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Aug. 27 – Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2026

189 Days 4 Hours 34 Mins

Fairgrounds Events Calendar — Info Subject To Change

37 Upcoming Events (1 - 15 of 37 Events)

Friday, December 26, 2025 - Saturday, February 21, 2026

Ice Castles

Description

The winter attraction features tunnels, caverns, towers, fountains, and slides, built entirely from ice. Features are weather dependent, and may be temporarily closed or unavailable due to weather.

Hours

*Please see Ice Castles website for latest schedule changes*

Mondays: 5:30-9 p.m.
Tuesdays: CLOSED
Wednesdays: CLOSED
Thursdays: 5:30-9 p.m.
Fridays: 5:30-10 p.m.
Saturdays: 5:30-10 p.m.
Sundays: 5:30-8 p.m.

Admission

Please see website for pricing.

For more information, visit icecastles.com.

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Winter Beer Dabbler

Description

Winter Beer Dabbler, the Midwest's biggest and best winter beer festival, will make its return to the Fairgrounds on February 21, 2026. Enjoy food trucks, music, and more all while tasting unlimited samples of craft beer and cider from across the U.S.

Hours

3-6:30 p.m. (early access begins at 2 p.m.)

Admission

General Admission: $55 + fees
Early Access: $75 + fees
Designated Driver: $20 + fees

For more information, visit beerdabbler.com.

Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 1, 2026

Twin Cities Regional Science Fairs

Description

The Twin Cities Regional Science Fairs' mission is to provide opportunities for interaction with professionals, discussion of project goals, presentation of ideas, and project analysis for all youth in the Twin Cities nine county area.

Location

North End Event Center

Hours

Friday, February 27: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 28: Volunteers only
Sunday, March 1: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission

Free

For more information, visit tcrsf.net.

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Cold Blooded Expos Reptile Show

Description

Quality reptiles, exotic animals, tanks, cage supplies and feeders for sale.

Location

North End Event Center

Hours

Early Bird starting at 9 a.m.
10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission

Daily Admission with Credit Card: 11 and Older: $12.00, Children 5-10: $5.00
Daily Admission with Cash: 11 and Older: $10.00, Children 5-10: $5.00
Kids 4 and under: Free

For more information, visit coldbloodedexpos.com.

Saturday, April 18, 2026

MHAHA Spring Horse Show

Description

WSCA schooling and Arabian Unplugged division. This is a great show for those just starting out in the show arena, experienced riders with new or green horses, or for those just looking for a fun-filled day.

Hours

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission

Free

For more information, visit www.mhaha.org.

Saturday, April 18 - 19, 2026

Rewind: Book Fair for Grown-ups

Description

Nostalgic book fair with over 160+ exhibitors including authors, bookstores, publishers, crafters and artists.

Location

Grandstand

Hours

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission

Single Day: $10
Weekend: $18
VIP: $50

For more information, visit rewindbookfair.com.

Antique Spectacular Show - Spring

Description

250 dealers offer a unique blend of antique furniture, collectables and outdoor flea market items. Interested dealers can visit the website for contracts or call Prime Promotions.

Location

Grandstand

Hours

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission

Adults: $8
Children (12 & under): Free

For more information, visit www.mnantiqueshows.com.

Friday, April 24 - 26, 2026

Minnesota Horse Expo

Description

Come visit Minnesota's largest equine trade show complete with horse shows, speakers, demos and free pony rides.

Location

Warner Coliseum

Hours

Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission

Please visit the website for admission prices, including the PRCA Rodeo.

For more information, visit www.mnhorseexpo.org.

Friday, May 1 - 3, 2026

Sahara Sands Spring Classic

Description

The Sahara Sands Spring Classic Arabian Horse Show attracts competitors from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota to compete in various classes including English pleasure, reining, dressage, hunter, western & native costume.

Location

Warner Coliseum

Hours

Friday, May 5: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 6: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, May 7: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission

Free

For more information, visit www.saharasands.org.

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Animal Humane Society Walk for Animals

Description

The Walk for Animals is Animal Humane Society’s largest fundraising event of the year, and this year they're excited to bring you and your pets even more fun, food, and opportunities to make a difference.

Location

International Bazaar

Hours

Rain or shine, gates will open at 9 a.m. at the International Bazaar on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Walk begins at 10 a.m.

Admission

Cash and credit card donations accepted

For more information, visit secure.animalhumanesociety.org.

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Spring Extravaganza Car Show & Swap Meet

Description

The show features over 750 cars. Any year, any make, any model of show vehicles plus any year Buick are welcome. Over 500 swappers and commercial vendors will also be on hand.

Hours

8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission

Adults: $10
Children (12 & under with paid adult): Free

For more information, visit gopherstatebuick.org.

Northland Vintage Toy, Train, Advertising & Pop Culture Show

Description

The 48th annual show features more than 200 vendor tables. Hundreds of collectors from across the nation will be on hand offering unique items along with appraisals for your toy or doll.

Location

Progress Center

Hours

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission

Adults: $7
Children (12 & under): Free

For more information, visit www.northlandantiquetoyshow.com.

Thursday, May 7 - 10, 2026

FASH Spring Horse Show

Description

English horse show where amateurs and professionals show American Saddlebreds, Morgans and Hackney Ponies.

Location

Warner Coliseum

Hours

Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 6-9 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission

Free

For more information, visit www.fashhorseshow.com.

Friday, May 8 - 10, 2026

Friends School Plant Sale

Description

This event is the largest fundraising plant sale in the United States! The sale features over one million plants in about 2,300 varieties. On Mother's Day, all plants are 1/3 off.

Location

Grandstand

Hours

Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission

Free

For more information, visit www.friendsschoolplantsale.com.

Saturday, May 16 - 17, 2026

MAC Autocross MOWOG Series

Description

Explore the limits of your car and your driving skills while having fun and competing against your friends.

Hours

Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 7:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission

Advance Registration:
$35 MAC members
$40 Non-members

Late/Day of Event Registration:
$45 MAC members
$50 Non-members

For more information, visit mnautox.motorsportreg.com.