2026 Minnesota State Fair: Karen’s Guide to Food, Parking & 10 Can’t-Miss Stops
The Great Minnesota Get-Together is back August 27–September 7, and whether you’re a once-a-year visitor or someone who considers cheese curds a legitimate food group, a little planning makes the Fair much more fun. Here are some of my favorites, plus a few tips for the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
🍩 First Things First: The Food
There are 36 official new foods and nine new food vendors this year. A few that caught my eye:
Longanisa Cheese Curd Lumpia – Filipino sausage + Wisconsin cheese curds. Enough said.
Hmong Corndog – Hmong sausage with ginger, garlic, chili and lemongrass.
Elote Tots – Tater tots topped Mexican street-corn style.
Strawberry Crunch Mini Donuts – Because apparently regular mini donuts weren't dangerous enough.
Pickle Pie – Pickles, cream cheese, ranch and Cholula. Minnesota, we need to talk.
See all the new foods here: Official 2026 New Foods & Map
Karen’s favorite: I still start with an Amish Doughnut from Peachey’s Baking Company. Huge, warm, glazed and completely worth the sticky fingers.
🚗 Parking Without Losing Your Mind
On-site parking is $25, opens at 6 a.m. and fills quickly. My suggestion: unless you arrive early, use one of the 32 FREE Park & Ride lots. Parking is free, the bus is free, and your blood pressure may thank you. Free Park & Ride Locations | On-Site Parking Information
⭐ Karen’s Top 10 Things to Do at the Fair
1. Get an Amish Doughnut at Peachey’s.
2. Visit the Fine Arts Center (“the Art Barn” in my vocabulary) and see more than 300 Minnesota works of art.
3. Watch the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash — daily at 11, 2 and 4:30.
4. See the baby animals at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center.
5. Shop! I love wandering the Coliseum, Grandstand, West End Market and International Bazaar.
6. Try at least one new food. Sharing counts, so recruit friends strategically.
7. Ride the skyride! — Saves time, great views and awesome people watching.
8. Catch some free live music instead of rushing from attraction to attraction.
9. See the butter sculptures and dairy exhibits. You simply can't explain this tradition to non-Minnesotans. Also, daily butter carving contests!
10. Leave time to wander. Some of the best Fair discoveries aren't on the schedule.
One Last Tip
Download the official State Fair app. It has the food finder, shop finder, interactive map and daily schedule—very handy when someone says, “Where was that thing we wanted to see?” Official MN State Fair App
Have fun, wear comfortable shoes, bring your appetite—and remember: Fair calories are measured in memories, not numbers.
