We thank you, Minnesota, for making the 2011 State Fair so memorable! For twelve days of fun we welcomed more than 1,776,000 people. Please check back later for updated information on next year's Great Minnesota Get-Together. Hope to see you at the 2012 State Fair, to be held Aug. 23-Labor Day, Sept. 3!
This is a must-have schedule of where and when the animals will be on the fairgrounds throughout the 12 days of the fair. The types of animals that we have on the grounds change throughout the 12 days of the fair, so be sure to check the dates and times carefully.
First Thursday – First Sunday: The first four days of the fair are 4-H livestock (cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry and rabbits) and open class pigeons, rabbits and sheep. This is also the first part of the English horse show with hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, Arabians, Morgans, Miniatures, Drafts (Clydesdales, Percherons, Belgians, Shires) and other breeds.
(Note: All barns, except the Horse Barn and CHS Miracle of Birth Center, close at 3 p.m. on Sunday)
Monday – Second Thursday: The middle four days of the fair are open class dairy cattle, sheep, swine, Boer goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese. Most of the English show horses are still here. However, after Tuesday evening's performance, they leave to make room for the rodeo.
Stock Dog Trials are held in the Coliseum on Monday, Aug. 29 at 8 a.m.
The Llamas are here from Wednesday, Aug. 31 to Friday, Sept. 2; they depart at 2 p.m. on Friday.
(Note: All barns, except the Horse Barn & the Poultry Barn and CHS Miracle of Birth Center, close at 2 p.m. on Thursday)
Second Friday – Monday, Labor Day: The last four days of the fair are FFA livestock (cattle, sheep, swine) and open class goats, beef cattle, and the same poultry as the middle four days. Also at this point, the Western horse show horses are here and the rodeo horses are gone. This includes breeds such as Quarter horses, Paint horses and saddle clubs classes, as well as some other breeds.
(Note: All barns close at 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5, Labor Day)
This schedule provides all of the dates and times of the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show performance and halter classes. (A downloadable version will be available this summer.)
PLEASE NOTE: All barns close at:
For further information, please e-mail us or call us directly at (651) 288-4417.
For a complete schedule of activities, visit the Brochure Rack in mid-August to download a Daily Schedule.
During the fair please pick up a Daily Schedule at any State Fair Information booth.