatures in 2014 and take your questions.
by John Abraham

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