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.

Are you a State Fair pro?
Nobody does a state fair like Minnesota. And nobody does The State Fair like Minnesotans. Everyone’s got a fair hack — that little trick that makes you an insider, the one you swear by, the one that makes your trip (or trips!) to the fair the best possible time — till next year. Clark Gregor…
Day four: What are they judging?
Judges here are looking for proper tattoos, good color and nice teeth. What are they judging?