Free fun at the Minnesota State Fair: Here's a day

Grab that corn dog and put on your walking shoes — State Fair season is upon us.

Alongside hundreds of vendors and a nightly lineup of Grandstand shows, there’s plenty to do for free at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The fair’s online calendar contains more than 3,700 listings for activities, games, concerts and performances during all 12 days of the fair. Want to see them all? The searchable schedule is at mnstatefair.org/schedule/.

Yes, it can be overwhelming — and the State Fair is stepping up its sensory-friendly and disability accommodations this year. A restroom facility with additional space and equipment for wheelchair users and a sensory-support “oasis” staffed by Fraser-trained volunteers are both open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (8 p.m. on Labor Day).

To help your State Fair experience run smoothly, here’s a day-by-day guide: Each day’s special discounts and themes, plus a selection of free events and concerts worth checking out. I’ll see you on the Giant Slide!

Sisters Lila, left, and Riley Prinsen, of Minneapolis,ride the Slingshot at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. “I was so scared,” said Riley about going on the ride, “but we would go on it again.” (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Samatha Owen, of Mounds View, aims her water gun as she tries to win a prize at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. “I always get to spend time with my grandma and grandpa,” said Samantha about why she loves the Fair. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Three-year-old Blake Kromminga rides on the shoulders of her dad, Kyle, as they make their way along Judson Ave. at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

People wait outside the Snelling Ave. gates for the 7 a.m. opening for the first day of the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Six-year-old Maryjane Burgett, of St. Paul, is first through the gates on the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Andrew Stalhiem, of Amery, Wis., is "out for a walk” with his Clydesdales, three-year-old Nash, left and five-year-old Bo, at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Friends Samantha Hamilton and Ayana Chankhan share a laugh as they work at the Fresh Squeezed Lemonade booth at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. “She talked me into the job,” said Chankhan about her friend and why she is working. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

People walk under the State Fair sign near the transit hub entrance of the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Gov. Tim Walz welcomes attendees to the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Elena Walz, 11, of Minneapolis, digs into roasted corn-on-the-cob at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Friends Cheryl Hiner, of St. Paul, and Jeannie Hogan, of Minneapolis, go down the Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. “Oh, I had a blast,” said Hogan. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Fairgoers gather to look at the fish in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ fish ponde at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Fairgoers check out the ever-popular seed art in the Agricultural Horticultural building at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Eli Hansen, of Maple Grove, reacts as his whiffle ball bounces out of the cup he was aiming for at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Maggie Randall, 7, of North Oaks, shows off the stuffed animals she won at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. “I aimed very strongly,” said Maggie, explaining how she won her prizes on the water guns. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Fairgoers ride the Sky Glider at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Sisters Lila, left, and Riley Prinsen, of Minneapolis, hold hands before being flung a hundred feet into the air on the Slingshot ride at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. “I was so scared,” said Riley about going on the ride, “but we would go on it again.” (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

“It's the biggest slide she’s ever been on,” said Martha Fechtkarusc, of Hudson, Wis., about the reaction of her 18- month-old daughter, Evelyn, to a trip down the Giant Slide at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Crowds at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Nathan Visser, 15, of Ada, Minn., hangs out with Lady, a two-year-old Hereford in the Cattle Barn at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Thursday Aug. 24, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

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Daily deal: In honor of opening day, the fair is knocking a couple bucks off admission. Today, tickets at the gate run $16 for adults (13–64) and $13 for kids and seniors. Plus, special promotions all day at the Mighty Midway and Kidway.

Today’s theme is: STEM Day, all about science, technology, engineering and math. Activities all day at Dan Patch Park include explorations of AI and robotics for kids, performances from the University of Minnesota Physics Force at 10:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. and the ABC 6 News Weather Lab at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

CARVE: Join a morning butter-carving contest, open to the public, with prizes on offer. 10 a.m. @ Moo Stage, near the Cattle Barn (happening every day of the fair, same time)

WATCH: Don’t miss the talented and funny Hip Hop Juggler, a family-friendly comedy and stunt show. 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. @ Family Fair Stage (happening daily through Aug. 27; same start times)

FETCH: In All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash, a pack of performative pooches — all of whom have been adopted from shelters — leap, dive, jump-rope and more. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. @ North Woods Stage (happening every day of the fair; same start times)

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Hit your six degrees of Kevin Bacon with the Bacon Brothers — the actor and his brother, Michael, are also a singing-songwriting duo whose sound bridges folk, rock, soul and country styles. 8:30 p.m. @ Leinie Lodge Bandshell (happening at the same time Aug. 25, too)

Daily deal: Early-bird specials on Mighty Midway and Kidway games and rides until 1 p.m. today.

Today’s theme is: Governor’s Fire Prevention Day. Activities include an educational “hot zone” near the North End Event Center and a mock car crash scene demonstration at 12:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Dan Patch Park.

WATCH: Students from St. Paul Irish dance school Rince na Chroi (pronounced “rink-a na cree”) will perform. 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. @ Cosgrove Stage, outside the Education Building

STYLE: Explore sustainable and ‘upcycled’ clothing with textile artist Phoenix Niewidok of Denim Butcher Fashion. 10 a.m. @ Sustainability Stage in Eco Experience

GET CHEESY: Hang out with cool cheesemaker Alise Sjostrom of Redhead Creamery as she chats about pairing Minnesota wines and cheeses. 3 p.m. @ Minnesota Wine Country

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Lady Midnight, a local performance and music artist whose songs have Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous influences, takes the stage courtesy of The Current. 5 p.m. @ MPR, on the corner of Judson Avenue and Underwood Street

Today’s theme is: Hubbard Broadcasting Day. Catch the Tom Barnard Morning Show Podcast at 10 a.m., KS95’s Dez and Taylor performing at 1 p.m., and Staci and Hutch, also from KS95, starting at 2:30 p.m.

LISTEN: Black Storytellers Alliance, a Minneapolis organization upholding traditional African oral histories, is staging pop-up performances. 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. @ East Grandstand Plaza (also on Aug. 27; same times)

FACE OFF: Do you think you’ve got the best milk mustache in the whole fair? Enter the Milk Moo-Stache Contest and win prizes. Sign-up at 2 p.m., contest at 2:30 p.m. @ Moo Stage, outside the Cattle Barn

WATCH: See how candles are made from beeswax in a live demonstration. 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. @ Agriculture Horticulture Building (happening every day of the fair; same times)

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: The Foxgloves are billed as “an all-female band with songs you won’t be able to stop humming,” which sounds pretty good to us! Several chances to catch them: 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. @ Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater (happening Aug. 27, too; same times)

Today’s theme is: Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The organization North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) will highlight various aspects of Native culture and cuisine, including a wild rice demo at 12:30 p.m. and a performance by Red Lake Nation pow wow singer Joe Rainey at 2:45 p.m. at Dan Patch Park.

CHEER: In the Dress A Sheep Contest, team members in costumes will race to dress up their sheep in a matching outfit, and you can cast your vote for people’s choice. 10 a.m. @ Sheep and Poultry Barn

FORAGE: As part of Indigenous Peoples’ Day programming, noted Indigenous ethnobotanist Linda Black Elk will discuss and demo foraging for edible plants in the wild, with a focus on climate change and land restoration. 1:15 p.m. @ Dan Patch Park Stage

GALLOP: Today’s horse show features barrel racing with draft horses — giant, muscular work horses such as Clydesdales that are less commonly raced in this way. 3 p.m. @ Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Local rock band Kiss the Tiger, who appear regularly at venues around the Twin Cities and Midwest, have also become perennial Fair performers in recent years. 8 p.m. @ Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater

Daily deal: It’s Seniors Day, so those 65 and up get into the fair for $13. Plus, early-bird specials on Mighty Midway and Kidway games and rides until 1 p.m. today. Today is also the sensory-friendly morning; reduced brightness and noise volume at the Kidway from 9 to 11 a.m. and the Midway from 10 a.m. to noon.

Today’s theme is: Mental Health Awareness Day. More than 50 organizations will be at Dan Patch Park to share information and resources. Onstage, Fidgety Fair Tales will retell familiar fairy tales with a focus on mental health at 9:45 a.m., and musicians will perform throughout the afternoon.

WATCH: The Minnesota Polka Dancers will show their moves. 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. @ Cosgrove Stage, outside Education Building

FORECAST: Hang out with local meteorologists Paul Huttner and Sven Sundgaard. Channel your inner suburban dad and say, “We needed this rain.” 2 p.m. @ MPR

SIP: Mead, or wine made from honey, is making a big comeback in the Twin Cities right now — and it’s delicious, as beekeeper and winemakers from WineHaven Winery in Chisago City will discuss. 3:30 p.m. @ Minnesota Wine Country

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Country/honky-tonk legend Dallas Wayne and guitar star Redd Volkaert will share the stage at the Fair to perform both classic and original songs. 3:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. @ Leinie Lodge Bandshell (also happening Aug. 29, too)

Daily deal: In honor of the fair’s Military Appreciation Day, active and retired military and veterans, plus their spouses and kids, all get $13 admission tickets, regardless of age, with documentation of service. Plus, special promotions all day at the Mighty Midway and Kidway.

Today’s theme is: Military Appreciation Day Musical performances include Red Devils, the 34th Infantry Division Band’s acoustic rock ensemble, at 1:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., and Boots’n Brass, their jazz ensemble, at 2:25 p.m., all at Dan Patch Park.

MOO: Agrilympics: Celebrity Farm Animal Calling Contest. A panel of “local celebrities” will compete to perform the best animal calls. Who’s sounding off? It’s a surprise! 12:20 p.m. @ Moo Stage, outside the Cattle Barn

WATCH: Native Pride Dancers, a nationally recognized troupe made up of folks from a variety of tribal nations, performs a variety of traditional and modern cultural dances. 3:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. @ International Bazaar Stage (also happening Aug. 28; same times)

LAUGH: Kid-friendly Minneapolis puppeteers Z Puppets Rosenschnoz — who are also active in revitalizing the Cherokee language — are putting on a series of pop-up performances. 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. @ East Grandstand Plaza (also happening Aug. 28; same times)

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Heatbox, a local beatboxer and performer of “vocal turntablism,” uses only his voice and a loop pedal to simulate horns, strings, percussion and other instruments. 8 p.m. @ Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater (also happening Aug. 28; same times)

Daily deal: Kids Day! Lil’ ones 12 and under get in for $13. Plus, special promotions all day at the Mighty Midway and Kidway.

For kids today: Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr. is being presented at Dan Patch Park. The play, based on the movie, is acted by Twin Cities teenagers on a 44-show summer tour. See it at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (with audio description)

CHEER: Come watch the Rooster Crowing Contest as rooster owners try to get their birds to sound off by cock-a-doodle-doing funny faces and dances and more. 11 a.m. @ Sheep & Poultry Barn

BUZZ: Do you want to grow a beard of bees? For 23 years, Gary Reuter from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab will build a beard of live bees on the faces of a couple brave volunteers. Watch him pull it off again: 1 p.m. @ Agriculture/Horticulture Building

MARVEL: Prolific local illusionist Mr. Norm brings his family-friendly show, with plenty of audience participation, to the Fair. 11:45 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. @ Crossroads Chapel and Stage (daily throughout remainder of the fair; same times)

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Gully Boys make music that’s a little poppy, a little grungy and all about building community. After all, the idea for the band came while browsing in a Minneapolis Ragstock shop. 8 p.m. @ Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater (also happening Aug. 31; same time)

Daily deal: Seniors Day again, with $13 admission for those 65 and above. And early-bird specials on Mighty Midway and Kidway games and rides last till 1 p.m.

Today’s theme is: “UCare Stretch & Stroll Day” at Dan Patch Park, with a fitness program at 10:15 a.m., a performance by Gotta Dance Line Dancers at 12:30 p.m., and Latin dance instruction at 3 p.m.

HARMONIZE: The five-piece a cappella group Minor Mischief has roots in jazz but sings all sorts of high-energy musical styles from pop to country to opera. 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. @ Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage (also on Aug. 30, same times)

LEARN: Minneapolis-based Finnegans Brewing Co. runs a robust community food assistance program, and Patty Morrissey will chat about social entrepreneurship and “turning beer into food.” 5 p.m. @ Dirt Demo Stage in the Agriculture Horticulture Building

FLY: See eagles, hawks, falcons and more soar during this show by the organization Last Chance Forever, which rehabilitates birds of prey. (Don’t worry — the name does not mean this is your last chance to see the show!) 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. @ DNR Garden Stage (also showing Aug. 24–29 and Sept. 1–4; same times. 4 p.m. show daily is ASL-interpreted)

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Minnesota Wine Country is putting on a Latin dance night featuring local favorite orchestra Salsa del Soul. ¡Vamos a bailar! 6:30 p.m. @ Minnesota Wine Country

Daily deal: Early-bird specials on Mighty Midway and Kidway games and rides until 1 p.m. today.

Today’s theme is: MPR Day. At Dan Patch Park, The Cactus Blossoms perform at 10:30 a.m., kid-friendly debate podcast Smash Boom Best records at noon, Known MPLS youth choir takes the stage at 1:30 p.m., Kiss the Tiger comes on at 2:45 and Blu Bone closes out the day at 4 p.m.

WATCH: Local dance and performance company South Asian Arts & Theater House is putting on a few pop-up performances. 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. @ East Grandstand Plaza (also on Sept. 2, same times)

DARE TO DAIRY: Channel your inner steel-stomached ruminant and enter the Cottage Cheese and Yogurt Eating Contest! Prizes are available, but it’s BYOA — bring your own antacids. 10:30 a.m. @ Moo Stage, near Cattle Barn

SOLVE: Hear me out, OK? Math On-A-Stick isn’t summer school — they’ve got a scavenger hunt, geometric tile games, a spiral machine and real-life mathematicians. Today, hang out with math/engineering guy and Minnesota Tool Library instructor Peter Hoh. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Math On-A-Stick, near Baldwin Park and the Eco Experience

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Influenced by Latin American and Mediterranean sounds, local ensemble The Robert Everest Expedition has long collaborated with Togolese musician Yawo Attivor, and they’re bringing their unique world music to several performances at the fair. 3:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. @ International Bazaar Stage (happening Sept. 2, too; same times)

Today’s theme is: Pan-Latino Day. Thanks to Latino radio stations La Raza 95.7 FM and 1400/1470 AM, catch a full day of music, dance and art at Dan Patch Park. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., musicians include Mariachi Son de Morelos, La Comparsa de Chinelos de San Pablo Apóstol, Rumba Nueva, and more.

COOL DOWN: With an ice cream-eating contest. It’s open to the public, with prizes in three age groups. Sign up at 2 p.m., start eating at 2:30 p.m. @ Moo Stage, near the Cattle Barn

DANCE: Monster Shop Bump’n has performed their acrobatics and breakdancing all over the world, and now they’re here! 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. @ Family Fair Stage (happening every day of the fair; same times)

DON’T FALL: The Timberworks Lumberjack Show is a forest-sports decathlon featuring buck saw, logroll, ax throwing, speed climbing, and more. 12 p.m. + 3 p.m. + 5:30 p.m. + 7 p.m. @ North Woods Stage (daily; same times. Noon show every day is ASL-interpreted. 3 p.m. shows on Aug. 26, 27 and 31 audio-described.)

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Catch local jazz/blues group Davina and the Vagabonds live. 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. @ MPR

PARTY: Brazilian twin brothers B2wins put on high-energy rock shows with electric violins, ukuleles, and plenty of dancing. 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. @ Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage (also on Sept. 4, same times)

WATCH: The Somali Museum Dance Troupe — all teens or young adults, many of whom are recent immigrants to Minnesota — share cultural dances from Somalia and nearby countries. 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. @ Cosgrove Stage, outside the Education Building

BUZZ IN: Test your knowledge of beef cattle and dairy farming (and maybe win prizes!) at this quiz show that’s open to the public. 5:30 p.m. @ Barn Stage in the Moo Booth (also taking place Aug. 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, Sept. 1, 2; same time)

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Since 2002, Orkestar Bez Ime has aimed to “recreate the sounds of the village” with Eastern European and Romani music and festive live show atmospheres. 10:45 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. @ International Bazaar Stage (happening Sept. 4, too; same times)

Daily deal: Celebrate the last day before school with another Kids Day — $13 tickets for those 12 and under. Plus, special promotions all day at the Mighty Midway and Kidway.

Today’s theme is: Hmong Minnesota Day. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dan Patch Park, come find a variety of Hmong singers, dancers, martial artists, and community organizations.

WATCH: Mexica Yolotl, a dance group that celebrates Aztec and other pre-Hispanic Indigenous cultures in Mexico, will perform. 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. @ West End Market (also Sept. 3, same times)

LOSE YOUR MIND: Wanna get hypnotized on stage? Lizzy, a comedian and hypnotist, will explore the power — and humor — of the human mind. 7 p.m. @ Family Fair Stage (also Sept. 3, same times)

SAY MAGIC WORDS: After you see baby animals in the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, catch the Thank a Farmer Magic Show right outside. 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., @ Christensen Farms Stage (happening every day of the fair; same times. 3 p.m. shows are ASL-interpreted)

FREE SHOW OF THE DAY: Close out the Great Minnesota Get-Together with Minnesota music legends Soul Asylum, still going strong and making music after more than four decades. 7:30 @ Leinie Lodge Bandshell (also Sept. 3, same times)

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