State Fair

The 2025 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 21 through Sept. 1. For all of the events at the MPR booth and Dan Patch Park, go to mpr.org/statefair.

Severe storms roll through Twin Cities, cause flooding at Minnesota State Fair
The National Weather Service says multiple EF 0 tornadoes hit east of downtown St. Paul and in suburban cities in Dakota county. Visitors at the Minnesota State Fair scrambled for cover amid flash flooding on the fairgrounds.
Free skin cancer screenings, sun safety teachings at the State Fair
M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center will administer free skin cancer checks Saturday to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here’s what they’ll be looking for, a look at skin cancer statistics in Minnesota and tips on how to keep yourself safe out in the sun.
Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens at the Minnesota State Fair overnight?
Each day of the Minnesota State Fair, tens of thousands of people visit the fairgrounds. But what happens after they all leave? MPR News reporter Tim Nelson has been covering the fair for decades, at all hours of the day, and found the answer.
Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens to the DNR fish after the State Fair is over?
Each year the Minnesota State Fair stocks a pond full of fish at the Minnesota State Fair. But what happens to the fish after the fair is done? MPR News reporter Tim Nelson set out to reel in the answer.
Fair fans flock through the gates as Minnesota State Fair begins its 12-day run
Crowds started filling the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Thursday. Whether they're there to exhibit livestock, catch a concert or try some of the dozens of new food and drink concoctions, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend this year's fair.
Appetites: Predicting the Minnesota State Fair hits and misses
The Minnesota State Fair is upon us, and all of that food can be daunting. So we called on Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine food writer Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl to get us prepped for what to eat — and also what to avoid.
Minnesota State Fair's new butter carver prepares to create 'dairy' good art
As the rest of Minnesota prepares for warm summer days at the State Fair, Gerry Kulzer is preparing his parka, gloves, and carving tools. He’ll be spending the fair in a 40-degree cooler, carving a new larger-than-life sculpture every day — in butter.