It’s almost time for the Great Minnesota Get-Together, and if your family is already counting down the days until corn dogs, cheese curds, animals and all the rides, there’s even more to look forward to this year.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 27th through Sept. 7th, and there are quite a few new things to check out — from a massive new Ferris wheel to dinosaurs, new Kidway rides, a completely renovated Warner Coliseum and some pretty fun new food and shopping stops.
Here are some of the new things I’ll be putting on our family’s fair-day list this year.
The America Wheel Is HUGE
If you’ve driven past the fairgrounds lately, you’ve probably noticed the giant new wheel.
The America Wheel rises 230 feet above the North End, making it the world’s largest traveling observation wheel. For comparison, it’s 75 feet taller than the Great Big Wheel that has been at the fair in the past.
There are 45 gondolas, and riders can take in views stretching up to 14 miles in every direction.
The ride is also part of the fair’s celebration of America250, with the gondolas and surrounding experience highlighting U.S. presidents, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and America’s national parks.
📍 Southwest corner of Randall Avenue & Cooper Street
⏰ Daily, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (8 p.m. Labor Day)
Meet Some Seriously Strange Dinosaurs
If you have a dinosaur fan in your family, make room for Ultimate Dinosaurs.
This free-with-admission exhibit is bringing life-size dinosaur skeleton casts, real fossils, augmented reality experiences and plenty of fascinating prehistoric creatures to the North End.
The exhibit focuses on dinosaurs that evolved in isolation across the Southern Hemisphere, so expect some seriously unusual-looking dinosaurs.
There’s also a Minnesota connection: you can learn about real Minnesota fossils and see just how enormous our new official state fossil — the giant beaver — actually was.
And on select days, Science Museum of Minnesota paleontologists will be at Fossil Corner to answer questions and talk fossils with fairgoers.
📍 North End Event Center
⏰ Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (8 p.m. Labor Day)
Films at the Fair
Here’s a new nighttime activity that sounds especially fun for families with older kids and teens.
Films at the Fair, presented by Square Lake Film & Music, will feature Minnesota-made short films and animation on five nights during the fair.
Each evening has a different lineup of independent films from Minnesota filmmakers, with a mix of genres and stories. Screenings begin at 8:30 p.m. and run about an hour.
Even better, participating filmmakers may stick around afterward for audience questions.
📍 Pet Pavilions
📅 Aug. 28-29 and Sept. 4-6
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
💰 Free with fair admission
A New Cultural Celebration
On Sunday, Sept. 6th, Cultural Destinations Day takes over Dan Patch Park with the theme “Many Rhythms. One Celebration.”
The day brings together traditions from four Minnesota cultural festivals, with music and performances ranging from Afrobeats and reggae to salsa, samba, K-pop, Bollywood and line dancing.
There will also be artists, chefs, storytellers and community leaders, plus hands-on activities, global recipes, fashion and cultural traditions.
It sounds like a fun way to experience a little bit of the world without leaving the fairgrounds.
📍 Dan Patch Park
📅 Sunday, Sept. 6
⏰ 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
America250 Is Everywhere
The fair is going big for America’s 250th birthday, and you’ll find patriotic touches throughout the fairgrounds.
One of the most interesting new additions is the Gate 16 Garden, inspired by the Victory Gardens of World War II. The 60-foot garden combines edible plants like tomatoes, peppers, guava and artichokes with colorful flowers.
There are also new America250 stops on the fair’s History Walking Tour, including a Liberty Bell topiary made with thousands of succulents.
History buffs can also check out a new exhibit called “George Washington and a Nation of Farmers,” which explores Washington’s role as an agricultural innovator.
And on Tuesday, Sept. 1st, the fair will celebrate Military Appreciation Day, featuring a military flyover, veteran recognition programs, military bands and activities in Dan Patch Park.
Warner Coliseum Gets a Major Makeover
If you’ve spent any time at the fair watching livestock or horse shows, you know the Warner Coliseum.
After a $24 million renovation, the 75-year-old building is ready for its next chapter.
The renovation included a new roof, new arena seating, wider aisles, improved accessibility, updated restrooms, new lighting, upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, better ventilation and much more.
There are also new ramps, accessible seating areas, adult-size changing tables, companion restrooms and a lactation room.
The fair is a great chance to see the transformation for yourself while still enjoying the livestock and horse shows that make the Coliseum such a longtime fair tradition.
New Rides on the Midway
The Mighty Midway has two new rides this year:
Thor sends riders soaring through the air with twists, turns and upside-down thrills. (Not for me but probably my teens will like it!)
And Juke Box Funhouse combines music and a traditional funhouse experience with twists, surprises and retro-inspired icons.
📍 Mighty Midway
⏰ Daily, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (8 p.m. Labor Day)
Two New Kidway Rides
And because the little ones deserve some new fun too, Kidway is getting two new rides.
Pirate Jet lets little pirates climb aboard their own pirate ship and glide through the air.
Then there’s Ghost Pirate Dark Ride, which promises silly scares rather than anything too terrifying. Think spooky fun, goosebumps and giggles — designed with kids in mind.
📍 Kidway
⏰ Daily, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (7 p.m. Labor Day)
Bachman’s Goes Full Flower Power
The Bachman’s Floral Rotunda is getting a groovy makeover this year with the theme “Groovy Gardens, Flower Power.”
If your family needs a quieter stop between rides, food and crowds, this is always a good one to add to the itinerary.
A Big Year for Prince Fans
Minnesota’s favorite music legend is getting some love at the fair this year.
The historic Gates Ajar garden is being transformed with hundreds of purple flowers in tribute to Prince on the 10th anniversary of his passing.
There will also be a special Giant Sing Along every evening featuring Prince classics. Grab a microphone, follow along with the lyrics on the big screen and sing your heart out.
📅 Aug. 27-Sept. 6, 8-9 p.m.
📅 Sept. 7, 7-8 p.m.
Honestly, this feels like one of those things that could become a new fair tradition.
Fairchild Turns 60
Our beloved gopher mascot Fairchild is celebrating his 60th birthday!
You can give him a birthday high-five at Visitors Plaza at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
If your kids are fans of the fair mascots, this is an easy one to add to your day.
25 Years of Miracles
The CHS Miracle of Birth Center is celebrating 25 years of giving fairgoers a peek at farm life and the arrival of baby animals.
It’s one of those classic fair stops that kids never seem to outgrow, and this milestone is a good excuse to make sure it’s on your list.
Eco Experience Turns 20
The Eco Experience is celebrating 20 years at the fair.
This year’s exhibit will include electric vehicles, e-bikes, power tools, recycling information, climate-smart food systems and tips for reducing smoky fires.
There’s even Eco Bingo, which sounds like an easy way to get kids involved.
A Few Changes That Make Getting Around Easier
The fair is also adding some practical improvements that parents may appreciate.
The three free bike lots have expanded capacity and new bike racks, there’s additional lighting in the North End, and new sidewalks and curb cuts have been added in various locations.
There are also several accessibility updates, including more audio descriptions, braille signage at Ultimate Dinosaurs, human navigational guides available upon request and pre-scheduled ASL interpretation at select evening concerts.
And there’s a second Prayer & Meditation Tent in the West End, north of the Skyride.
The 4-H Building Is About to Get a Huge Transformation
The historic 4-H Building is starting a major interior renovation after this year’s fair.
The 85-year-old building already has new windows and exterior repairs, and the next phase will completely transform the inside.
Plans include new performance and demonstration spaces, updated STEM and agricultural education areas, a teaching kitchen, media studio, improved accessibility, new elevators and upgraded technology.
The project will happen after the 2026 fair, so you’ll have to wait until 2027 to see the finished transformation.
A New Spot for Fair Food: Eat Together
If you’re always on the hunt for your next fair food stop, check out Eat Together in the North End.
The new food destination will have nine vendors, shaded seating and ambient lighting.
Two new vendors joining the lineup are Jive Turkey BBQ and Solem’s French Fries, alongside favorites like BABA’S, Gyros by G&G, Ollie’s Crab Fritters, Quesadilla Junction and Solem’s Cheese Curds & Mini Donuts.
There will also be free condiment samples from sponsor Graza.
📍 Northeast corner of Lee Avenue & Underwood Street, next to Giant Sing Along
Lots of New Shopping
If wandering through the vendor buildings is part of your fair tradition, there are dozens of new vendors this year.
A few that caught my eye:
- Bricks and Minifigs Roseville for LEGO fans
- DYGI Gaming Bus for interactive gaming and esports
- Confetti Blossom for Swedish and European candy
- Duluth Trading Company for clothing and gear
- Ireland at the Fair for Irish and Celtic accessories
- Shinesty for colorful clothing
- Northern Goods Wilderness Supply for camping and outdoor gear
- Rickey’s Jerky for gourmet jerky
- Rustic Metalz for unique metal artwork
- Twin City Cat Fanciers for cat lovers
- Create-A-Lure for DIY fishing lure kits
There are also new community, pet, outdoor and home-focused vendors scattered throughout the fairgrounds.
Don’t Skip These New Fair Pop-Ups & Freebies
One of my favorite things about the Minnesota State Fair is stumbling across the unexpected — and this year there are some fun new sponsor and touring exhibits worth adding to your list.
If you’re visiting with kids, teens or even just your fellow mom friends, keep an eye out for these stops. There are free samples, giveaways, photo ops, games and interactive experiences happening throughout the fair.
Caribou Cozy Cabin — Free Coffee Samples!
Calling all Caribou Coffee fans — this one is for us. ☕❤️
The Caribou Cozy Cabin will be serving free samples of signature handcrafted beverages, along with giveaways and exclusive offers.
Because let’s be honest: sometimes the best fair attraction is a little caffeine break.
📅 Aug. 27-30 only
House of e.l.f. — A Beauty Stop for Moms & Teens
If you love e.l.f. Cosmetics, you’re going to want to find the House of e.l.f. at the fair.
The experience promises e.l.f. goodies, games and plenty of opportunities for a little glow-up while you’re walking around the fairgrounds.
Full disclosure: e.l.f. sent me a gift box and invited me to check out their State Fair exhibit, so this is definitely one I’ll be stopping by and checking out in person. I’m always here for a little fair fun that doesn’t involve trying to convince my kids to get off a ride. 😉
📅 Aug. 27-30 only
Sargento Cheese Wheeler
Because apparently we can never have too many ways to eat cheese at the State Fair. 😂
The Sargento Cheese Wheeler will be serving free samples of grilled cheese made with Sargento Natural American Cheese. There will also be a photo opportunity and giveaways.
📅 Aug. 27-30 only
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery
Want to bring some cheese curds home with you?
Stop by the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery for pre-packaged cheese curds in several fan-favorite flavors, plus photo opportunities and prize drawings.
Google Route 250
The Google Route 250 experience celebrates America’s 250th birthday with giant interactive games and virtual adventures showcasing some of the country’s most beautiful places.
There’s also a spin-to-win game with freebies.
📅 Aug. 27-29 only
America250
If you’re already checking out all of the America250 celebrations around the fair, there’s also a national touring exhibit making a stop at the fair.
You’ll find limited-edition gear and an experience celebrating this once-in-a-generation milestone.
📅 Aug. 31-Sept. 3 only
Pepsi Zero Sugar Challenge
Ready to put your taste buds to work?
The 2026 Pepsi Challenge lets you sample Pepsi Zero Sugar alongside another zero-sugar cola and see which one you prefer.
📅 Sept. 3-6 only
A Quick Tip Before You Go
These exhibits aren’t around for the entire 12 days, so check the dates before you make them part of your fair-day plan. If you’re anything like me, you don’t want to promise the kids a particular stop only to discover you picked the wrong day.
The official Minnesota State Fair app and daily schedules are the best places to check what’s happening on the day you’re visiting.
And yes, I’m officially adding Caribou + e.l.f. + grilled cheese to my fair-day itinerary. Priorities.
One More Money-Saving Change for Families
The fair is changing up its ride promotions this year.
Instead of the old early-bird specials, there will be all-day reduced ticket pricing for Mighty Midway and Kidway rides and games on Aug. 27, Aug. 31, Sept. 1, Sept. 2 and Labor Day, Sept. 7.
So if your kids are determined to ride everything, those could be good days to plan your fair visit.
One Important Labor Day Note
If your family traditionally spends the entire final day at the fair, take note: Labor Day closing time is changing to 8 p.m.
It’s worth checking the fair’s official hours before you head out so you know when the barns, exhibits and attractions close.
So, What’s New at the Fair in 2026?
Honestly, there’s a lot.
The America Wheel alone is hard to miss, but between the dinosaurs, new rides, Prince tribute, America250 celebrations, renovated Warner Coliseum, new food destination and all the little changes around the grounds, there are plenty of reasons to explore some different corners of the fair this year.
Of course, we’re still going for the classics — cheese curds, Sweet Martha’s, animals, people-watching and all the other things that make the Minnesota State Fair feel like summer isn’t really over until we’ve gone at least once.
But I love having a few new stops to add to the family itinerary each year.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday, Aug. 27 through Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.
For more about what’s NEW in 2026 visit their website here.
For the most up-to-date information, schedules and locations, check the official Minnesota State Fair website and the official Minnesota State Fair app before you go.
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