2026 Minnesota State Fair Food Reviews: Apple Fries and Sausage Flights Lead, While O’Gara’s and High-Price Items Disappoint

Key points

• First-day attendance reached 155,185, breaking the 2024 record of 138,875, according to FOX 9.
• Racket MN reviewed 36 new foods, praising Apple Fries, Hmong Corndogs, and the 'When Pigs Fly' sausage flight.
• Critics noted high prices for items like Honey Brisket Battered Potatoes ($22) and Solem's French Fries ($9-$20).
• O’Gara’s Sligo Slider Bites received a 'Skip' rating for poor taste and texture, continuing a trend of disappointment.
• FOX 9 reported all on-site parking was full by 10 a.m. on Friday, with traffic delays on Snelling and Como avenues.

Background

The fair opened on August 27, 2026, with tickets priced at $20 for adults. Previous coverage noted record crop art submissions and political themes in art, but this briefing focuses on food and attendance. The fair runs for 12 days, with daily hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

How outlets are covering it

Racket MN provides detailed, critical reviews of individual foods, emphasizing taste and value. FOX 9 focuses on logistical data, such as attendance records, parking, and traffic, without evaluating food quality. Minnesota Monthly’s coverage is limited to a headline and metadata, offering no substantive content for comparison. Racket MN and FOX 9 agree on the fair’s popularity but differ in focus: Racket MN assesses culinary quality, while FOX 9 reports operational metrics.

Why it matters

The fair’s record attendance and diverse food offerings reflect its cultural significance in Minnesota. High prices and mixed reviews indicate challenges in balancing innovation with affordability, affecting visitor satisfaction and vendor success.

What to watch

The fair continues through late August, with 'Weird Al' Yankovic performing at the Grandstand on Friday. Visitors should expect long lines for popular items like Apple Fries and consider alternative parking due to full lots.