2026 Minnesota State Fair Opens with Record Crowds and New Traditions

Key points

• Gates opened at 7 a.m. on August 27, 2026, with tickets priced at $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and children.
• Crowds were significant enough to potentially break the 2024 opening day record of 138,875 attendees, according to FOX 9.
• The crop art display line moved outside the Ag-Hort building to prevent blocking other exhibits, with scarecrows now displayed in the same room.
• Midwest Dairy introduced its 11th annual flavor of the year, 'Moo-sota Apple Pie' ice cream, at the dairy building.
• Bonnie Raitt performed at the Grandstand on opening night, while the Minnesota Twins hosted free appearances at the International Bazaar.
• Jena Hanson from Steele County was crowned the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way, with her likeness to be sculpted from a 90-pound block of butter.

Background

The Minnesota State Fair is a major annual event in St. Paul, typically running for 12 days in late August and early September. Previous coverage noted the high selectivity of the fair's fine arts competition, with only 340 of 3,185 submissions accepted in 2026, leading to community exhibitions for rejected works. The fair also serves as a platform for local businesses and artists, such as the 'Info Booth Ladies' podcast and various craft competitions.

How outlets are covering it

MPR News emphasized the personal and community aspects of the fair, highlighting the tribute to information booth worker Kathy Riewe, the joy of craft competitions, and the logistical changes to the crop art line. FOX 9 focused on the scale of the event, noting the potential for a new attendance record, the safety tips for navigating crowds, and the entertainment lineup, including Bonnie Raitt and the Minnesota Twins. Both outlets agreed on the ideal weather and the early arrival of fairgoers, but MPR provided more detail on specific vendor experiences, while FOX 9 highlighted the broader crowd dynamics and traffic issues on Snelling Avenue.

Why it matters

The Minnesota State Fair is a cultural and economic anchor for the state, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors and supporting local businesses, farmers, and artists. The record crowds and new traditions, such as the reorganized crop art line and new ice cream flavors, reflect the fair's evolving nature and its importance to Minnesota's identity. The event also serves as a platform for community engagement, with local organizations and individuals using the fair to celebrate their heritage and contributions.

What to watch

The fair will continue for 12 days, with daily events including 4-H beef and dairy cattle shows, free stage performances, and the Grandstand concert series. Competition results for baked goods and other categories are expected to be posted soon. The fair will also feature various vendor booths and activities, including the MPR booth and the Minnesota Twins' appearances.