New: Fair Celebrations

Fair Celebrations

Celebrate Fairchild's birthday, 25 Years of Miracles, Eco Experience, the Minnesota Horticultural Society's State Fair milestones and more! As if just getting together at the fair isn’t enough, here are some additional celebrations to add to your list.

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The Minnesota Horticultural Society (MHS) is celebrating 160 years of helping northern gardeners grow. MHS’s connection to the Minnesota State Fair dates to 1866, when its founders exhibited 20 apple varieties. Visit MHS throughout the fair in the northeast section of the Agriculture Horticulture Building for an educational exhibit, gardening resources, merchandise and presentations on The DIRT Stage. MHS also maintains the garden northwest of the building and coordinates the Potted Plant Show Aug. 27-28 – continuing a 160-year tradition of sharing the joy of gardening at the fair.
Tilt-A-Whirl, one of the most iconic amusement rides at the State Fair, hits the century mark this year! More than 1,000 have been constructed since it was invented by Herbert Sellner at his home in Faribault, Minn. Give the Tilt-A-Whirl a spin at Kidway or stay stationary and learn more at its stop on the self-guided History Walking Tour.
Fairchild, the elder of our two beloved gopher mascots, turns the big 6-0 this year! Did you know he got his name from a statewide naming contest? Give him a happy birthday high-five in person at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily at Visitors Plaza.
Twenty-five years of farm animal births have given fair guests an unparalleled opportunity to learn about livestock and modern agriculture by showcasing how farmers and veterinarians team up to provide the best care for their livestock to ensure safe, healthy and nutritious food. Five years after it was created, this innovative exhibit moved to its current location, became known as the CHS Miracle of Birth Center and one of the State Fair’s most popular destinations, and continues to be staffed by FFA youth and volunteers with the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
Eco Experience celebrates 20 years of award-winning programming, thanks to our partners at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and dozens of additional organizations. This year, you can mark the 100th anniversary of the first major water quality study of the Mississippi River; check out electric vehicles, e-bikes and power tools; get tips to avoid building smoky fires; level up your recycling skills; discover climate-smart food systems; play Eco Bingo, and more.
The Gates Ajar garden, a State Fair staple originally constructed in 1934, is themed this year to pay tribute to Minnesota’s own Prince on the 10th anniversary of his passing. Hundreds of purple annuals such as Alternanthera, Lantana, Angelonia and Torenia and more are in full bloom. Nothing compares to this photo op depicting Prince’s iconic symbol and a representation of First Avenue’s stars, plus purple lights (of course). Find it southwest of the Agriculture Horticulture Building.
Gather with fellow Prince fans at the Giant Sing Along each evening to celebrate the iconic classics of Minnesota's own music legend. A field of microphones and a large screen with lyrics welcome everyone to sing along – karaoke-style! This special Prince tribute is 8-9 p.m. Aug. 27-Sept. 6, and 7-8 p.m. Sept. 7. Join in early too – the Giant Sing Along plays voted-on hits and show tunes daily starting at 9 a.m.

Hours vary.

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Directions

Located throughout the fairgrounds

The Agriculture Horticulture Building is proudly sponsored by Old National Bank. Eco Experience is proudly sponsored by Xcel Energy. The DIRT Demonstration Stage is proudly sponsored by Mad City Windows.