State Fair
August 27, 2017
Sharon Hannigan, owner of the Produce Exchange, serves up some Fruit and Booch, watermelon spears with lemon kombucha. ] (Leila Navidi/Star Tribune) l

Fair calendar for Sunday, Aug. 27: Minnesota Cooks Day

Through cooking demonstrations and discussions with chefs, cooks, farmers and celebrities, the 15th annual Minnesota Cooks Day highlights foods produced in Minnesota.
Business
August 26, 2017

Minnesota State Fair's green movement adds up in many ways

The fair's management and dozens of vendors increasingly are providing opportunities to recycle, compost and reuse. The rate of consumer participation is rising at double the growth of garbage.
Local
August 26, 2017
A variety of medical researchers from the University of Minnesota described their research projects and recruited volunteers at the U of M's Driven to

State Fair a destination for those in search of good health? You betcha

The University of Minnesota has unveiled a new research building where fairgoers can volunteer to participate in studies on anything from dentistry to memory loss.
State Fair
August 26, 2017
Elaine Dorn,15, has been taking care of sheep with her grandfather Tim Coss on Promised Kept Farm in Cannon Falls since she was 4 years old. She is pr

Fair calendar for Saturday, Aug. 26: 4-H Day

Jim Gaffigan will bring his comedy to the Grandstand at 8 p.m.
Eat & Drink
August 26, 2017
Rick Nelson, Star Tribune Minnesota State Fair 2016: New food Chocolate Chip Cookie Beer, Andy's Grille

Where to find craft beer at the Minnesota State Fair

Local
August 26, 2017

2017 Minnesota State Fair attendance, Day 1

Business
August 25, 2017
Wayne Gjerde spoke about the dock pilings made of recycled materials which on display in the Eco-Experience building at the Minnesota State Fair. ] CA

Wonder what those recycled bottles are made into? State Fair display will tell you

Several Minnesota employers are displaying their recycled wares at the State Fair.
Eat & Drink
August 25, 2017
Burger Friday goes to the Minnesota State Fair

Burger Friday goes to the Minnesota State Fair

It's all about the $2.25 burger at the Midway Mens Club, one of the fair's great bargains.
Eat & Drink
August 25, 2017
Screen grab of Andrew Zimmern's Instagram featuring his buddies Al Franken and Al Roker.

Al Roker, Paula Deen, other celebs eat like Minnesotans on State Fair's first day

Recapping the famous faces eating Gizmos and other fair favorites on opening day.
Variety
August 25, 2017
People line up at the main ticket booth on the first day of the State Fair in 2016.

Upcoming highlights from the new Star Tribune Stage at the Minnesota State Fair

The Star Tribune will debut its tricked-out new booth, expertly designed with energy-efficient lighting, Cambria countertops and improved signage.
Music
August 25, 2017
Nickelback performed at the Minnesota State Fair on Thursday, August 24, 2017 in Falcon Heights, Minn. ] RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER • renee.jones@startri

Review: Nickelback reminds fairgoers how lowbrow it can go in grandstand show

Like dudes at the midway arcade games yelling out challenges to passersby, both opening act Daughtry and Nickelback made it seem like their biggest job of the night was to sell loads and loads of alcohol.
Variety
August 25, 2017

Live at the Fair: Once inside, can you get by on just $10?

Star Tribune reporter Jennifer Brooks looks to have loads of fun today on a shoestring budget. Do you think she can do it? Share your tips for her in our live blog.
Outdoors
August 25, 2017

Outdoors on a stick: A dozen ways to get your fix at the State Fair

Minnesota State Fair planners had the sportsman and sportswoman in mind when they settled on dates for the annual get-together. Here are a dozen ways to get your fix.
State Fair
August 25, 2017
David Stuttgen of Ronis' Rolling Ridge Ranch sat with two Belgian horses, Rambo, left, and Rusty in the horse barn. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE ï anthony.s

Fair calendar for Friday, Aug. 25: Governor's Fire Prevention Day

Opportunities for families include learning about fire-safe behavior, fire prevention, safe escape from a fire, proper use of a fire extinguisher and how to prepare for an emergency.
Local
August 25, 2017
Fairgoers played the Whopper Water game in the Mighty Midway section of the Minnesota State Fair.

Senses, fairgrounds come alive on Minnesota State Fair's opening day

The huge crowd was treated to beautiful weather among other high notes on the first day of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Variety
August 24, 2017
Bottle openers, mounted on Minnesota-shaped wood plaques, from Hagen & Oats.

Where to find Minnesota flair at the fair? Look for these stylish vendors

A guide to the most stylish local vendors at this year's State Fair.
Variety
August 24, 2017
Fairgoers ride on the SkyGlider

Expert tips to make the most of your State Fair adventures

Overwhelmed yet? Don't be. We've got the inside scoop. We asked experienced fairgoers for their tips on getting the most out of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Variety
August 24, 2017
State Fair debuts a Great Big Wheel in the sky

State Fair debuts a Great Big Wheel in the sky

The traveling Great Big Wheel will take Minnesotans for a spin 156 feet above the State Fairgrounds.
State Fair
August 24, 2017
Quinn Czeck, 13, of Sterns County helped Scott Walberg, of Alexandria, (at right in green) load 28 goats onto a trailer as they packed up to leave on

Fair calendar for Thursday, Aug. 24: Thrifty Thursday

Reduced admission prices. Special ride and game promotions at the Mighty Midway and Kidway all day. Many vendors offering special bargains.
Local
August 24, 2017
The State Fair is here, and here's how to get there

The State Fair is here, and here's how to get there

The lines are forming outside the front gate of the Minnesota State Fair and traffic is starting to pick up on streets in the vicinity of the fairgrounds.

Minnesota State Fair

Coverage of the annual Minnesota State Fair. including food reviews, grandstand concert performances, full daily schedules, live video and a fairground map.