New Attractions for 2018

Cambria Kitchen

A stunning, state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen debuts in the Creative Activities Building and will feature presentations by premier local chefs and demonstrators, including Andrew Zimmern (Aug. 24), Scott McGillivray (Aug. 24), Sean Sherman & The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Food Lab (Aug. 31), and many more!

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Seven New Thrilling Rides

Five new adrenaline-rushing rides – including three that are the only rides of their kind in North America – debut at Mighty Midway. Plus, little tykes get two new rides of their own at Kidway.

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Mental Health Awareness at the Minnesota State Fair

Join us for fun games, photo opportunities, trivia contests, engaging hands-on activities, giveaways, stage performances and valuable information on wide-ranging mental health and wellness topics. Presented by the Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health, Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota and more than 40 local organizations at Dan Patch Park on Monday, Aug. 27.

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New Construction on the State Fairgrounds

Highlights of this year’s fairgrounds improvement projects include: New Pet Pavilions and Outdoor Demonstration Area and a new restroom building

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Eco Experience - New Highlights

At this award-winning exhibit, an array of new highlights features the latest in: easy, everyday reduce-reuse-recycle how-tos that impact our air and water; healthy cooking tips to reduce food waste; innovations in green technology; and other compelling topics on environmentally focused living.

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Minnesota State Fair Horse Show – More Draft & Mini Horses

One of the premier horse expositions in the Upper Midwest, the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show is getting bigger – and smaller – at the same time! We have an expanded schedule of draft horse and miniature horse competitions filling four fair days – Aug. 24-27.

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The Hangar

Featuring new State Fair food, classic eats, a selection of local beer curated by members of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, plus live entertainment, The Hangar will take off in 2018 in the repurposed Pet Center building.

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Premier Livestock Shows

Regarded as one of the top livestock shows in the country, the Minnesota State Fair hosts several national-level breed exhibitions. This year, fair guests will be treated to industry-leading competitions of beef and dairy cattle, goats, sheep and more.

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Experimental Aircraft Association’s Spirit of Aviation

Through virtual reality technology, simulators, multimedia displays and hands-on activities, the passionate members of the Experimental Aircraft Association share their fascination with flight.

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New Features of Popular Exhibits & Experiences

The Queen of Letters, truths and lies, 3D stellated octahedrons (what?!), AG-tivities, preschool vision screening, vermicomposting and more debut at popular State Fair exhibits and experiences.

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New Park & Ride Locations

We’ve added two new lots – in Arden Hills and White Bear Township – to our already-expansive Park & Ride service, where you can park free and ride a free bus that drops you off right at the fair.

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History Highlights of the International Bazaar, Kidway & Progress Center

The History Walking Tour, a two-mile self-guided exploration of some of the State Fair’s most historically significant spots, introduces three new additions to the tour: International Bazaar, Kidway and Progress Center.

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Food Vendors Nourish Your Curiosity

Of course, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is a gathering of culinary creations unlike anything else in the state. In 2018, a handful of food vendors are also providing a peek behind their food preparation curtain. Curious about how a kitchen produces thousands of cookies at a time? How is a Pronto Pup speared? Where does your food travel from?

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Home Décor & Upcycled Gifts: 6 New Vendors

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Gadgets & Hobbies: 5 New Vendors

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Beauty Care, Gifts & Foodie Fun: 9 New Vendors

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Threads & Accessories: 6 New Vendors

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Home & Garden Solutions: 5 New Vendors

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Out & About: 5 New Vendors

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