Twelve days of the Minnesota State Fair means the Fairgrounds are open for 190 hours, which is 11,400 minutes, which means that out of the 3,829 activities on the Fair’s official schedule, we can do each one for 2 minutes and 58.6 seconds if we…
Whew. Deep breaths.
There’s so much happening all the time at the State Fair that it’s impossible to do everything — but that’s part of the joy of the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Alongside your favorite annual traditions, there’s always more to explore: activities you haven’t done yet, foods you haven’t tasted yet, animals you haven’t petted yet.
Here’s our day-by-day guide to some free Fair fun to put on your radar that you might not have known about, and that won’t cost an arm and a leg — because you’ll need those for walking and Pronto Pup-eating.
THURSDAY, Aug. 21
Daily deal: Brave the opening-day crowds with cheaper admission: Adults can get in for $18, and kids and senior tickets are $15. Plus, ticket deals all day on rides and games at the Mighty Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park.
Today’s theme is: STEM Day. Along with a variety of science, tech, engineering and math activities at Dan Patch Park, catch the University of Minnesota Physics Force troupe performing at 9:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., the university’s Raptor Center at 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and local musician Terrell X running a program called “Engineering a Human Beat Box” at 1:15 p.m.
FOUR FOR FREE:
PERK UP: Comedy magician Chipper Lowell brings his funny and mesmerizing schtick to the State Fair for a high-energy all-ages show. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park (and same times on Aug. 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26)
GET COZY: Learn to spin or felt wool. (You can also learn to wash and dry it earlier in the day, should you so choose.) 2 to 4 p.m. at Sheep & Poultry Barn (and same times Aug. 22, 23, 25, 26 and 27)
SPEAK FOR THE TREES: It’s the classic “The Lorax,” as told through puppets by We All Need Food & Water. 4 p.m. at The DIRT demonstration stage at the Agriculture-Horticulture Building
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Singer-songwriter Rachel Platten makes more music than just her inescapable 2015 hit “Fight Song.” 8:30 p.m. at the Bandshell (and same time on Aug. 22)
Fairgoers plunge down the Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
FRIDAY, Aug. 22
Daily deal: Ticket promotions till 1 p.m. on rides and games at the Mighty Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park.
Today’s theme is: Governor’s Fire Prevention Day, with activities and safety demonstrations around the Fairgrounds. At Dan Patch Park, see mock car crashes at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., participate in a quiz show at 12:30 and 4 p.m. (sorry, firefighters, you’re not eligible) and hear from officials including Gov. Tim Walz at 11:30 a.m.
FOUR FOR FREE:
BE THERE OR: Be square! The Square Dance Federation of Minnesota, a group of 22 clubs, is putting its best foot forward. 1 and 2:30 p.m. at Cosgrove Stage (and same times on Aug. 21)
PAIR: Deeann Lufkin, head cheesemaker and owner of Cannon Belles Cheese, will talk about pairing Minnesota wines with Minnesota cheeses, both of which are better than you might expect. 3:30 p.m. at Minnesota Wine Country (and same time on Aug. 29)
TWEET: The old-fashioned way by learning how to identify birds. Figure out how to tell birds apart and connect with community birding resources at Birding 101. 5 p.m. at The DIRT demonstration stage at the Agriculture-Horticulture Building
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Apart from hosting KFAI’s very-long-running folk music show “Womenfolk,” Ellen Stanley also performs her own tunes as Mother Banjo. 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at the West End Market Stage at Schilling Amphitheater (and same times on Aug. 21)
3 P.M. — Two-year-old Carol Fischer and her brothers, Benjamin, 6, and Timothy, 3, right, enjoy a handful of cotton candy as they ride in a wagon at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
SATURDAY, Aug. 23
Today’s theme is: 4-H Day. Separately, over at Dan Patch Park for Hubbard Broadcasting Day, hear tapings of the Tom Barnard Podcast at 10:15 a.m., KS95’s Staci and Hutch’s “Say Too Much” Podcast at 1:30 p.m. and KS95’s After Hours Podcast with Crisco, Dez and Wes at 2:45 p.m.
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FOUR FOR FREE:
GRILL: 4-H youth show off their secret barbecue sauce recipes on chickens they’re grilling in the 4-H Chicken BBQ Contest. 8:30 a.m. at Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum
IT TAKES TWO: Tango Society of Minnesota dancers present classic Argentinian dance. 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. at Cosgrove Stage
MELT LIKE LEMON DROPS: Children’s Theatre Company performers will present a quick rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz.” 12:45 p.m. at Dan Patch Park
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Kat Perkins, the Twin Cities musician and “The Voice” semifinalist, brings her Good Time Band to the Fair. 6:30 p.m. at Cafe Caribe
6 P.M.: Members of the Minnesota State Fair Mounted Patrol ride their horses along Liggett Street at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
SUNDAY, Aug. 24
FOUR FOR FREE:
BAAA-LOWEEN: Teams of four people in themed costumes race to dress up a sheep in a matching outfit, and the audience votes for their favorite group. 9 a.m. at Sheep & Poultry Barn
SLITHER: Come hang out with friends from the Minnesota Herpetological Society, both human and reptile. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DNR Garden Stage (and same time Aug. 31)
GALLOP: Massive, muscular draft horses are not commonly ridden — they’re workhorses, literally — but Draft Horse Barrel Racing sees talented equestrians ride them at high speeds around obstacles. 3 p.m. at Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Arrested Development, the Grammy-winning hip hop group that’s been performing and championing social causes for more than three decades, takes the stage. 8:30 p.m. at the Bandshell (and same time on Aug. 23).
12 P.M.: Penelope Kofoed, 4, enjoys some down time on the shoulder of her dad, Alex, as the Minnetonka family explores the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
MONDAY, Aug. 25
Daily deal: It’s Seniors Day, so bring your friends (or yourselves) aged 65+ for $15 admission tickets. Plus, early-bird specials till 1 p.m. on rides and games at the Mighty Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park.
Today’s theme is: Mental Health Awareness Day. Throughout the day, catch performances at Dan Patch Park from intertribal collective Imnizaska Drum Group, Hmong dragon dancing pioneer Alivia Lor, local folk duo Wren and Wilde, drag family Mystereo, musician Abraham Westlund, introspective songwriter Elska and renowned drum group Red Lake Singers.
FOUR FOR FREE:
ROCK ON: Geologically speaking. Kids can hunt for pieces of Lake Superior agate, the Minnesota state rock. (Did you know we had a state rock?) 12 and 2 p.m. at DNR Building
CHAIN REACTION: Bicycl-ologically speaking. Mr. Michael, from the eponymous and delightfully rhyming local bike shop Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles, will share some bicycle maintenance tips. 12 p.m. at Eco Experience
MAKE A MOVE: Terpsichorially speaking. Take a break from eating to join a quick Zumba dance-fitness class. 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. at Cosgrove Stage (also at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 28 and at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Aug. 30)
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Another big-name free show, Mexican American cross-genre rockers Los Lobos have been in the game for more than 50 years, so they know what they’re doing. 8:30 p.m. at the Bandshell (and same time on Aug. 26).
TUESDAY, Aug. 26
Daily deal: In honor of Military Appreciation Day, $15 admission across the board for active military and spouses/kids, retired military and spouses and military veterans and spouses, with valid documentation of service. (Please note a slight change from previous years: This discount still extends to all spouses, but only children of active military are eligible for reduced-price admission.) Plus, get ticket deals all day on rides and games at the Mighty Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park.
Today’s theme is: Military Appreciation Day. The Red Bull Band, the 34th Infantry Division Band Ensemble, is performing at Dan Patch Park at 1:30, 2:25, 3:30 and 4:30.
FOUR FOR FREE:
SIT / STAY: Both things you can do while watching talented dogs show off their obedience training skills and run agility courses. 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Pet Pavilion outdoor demo area
MOO: Will potentially be said by humans, not cows, during the 23rd annual Celebrity Farm Animal Calling Contest. 12:20 p.m. at Moo Booth
PORTOBEL-LEO: Maybe you know your zodiac sign, but what’s your fungus sign? This mycology astrology is hosted by the University of Minnesota Department of Plant Pathology, so you know it’s legit. 3 to 6 p.m. at Agriculture-Horticulture Building (also from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21)
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Local Americana-roots trio Wild Horses have opened for Willie Nelson, Wilco and Trampled by Turtles, but it’s all their show this time. 4, 5 and 6 p.m. at West End Market Stage at Schilling Amphitheater (and same times on Aug. 25).
Musicians with Chisago Lakes Area High School Marching Band perform during the daily parade at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Saturday, Aug., 24, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27
Daily deal: It’s Kids Day, so bring the young’uns aged 5–12 for $15 admission, plus ticket deals all day (for both kids and older kids-at-heart, too!) on rides and games at the Mighty Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park.
Today’s theme is: Theater Day. Great for kids, ETC Productions is staging “The Little Mermaid Jr.” at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Dan Patch Park.
FOUR FOR FREE:
WUNDERBAR: The wurst wizards and spaetzle specialists from the Black Forest Inn, the iconic Minneapolis German restaurant, are doing demos throughout the day. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cambria Kitchen, inside the Creative Activities building
PUPPETS: Catch Open Eye Theatre’s Two Wheel Tour, a mini puppet theater pulled by a tandem bike. The puppet show itself is a fun musical comedy for all ages, with a behind-the-scenes look into puppetry after the show. 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. at West End Market (and same times on Aug. 28)
STOP BUGGING ME: Just kidding — these entomologists are here to answer all your questions about insects and bugs and other crawly critters. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Yes, OK, we know it’s summer — but Winter Carnival favorites Klondike Kates can croon and swoon in any weather. 12 p.m. at The Frontier
Antoinette Weedor from Denver takes a photo of her very first Pronto Pup with her friend and Minnesota native Caroline Degnan while visiting the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. The friends who currently reside in Chicago a part of a larger group that Degnan introduced to the Minnesota State Fair. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
THURSDAY, Aug. 28
Daily deal: It’s Seniors Day again! If you’re 65+ and need more State Fair in your life, come on by today for $15. Plus, early-bird specials till 1 p.m. on rides and games at the Mighty Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park.
Today’s theme is: UCare Stretch & Stroll Day. At Dan Patch Park, along with wellness programming, catch performances from a variety of groups including Pearl Brothers, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age and Gotta Dance Line Dancers.
FOUR FOR FREE:
SAVE THE DRAMA: See a llama! Drop in to see exhibitors guide their llamas through various obstacle courses and performance classes. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Compeer Arena
TRANSFORM THE FOOD SYSTEM: All day long, the Metro Food Justice Network is highlighting how food can be a pathway toward advancing racial equity. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at The Common Table at the Ag-Hort building (also on Aug. 25 and Aug. 30)
GROW A BEE-ARD: For 25 years now, Gary Reuter from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab has placed 10,000 real honeybees on the faces of audience volunteers to make a “living beard of bees.” He’s doing it again — maybe on your face this time around? Or not. Your call. 1 p.m. at Agriculture-Horticulture Building
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Chicago reggae band Gizzae, active since the early ’90s, brings musicians from around the world to have a good time. 3:15, 4:30 and 5:45 p.m. at Summit Stage at the Bazaar (and same times on Aug. 27).
Lino Lakes Blue Heron Day ambassadors, from left, Tabitha Johnson, Amelia Patterson and Emily Black laugh as they pet a cow in the Cattle Barn on the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
FRIDAY, Aug. 29
Daily deal: Early-bird specials till 1 p.m. on rides and games at the Mighty Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park.
Today’s theme is: MPR Day. At Dan Patch Park, tune in live as Marketplace’s David Brancaccio talks with Tom Crann at 10 a.m., Danger Boat Productions stages Minnesota-inspired improv at 11:30 a.m., classical musicians take the stage at 1 p.m. and The Current presents local musicians Colin Bracewell at 2:30 p.m. and Mae Simpson at 4 p.m.
FOUR FOR FREE:
MAKE CROP ART: For kids. Sorry, adults. But younger fairgoers can do a make-and-take crop art activity. Between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. at Agriculture Horticulture Building (and same time frames on Aug. 22, 25, 27 and Sept. 1)
GET CULTURED: Do you think you have what it takes to win a yogurt-eating competition? Find out and win prizes, though isn’t having good gut health a reward in itself? 10:30 a.m. at Moo Booth
SEE DANCE: St. Paul-based CAAM Chinese Dance Theater, the longest-running Chinese dance company in the Midwest, brings their style to the Fair. 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at East Grandstand Plaza (and same times on Aug. 30)
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Say it ain’t sol! Tonic Sol-fa, the renowned a capella quartet who’ve been a staple of State Fairs and other stages for years, are on their farewell tour. See them for one of the last times. 1 and 2:30 p.m. at the Bandshell (and same times on Aug. 30).
Aaron Grimm, 12, from Kettle River, sits with his 3-year old Holstein Friesian cow ‘Happy Day’ in the cattle barn at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug.,22, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
SATURDAY, Aug. 30
Today’s theme is: Pan-Latino Day. Hosted by La Raza 95.7 FM and 1400/1470 AM, swing by Dan Patch Park all day for Latin American dancers, musicians, artists and other cultural programming.
FOUR FOR FREE:
BAKE: With the banh mi and croissant experts from Mi-Sant, the delightful Vietnamese spot in Roseville. They’ll do demos and tastings throughout the day. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cambria Kitchen, inside the Creative Activities Building
SCREAM: For ice cream! Compete in this ice cream-eating competition — with prizes in three age categories — and then find the nearest restroom. Sign-up begins at 2 p.m., contest at 2:30 at Moo Booth
GROW: Experts will share their secrets to growing giant pumpkins (or even, we imagine, regular-sized ones if you’re tight on space). 10 a.m. at The DIRT demonstration stage at the Agriculture-Horticulture Building (and same time on Aug. 23; also at 5 p.m. Aug. 21 and at 4 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29)
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Early in her career, local singer-songwriter Sarah Morris moved to Nashville, but soon realized she wanted to bring her rootsy sound back home. 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. at the Bandshell (and same times on Aug. 29).
Kimm Schneider, from Minneapolis, hands a customer a caramel roll at the Hamline Dining Hall at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
SUNDAY, Aug. 31
FOUR FOR FREE:
MOO-TIVATE: The 27th annual Great Minnesota Moo-Off once again challenges human fairgoers to do their best cow impressions. Sign up at 2 p.m., contest at 2:30 at Moo Booth
MALBEC MINUTIAE: Think you know a lot about Minnesota wine? Jump onstage for the Minnesota Wine Quiz Show — and try samples in the process — with Nikki Erpelding and Karin Rockstad, owners of Vine Lab Wine & Spirits Academy. 3:30 p.m. at Minnesota Wine Country
MESMERIZE: In this all-ages show, performer Lizzy will “explore the hilarious side of hypnosis and discover the amazing power and creativity of the human mind.” 7 p.m. at Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park (and same time on Sept. 1)
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Raised up north and now based in Minneapolis, indie-pop singer Ber is quickly becoming a standout of the local music scene. (You may have seen her make a brief cameo appearance filling in for sick Motion City Soundtrack frontman Justin Pierre at the Minnesota Yacht Club festival earlier this summer.) 7:30 p.m. at the Bandshell (and same time on Sept. 1).
Brynn Justen, 5, from Bloomington, rides atop the shoullders of her dad, Rob, as they wait in line for food on the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
MONDAY, Sept. 1
Daily deal: It’s Labor Day, the last day of summer break — so it’s Kids Day again, with $15 tickets for ages 5–12. Plus, ticket deals all day on rides and games at the Mighty Midway, Kidway and Adventure Park.
Today’s theme is: Hmong Minnesota Day. It’s the 10th annual celebration of local Hmong culture, with programming all day at Dan Patch Park from singers, dancers, martial artists, community leaders and more.
FOUR FOR FREE:
TAME THE BEAST: The talented artists from In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre are leading art-making activities, telling puppet stories and displaying their creations. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DNR Garden Stage
THE MICHELANGELO OF MOZZARELLA: Or maybe you’re the Botero of brie? Or the Calder of cheddar? I could go all day. Point is, the annual cheese-carving competition is open to the public. Sign up at noon, contest at 12:30 p.m. at Moo Booth
JUMP THE BARK: Perennial State Fair favorite All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash is back once again as dogs dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge, among other tricks. If you haven’t seen them yet, get to it! 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at North Woods Stage (and same times every day of the Fair)
FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: The six-piece Dylan Salfer Band, which includes not only the namesake bluesman Dylan Salfer but a variety of other talented musicians, too, blends jazz, soul, rock and blues. 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. at the Bandshell (and same times on Aug. 31).
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