MN Fair 2026: Your Secret Daily Schedule for 100% Free Fun
Your Ultimate Guide to Free Fun at the Minnesota State Fair (Aug 27 – Sept 7)
ELI5 Summary: The Minnesota State Fair is a giant 12-day party in Falcon Heights (near St. Paul). It costs money to get in, but once you’re inside, tons of awesome stuff is FREE. This guide breaks down every single day so you can plan your visit, save money, and catch the best shows, contests, and activities without spending an extra dime.
Quick-Look Calendar: Daily Deals & Themes
| Date | Daily Deal (Cheaper Tickets!) | Theme of the Day |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Aug 27 | Adults $18 / Kids & Seniors $15 + Ride deals | STEM Day (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) |
| Fri, Aug 28 | Regular price | Governor’s Fire Prevention Day |
| Sat, Aug 29 | Regular price | 4-H Day + Podcast tapings |
| Sun, Aug 30 | Regular price | Indigenous Peoples Day |
| Mon, Aug 31 | Seniors (65+) $15 + Ride deals | Mental Health Awareness Day |
| Tue, Sept 1 | Military & Families $15 (with ID) + Ride deals | Military Appreciation Day |
| Wed, Sept 2 | Kids (5–12) $15 + Ride deals | Theater Day (Frozen Jr.!) |
| Thu, Sept 3 | Seniors (65+) $15 + Early-bird ride deals (till 1 PM) | Medica Stretch & Stroll Day (Wellness) |
| Fri, Sept 4 | Regular price | MPR’s Made of Minnesota Day |
| Sat, Sept 5 | Regular price | Pan-Latino Day |
| Sun, Sept 6 | Regular price | Cultural Destinations Day (Global arts) |
| Mon, Sept 7 | Kids (5–12) $15 + Ride deals (Labor Day) | Hmong Minnesota Day |
PRO TIP: "Ride deals" mean discounted tickets for the Mighty Midway, Kidway, and Adventure Park—the three big carnival ride areas. Buy a sheet of tickets or a wristband on these days to save big!
Day-by-Day Breakdown: 4 Free Things + 1 Free Show
Every day, the fair picks four special free activities (called "Four For Free") and one headline free concert. Here is your daily cheat sheet.
Thursday, August 27 – Opening Day & STEM Day
Daily Deal
- Adults: $18 (usually more)
- Kids (5–12) & Seniors (65+): $15
- Ride & Game Deals: All day at Mighty Midway, Kidway, Adventure Park.
Theme: STEM Day @ Dan Patch Park
- 9:15 AM & 12:15 PM: University of Minnesota Raptor Center (real live hawks/owls!).
- 10:15 AM & 1:15 PM: Physics Force (wild science stunts).
- 4:15 PM: Moon Walk Simulator (pretend you’re an astronaut).
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLY AWAY – Trapeze Show | 10:30, 11:30 AM, 12:30, 1:30 PM | West End Market | Pro circus performers; also same times Fri 8/28 |
| MAKE CROP ART (Kids only) | 9:30 AM & 1 PM | Ag-Hort Building | Glue seeds/beans to make pictures; runs most days—see schedule below |
| MILK A COW (Real cow!) | 11:30 AM | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | Times vary by day—check "Recurring Stars" section |
| FREE SHOW: Nur-D (Hip Hop) | 8:00 PM | Pryes Stage (West End) | Energetic, nerdy, fun; also Fri 8/28 at 8 PM |
Friday, August 28 – Fire Prevention Day
Theme: Governor’s Fire Prevention Day @ Dan Patch Park
- 11:30 AM: Governor Tim Walz speaks.
- 12:00 PM & 3:30 PM: Firefighters demo Jaws of Life (cutting open crashed cars).
- All day: Safety demos, trucks, gear to try on.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIT / STAY – Obedience Dogs | 9, 11 AM, 1, 3, 5 PM | Pet Pavilion (outdoors) | Also Sat 8/29 same times |
| GREAT MN CÉILÍ – Irish Dance | 10, 11 AM, 12 PM | Cosgrove Stage | Students from Mactír Academy |
| HOP TO IT – Rabbit Trivia | 2:00 PM | 4-H Building | 4-H kids quiz-bowl style |
| FREE SHOW: Potluck String Band | 10 AM, 12, 2, 3 PM | DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage | "New Grass" Americana |
Saturday, August 29 – 4-H Day & Podcasts
Theme: 4-H Day + Hubbard Hometown Day @ Dan Patch Park
- 10:15 AM: "Best to the Nest" podcast live.
- 12:15 PM: "Still Loud" podcast live.
- 3:35 PM: KS95 "After Hours" with Crisco, Dez & Wes live.
- Plus: Alive and Kickin’, Children’s Theatre performances all day.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRILL – 4-H Chicken BBQ | 8:30 AM | Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum | Teens grill & sauce chickens |
| FACE OFF – Milk Mustache Contest | Sign-up 2 PM, Contest 2:30 PM | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | Win prizes for best ‘stache |
| SECRET IDENTI-TREE – Tree ID | 2:00 PM | DIRT Stage (Ag-Hort Bldg) | Master Gardener teaches you |
| FREE SHOW: Margo Price (Country) | 8:30 PM | Luther Auto Bandshell | Farm Aid headliner; also Sun 8/30 |
Sunday, August 30 – Indigenous Peoples Day
Theme: Indigenous Peoples Day @ Dan Patch Park
- 9:00 AM: Opening Ceremony.
- All Day: Wild Plant Scavenger Hunt with Linda Black Elk.
- 10:10 AM: Storytelling.
- 11:15 AM: Youth Fashion Show.
- 12:15 PM: Indigenous Food Sovereignty talk (Chef Sean Sherman + Lt. Gov. Flanagan).
- 1:35 PM: New Native Theater performance.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUEN PROVECHO – Mexican Cooking Demo | 10 AM – 5 PM (ongoing) | Cambria Kitchen (Creative Activities) | Chef Cristian De León; samples included! |
| DANCE – Japanese Folk Dance | 10, 11 AM, 12 PM | Cosgrove Stage | Sansei Yonsei Kai; audience joins in |
| YOU BETCHA-HA-HA – MN Improv Comedy | 10:30 AM | MPR Stage | "Sketches of Minnesota" by Danger Boat |
| FREE SHOW: Country-oke w/ Thomas Sticha | 4:00 & 5:30 PM | MPR Stage | YOU sing with a live pro band! |
Monday, August 31 – Seniors Day & Mental Health
Daily Deal
- Seniors (65+): $15 admission.
- Ride & game deals all day.
Theme: Mental Health Awareness Day @ Dan Patch Park
Performances all day: Imnizaska Drum Circle, Stevie Ray’s Comedy, Mystereo (drag), Abraham Westlund, Elska, Cedar Creek Drum Group.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LISTEN – Black Storytellers Alliance | 9:30, 10:15, 11:45 AM, 12:30 PM | Grandstand Plaza East | African oral traditions; also Tue 9/1 |
| TERRAIN TRIVIA – "A Green Test" | 3:00 – 6:00 PM (drop-in) | Ag-Hort Building | Nature/climate quiz, win prizes |
| A VER – Flamenco Dance | 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 PM | West End Market | Zorongo Flamenco; live guitar/singing; also Tue 9/1 |
| FREE SHOW: The Sugarhill Gang + Melle Mel & Scorpio | 8:30 PM | Luther Auto Bandshell | Rap legends! Also Tue 9/1 |
Tuesday, September 1 – Military Appreciation Day
Daily Deal
- $15 admission for: Active military, spouses, kids; Retired military, spouses; Veterans, spouses. Valid ID required.
- Ride & game deals all day.
Theme: Military Appreciation Day @ Dan Patch Park
- 10:00, 11:35 AM, 1:00 PM: MN National Guard DJ sets.
- 11:00 AM: Singer Lady Blue.
- 1:00, 2:25, 3:25, 4:20 PM: 34th Infantry Division Band (Red Bull Band).
- Award presentations throughout day.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TALK TO ANIMALS – Celebrity Farm Calls | 12:15 PM | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | Mystery local celebs compete |
| TALK TO CLIMATOLOGISTS – Weather Q&A | 1:00 PM | DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage | Ask DNR experts anything |
| TALK TO A MAGICIAN – Thank a Farmer Magic | 11 AM, 1, 3 PM | Christensen Farms Stage | Daily after visiting baby animals |
| FREE SHOW: Keith Secola & Gary Farmer | 8:00 PM | Pryes Stage (West End) | Indigenous folk rock & blues |
Wednesday, September 2 – Kids Day & Theater Day
Daily Deal
- Kids (5–12): $15 admission.
- Ride & game deals all day (for kids AND kids-at-heart).
Theme: Theater Day @ Dan Patch Park
- "Frozen Jr." by ETC Productions: 9:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM (Great for kids!)
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALLING MOVIE BUFFS – Classic Film Quiz | 1:30 PM | MPR Stage | Host Lynne Warfel ("Saturday Cinema") |
| SAVE THE DRAMA – Llama Costume Contest | 6:00 PM | Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum | 4-H kids dress up llamas/alpacas + games |
| CAN’T BE-LEAF YOUR EYES – Pro Florist Finals | 6:00 PM | DIRT Stage (Ag-Hort) | North Central Florist Assoc. Designer of Year |
| FREE SHOW: Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50’s | 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 PM | Pryes Stage (West End) | Buddy Holly, Elvis, Roy Orbison hits; also Thu 9/3 |
Thursday, September 3 – Seniors Day & Wellness
Daily Deal
- Seniors (65+): $15 admission.
- Early-bird ride deals until 1:00 PM.
Theme: Medica Stretch & Stroll Day @ Dan Patch Park
Wellness programming + Pearl Brothers, VocalEssence, Aztec Donza Group performances.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARVE – Public Butter Carving Contest | 10:00 AM | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | Daily; prizes for best sculpture |
| CHEER – Rooster Crowing Contest | 11:00 AM | Sheep & Poultry Barn | Owners make funny faces to get roosters to crow |
| CLAP – Ballet Co.Laboratory | 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 PM | West End Market | Modern/classical ballet; also Wed 9/2 |
| FREE SHOW: Sababa 5 (Psychedelic Funk) | 8:00 PM | Summit Stage (Intl Bazaar) | From Paris! Middle Eastern groove via Cedar Cultural Center |
Friday, September 4 – MPR Made of Minnesota Day
Theme: MPR’s Made of Minnesota Day @ Dan Patch Park
- 10:00 AM: Weather Quiz with Mark Seeley.
- 11:30 AM: Nur-D (again!).
- 12:15 PM: Koo Koo (kid favorites).
- 1:00 PM: Cantus (men’s vocal ensemble).
- 2:30 PM: Obi Original.
- 4:00 PM: Davina & the Vagabonds.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| READ – Nancy Carlson Book Signing | 10 AM – 2 PM | Alphabet Forest (near 4-H Bldg) | Kids’ author: "A Swing for Samara" |
| WATCH – Middle Eastern Dance | 9:30, 10:15, 11:45 AM, 12:30 PM | Grandstand Plaza East | Jawaahir Dance Co.; also Sat 9/5 |
| A DRINKING GAME – Chocolate Milk Chug | Sign-up 2 PM, Contest 2:30 PM | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | 3 age divisions (kids to adults); prizes |
| FREE SHOW: Dalmar Yare (Afrobeat/Indie Pop) | 3:15, 4:30, 5:45 PM | Summit Stage (Intl Bazaar) | Somali roots + modern pop; also Sat 9/5 |
Saturday, September 5 – Pan-Latino Day
Theme: Pan-Latino Day @ Dan Patch Park (Host: La Raza Radio)
- 9:00 AM: Ballet Mexico Azteca.
- 10:15 AM: Kalpulli Yaecenoxtli (dance/drum).
- 11:00 AM: Linea Norteña (6-piece band).
- 2:45 PM: Banda la Verdadera.
-
- More dancers, musicians, cultural acts all day.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DANCE AROUND – Turkish Folk Dance | 1:00 & 2:30 PM | Cosgrove Stage | Turkish American Folk Dancers |
| COOL DOWN – Ice Cream Eating Contest | Sign-up 2 PM, Start 2:30 PM | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | 3 age groups, public welcome, prizes |
| CARVE IT UP – Cheese Carving Contest | Sign-up 4 PM, Contest 4:30 PM | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | "Brie the best!" Public contest |
| FREE SHOW: Thomasina Petrus & The King’s Quartet | 1:00 & 2:30 PM | Luther Auto Bandshell | Local jazz favorite; also Fri 9/4 |
Sunday, September 6 – Cultural Destinations Day
Theme: Cultural Destinations Day @ Dan Patch Park
- 8:45 AM: Rondo Drill Team.
- 11:30 AM: KPop Dance Team.
- 12:00 PM: Latin Threads Fashion Show.
- 12:30 PM: Salsa Dance Lessons.
- 2:30 PM: Afro Beats Music/Dance.
- 3:30 PM: Bollywood Music/Dance.
-
- Many more global performances.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPARK – FFA Welding Contest | 8 AM – 7:30 PM (rounds) | CHS Miracle of Birth Center | Teens weld a campfire grate in 90 mins |
| MOO – Great Minnesota Moo-Off | Sign-up 2 PM, Contest 2:30 PM | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | 28th Annual! Best cow impression wins |
| THE G.O.A.T. OF GOATS – Best in Show | 5:15 PM | Sheep & Poultry Barn | Top dairy goats compete |
| FREE SHOW: Durry (Indie Rock Siblings) | 8:30 PM | Luther Auto Bandshell | Also Mon 9/7 |
Monday, September 7 – Labor Day, Kids Day & Hmong Minnesota Day
Daily Deal
- Kids (5–12): $15 admission (last day!).
- Ride & game deals all day.
Theme: Hmong Minnesota Day @ Dan Patch Park (11th Annual)
All day: Singers, dancers, martial artists, community leaders.
Four For Free
| Activity | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAME THE BEAST – Puppet/Mask Theatre | 10 AM – 3 PM | DNR Garden Stage | Heart of the Beast Theatre: art-making, stories, displays |
| BRING HOME THE BACON – Bacon Making Demo | 10 AM, 12, 2, 4 PM | Cambria Kitchen (Creative Activities) | Jenni’s Cafe teaches homemade bacon |
| LOSE YOUR MIND – Magic/Mentalism | 7:00 PM | Family Fair Stage (Baldwin Park) | Noah Sonie: magic, mind-reading, hypnosis; also Sun 9/6 |
| FREE SHOW: Maygen & The Birdwatcher | 8:00 PM | Pryes Stage (West End) | Bluegrass/Americana; 2x Album of the Year winners; also Sun 9/6 |
Recurring Stars: Activities That Happen Multiple Days
Don’t worry if you miss a specific day—these favorites pop up again and again!
| Activity | Location | Recurring Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| MAKE CROP ART (Kids) | Ag-Hort Building | 9:30 AM & 1 PM: Aug 27, 28, 31, Sept 1, 2. Afternoon only (1 PM): Sept 3, 4. Morning only (9:30 AM): Sept 7. |
| MILK A COW | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | 11:30 AM: Aug 27, 28, 29, 31, Sept 2, 4, 6. 1:30 PM: Aug 30, Sept 1, 3, 5, 7. |
| CARVE (Butter Carving) | Moo Booth (Cattle Barn) | 10:00 AM Daily (Sept 3–7 listed, but often runs wider). |
| THANK A FARMER MAGIC SHOW | Christensen Farms Stage | 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM Daily (right outside baby animal barn). |
| FREE SHOWS AT PRYES / LUTHER / SUMMIT / MPR / COSGROVE / DNR STAGES | Various | Check daily listings above—many acts play 2–4 sets per day! |
Location Decoder (Where Am I?)
ELI5 Map Key: The fairgrounds are huge. Here are the main "neighborhoods" mentioned in this guide.
- Dan Patch Park: Central hub for big theme-day stages.
- West End Market: West side; Pryes Stage, West End Market stage, food, shops.
- Ag-Hort Building (Agriculture Horticulture): Giant building for plants, crops, flowers, bees, crop art, DIRT demo stage.
- Cattle Barn / Moo Booth: Where the big cows live. Milking, mooing, butter carving, chocolate milk contests.
- Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum: Big indoor arena (llama costumes, chicken BBQ, welding).
- Creative Activities Building: Crafts, cooking demos (Cambria Kitchen inside), fine arts.
- Grandstand Plaza East: Outside the Grandstand (big concert venue).
- Cosgrove Stage: Often cultural dance/music.
- DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage: Near DNR building (nature, fire, weather talks).
- Luther Auto Bandshell: Big outdoor band shell (headliner concerts).
- Summit Stage (International Bazaar): Global music stage.
- MPR Stage: Minnesota Public Radio stage (talks, quizzes, Country-oke).
- Pet Pavilion: Dogs, cats, critters.
- 4-H Building: Youth projects, rabbit trivia, Alphabet Forest nearby.
- Sheep & Poultry Barn: Sheep, goats, chickens, roosters.
- CHS Miracle of Birth Center: Baby animals (calves, piglets, chicks hatching!).
- Family Fair Stage (Baldwin Park): Kid/family shows.
- Mighty Midway / Kidway / Adventure Park: The three carnival ride zones.
Summary: How to Have the Best Free Fair Day
- Pick your day based on the deal. Seniors? Go Mon 8/31 or Thu 9/3. Military? Tue 9/1. Kids? Wed 9/2 or Mon 9/7. Opening day Thu 8/27 is cheap for everyone.
- Check the "Theme" stage (Dan Patch Park). It’s free entertainment headquarters all day long.
- Hit the "Four For Free" highlights. They’re curated, unique, and run at set times. Put 1–2 in your phone calendar.
- Catch the "Free Show of the Day." These are professional concerts—hip hop, country, jazz, world, rock—for $0.
- Use the recurring activities as filler. Milk a cow, watch a magic show, carve butter almost any day.
- Wear comfy shoes. You’ll walk miles. The free stuff is spread all over the fairgrounds.
- Bring a water bottle. Refill at drinking fountains. Save your cash for cheese curds or Sweet Martha’s cookies.
FAQ: Your Burning Fair Questions Answered
Q: Do I need a separate ticket for the free shows and activities?
A: Nope! Your fair admission ticket (or free entry if you’re under 5) gets you into everything listed here. The concerts, contests, demos, and shows are all included.
Q: What if it rains?
A: Most stages (Pryes, Luther Bandshell, MPR, Cosgrove, DNR, Summit, Warner Coliseum, Creative Activities, Ag-Hort, Cattle Barn, 4-H Building, Pet Pavilion, CHS Miracle of Birth) are covered or indoors. Dan Patch Park has a canopy. The fair runs rain or shine!
Q: Can adults do the "Make Crop Art" or "Milk a Cow"?
A: Crop Art is kids-only (sorry, grown-ups!). Milking a cow is for everyone—just line up at the Moo Booth at the listed time. The butter carving, mooing, and milk/chocolate milk contests are open to all ages (some have age divisions).
Q: How early should I get there for a free concert?
A: For the big headliners at Luther Auto Bandshell (Margo Price, Sugarhill Gang, Durry), arrive 30–60 minutes early for a good spot. For smaller stages (MPR, Cosgrove, Summit, Pryes), 15–20 minutes is usually plenty.
Q: Is the "All-You-Can-Drink Milk Stand" free?
A: It is not free (it’s $1–$2 for a giant glass), but it’s legendary and cheap. It’s run by MN dairy farmers in the Dairy Building. Not on this "free" list, but worth every penny!
Final Thought
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the best state fairs in the country, and you don’t need to break the bank to have a blast. Pick a day, grab the discount ticket, map out 3 free things, and go make memories. See you at the Fair!