Minnesota Fairs and Festivals: A Summer Guide for Families
County fairs are one of Minnesota’s best summer traditions, bringing together local food, livestock exhibits, 4-H projects, carnival rides, live entertainment, and small-town community spirit. With more than 80 county fairs held across Minnesota each summer, families can find everything from quiet, kid-friendly fairs to larger events with grandstand shows and full carnival midways.
What to See and Do
- Animal barns: Meet cows, pigs, goats, sheep, horses, rabbits, and poultry up close.
- 4-H and open-class exhibits: See local projects, crafts, baked goods, garden entries, art, photography, and youth achievements.
- Fair food: Enjoy mini donuts, cheese curds, corn dogs, lemonade, ice cream, and local food stands.
- Entertainment: Look for concerts, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, rodeos, talent shows, and family activities.
- Carnival fun: Many fairs include rides, games, midway attractions, and special wristband days.
Quick Planning Guide
Before you go, check each fair’s official schedule for admission prices, parking details, ride specials, grandstand events, and daily themes such as Kids Day, Senior Day, or Military Appreciation Day. Fair schedules can change, so confirm dates and times close to your visit.
Family Tips for a Better Fair Day
- Arrive early for easier parking and cooler weather.
- Bring cash, since some gates, food stands, or parking areas may not accept cards.
- Pack sunscreen, water bottles, wipes, and comfortable shoes.
- Visit animal barns first if you are going with young children.
- Look for free entertainment before buying ride tickets or grandstand seats.
- Check whether the fair offers discounted admission, ride wristbands, or free parking days.
Minnesota County Fair Directory (2026 Guide)
Minnesota has one of the largest county fair networks in the country — more than 80 fairs across the state. From farm animals and 4‑H exhibits to carnival rides, food trucks, and grandstand shows, county fairs are a summer staple for Minnesota families.
This directory includes confirmed 2026 dates, plus a full list of fairs to help families plan their summer adventures.
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Hennepin County Fair — June 11–13, 2026
📍 Corcoran, MN
Free gate admission + free parking.
Perfect for families who want a smaller, easy‑to‑navigate fair.
Family-Friendly Activity Ideas: Start with the animal barns and 4-H exhibits, then visit the creative activities displays, bounce houses, kid entertainment, food vendors, and any hands-on demonstrations scheduled during your visit.
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Wadena County Fair — June 18–21, 2026
📍 Wadena, MN
Classic fair with animals, rides, and grandstand shows.
Family-Friendly Activity Ideas: Plan time for livestock shows, 4-H project displays, carnival rides, free family entertainment, fair food, music, and a grandstand event if your kids enjoy bigger fair attractions.
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Ramsey County Fair — July 16–19, 2026
📍 Maplewood, MN
Free admission; parking $10.
Great for younger kids — small, clean, and easy to explore.
Family-Friendly Activity Ideas: Visit the petting zoo, watch the live dairy education demonstrations, explore 4-H and open-class exhibits, try carnival rides and games, and catch balloon creations or free stage entertainment.
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Sherburne County Fair — July 16–19, 2026
📍 Elk River, MN
Affordable entry + lots of family activities.
Family-Friendly Activity Ideas: Walk through the animal barns, check out 4-H judging and exhibits, enjoy carnival rides, plan around Daycare Day or Senior Day if helpful, and consider a grandstand show such as bull riding, truck and tractor pulls, or the demo derby for older kids.
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Anoka County Fair — July 21–26, 2026
📍 Anoka, MN
A popular north metro fair with free parking, live music, carnival fun, creative arts, and grandstand events.
Family-Friendly Activity Ideas: Visit 4-H and livestock exhibits, explore creative arts displays, enjoy carnival rides, plan around Kids Day for half-off rides and gate admission, watch live music, check out craft workshops, and consider grandstand favorites such as bull riding, fireworks, or the demo derby for older kids.
Rice County Fair — July 22–26, 2026
📍 Faribault, MN
A great mid‑size fair with animals, rides, and food.
Family-Friendly Activity Ideas: Look for free activities such as mini golf, face painting, a kids pedal pull, magic and juggling shows, dance performances, animal barns, daily music, and special grandstand entertainment like wildlife shows or tractor events.
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Olmsted County Fair — July 27–August 2, 2026
📍 Rochester, MN
One of the largest fairs in southern Minnesota.
Family-Friendly Activity Ideas: Make the Miracle of Birth Center and animal barns a priority, then add carnival rides, free stage music, STEM Day, kids pedal tractor pull, bounce houses, food vendors, and ticketed grandstand events if they fit your family’s schedule.
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Benton County Fair — August 4–9, 2026
📍 Sauk Rapids, MN
A big fair with tons of animals and activities.
Family-Friendly Activity Ideas: Spend time in the activity area for Jurassic Kingdom, dinosaur-themed mini golf, the kids pedal tractor pull, mechanical bull riding, K-9 demonstrations, Alfy’s World of Robotics Puppets, livestock barns, midway rides, and free stage entertainment.
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Dakota County Fair — August 10–16, 2026
📍 Farmington, MN
One of the largest and most popular fairs in the state.
Family-Friendly Activity Ideas: Explore Dakota City Heritage Village, take in the daily tractor parade, visit 4-H exhibits, enjoy carnival rides, watch free family shows, attend Kids’ Day, try bingo or kids games, and consider grandstand events such as the rodeo or demolition derby for older children.
North Metro and Surrounding Community Festivals by Month
Use this quick guide to find family-friendly city festivals throughout the North Metro and Twin Cities. Dates and details can change, so check each festival website before heading out.
Brooklyn Park Tater Daze Parade and Community Gathering — May 30, 2026
Location: Parade route near 101st Avenue, Regent Avenue, and Oak Grove Parkway; Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Avenue N, Brooklyn Park, MN
Family Description: A free kickoff-to-summer event with a parade, food trucks, live performances, inflatables, arts and crafts, demonstrations, community resources, open skate, bingo, games, and touch-a-truck activities.
Spring Lake Park Tower Days — June 4–6, 2026
Location: Lakeside Lions Park, 7840 Pleasant View Drive NE, Spring Lake Park, MN
Family Description: A milestone 50th anniversary community celebration with a parade, live music, food concessions, professional wrestling, craft and business fair, car show, Ninja Anywhere, fire performance, bingo, and family activities.
Champlin Father Hennepin Festival — June 8–14, 2026
Location: Mississippi Point Park and Mississippi Crossings area, Champlin, MN
Family Description: A riverfront community festival with a parade, carnival, live music, fireworks, outdoor movie, kids color fun run, kids bingo, ice cream socials, kids concert, and family activities along the Mississippi River.
Rogers Rockin’ Rogers — June 18–20, 2026
Location: Rogers Community Center area, 21201 Memorial Drive, Rogers, MN
Family Description: A family-friendly festival with community night, kids band, carnival, kid games, parade, live bands, pony rides, pedal tractors, face painting, police and fire vehicles, and more summer fun.
Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park Juneteenth Celebration — June 20, 2026
Location: North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Avenue N, Brooklyn Park, MN; golf tournament at Centerbrook Golf Course, Brooklyn Center, MN
Family Description: A shared Two Brooklyns celebration with live performances, cultural programming, food trucks, local vendors, a community resource fair, youth activities, family activities, and recognition programs.
Columbia Heights Jamboree — June 25–28, 2026
Location: Huset Park, Columbia Heights, MN
Family Description: A classic city festival with carnival rides, food, games, a parade, beer garden, medallion hunt, fireworks, pancake breakfast, bingo, and Sunday Family Fun Day.
Blaine Festival — June 26–28, 2026
Location: Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln Street NE, Blaine, MN
Family Description: A weekend community celebration with free gate admission and parking, carnival rides, petting zoo, pig races, craft and business vendor fair, civic tent, live music, parade, car show, food, and family entertainment.
Coon Rapids 4th of July Community Celebration — July 2–4, 2026
Location: Boulevard Plaza, 11002 Crooked Lake Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN
Family Description: A large Independence Day celebration with a community parade, carnival midway, food trucks, Lions tent, live music, car show, 5K, kids dash, games, bingo, and a July 4 fireworks finale.
Plymouth Music in Plymouth — July 8, 2026
Location: Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, MN
Family Description: Plymouth’s signature summer music event with live performances, food, entertainment, local businesses and organizations, and a festive evening atmosphere traditionally capped by a major fireworks display.
Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days — July 9–12, 2026
Location: Robbinsdale, MN; events at downtown and community locations
Family Description: A long-running hometown festival with small-town charm, including a block party, parade, fireworks, tournaments, community activities, and family-friendly celebrations.
Andover Family Fun Fest — July 10–11, 2026
Location: Andover City Hall Complex and Community Center campus, Andover, MN
Family Description: A free hometown festival celebrating 30 years with live music, food, games, community booths, kids activities, shopping, competitions, a parade, 5K, drone show, and fireworks.
Maple Grove Days — July 15–19, 2026
Location: Central Park, Town Green, Maple Grove Community Center, and other Maple Grove locations
Family Description: A large community celebration with a parade, medallion hunt, outdoor movie, competitions, teen events, bed races, business expo, corn feed, food trucks, entertainment stage, kiddie games, fireworks, pancake breakfast, and more.
Fridley 49er Days — July 16–18, 2026
Location: Commons Park and other Fridley locations, Fridley, MN
Family Description: A multi-day city celebration with a parade, medallion hunt, car show, movie in the park, food trucks, music, Commons Park grand opening activities, family fun zone, sports clinics, bingo, and splash pad fun.
Crystal Frolics — July 24–26, 2026
Location: Welcome Park and Bassett Creek Park, Crystal, MN
Family Description: A three-day community celebration with softball, food vendors, bingo, live music, a free family festival, inflatables, kids workshop kits, llama visits, Kidsdance DJ, fireworks, 5K race/walk, and kids kickball.
Elk RiverFest — July 25, 2026
Location: Downtown Elk River and community event areas, Elk River, MN
Family Description: A summer community festival with entertainment, food and drink vendors, family activities, community booths, and a lively downtown festival atmosphere.
New Brighton Stockyard Days — August 7–9, 2026
Location: Long Lake Regional Park, 1500 Old Highway 8, New Brighton, MN
Family Description: A history-inspired community festival with parade, fireworks, Antique Car Run, live music, craft booths, food trucks, fresh-roasted sweet corn, car show, kids fun run, duck race, street dances, and family activities.
Osseo Lions Roar — September 11–12, 2026
Location: Boerboom Park, downtown Osseo, and community locations, Osseo, MN
Family Description: A community festival with a parade, kids adventure area, inflatables, petting zoo, ice cream social, craft and vendor sale, bingo, food, music, Lions activities, and family entertainment.
Ramsey Happy Days Festival — September 12, 2026
Location: Elmcrest Park and Sunwood Drive NW near Ramsey City Hall, Ramsey, MN
Family Description: A hometown festival with a 5K, youth fun run, parade, expo, food trucks, kids activities, musical entertainment, fireworks, and community fun for all ages.
More Twin Cities City Festivals for Families
Edina Art Fair — June 5–7, 2026
Location: 50th & France, Edina, MN
Family Description: A long-running art fair with artist booths, food, music, and walkable shopping areas that work well for families who enjoy browsing outdoors.
Saint Anthony Park Arts Festival — June 6, 2026
Location: Saint Anthony Park Library area, Saint Paul, MN
Family Description: A neighborhood arts festival with handcrafted art, music, food trucks, and a relaxed community feel for families.
Union Depot Train Days — June 6–7, 2026
Location: Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN
Family Description: A free train-themed festival with train equipment tours, model trains, vendors, concessions, photography displays, and hands-on activities for young train fans.
Grand Old Day — June 7, 2026
Location: Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN
Family Description: A large Saint Paul street festival with a parade, fun run, family area, art fair, car show, food vendors, and live entertainment.
Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest — June 18–21, 2026
Location: Kingston Park, Cottage Grove, MN
Family Description: A classic community festival with carnival rides, food, live entertainment, family activities, and strawberry-themed fun.
St. Louis Park Parktacular — June 18–21, 2026
Location: Wolfe Park, St. Louis Park, MN
Family Description: A community celebration with a parade, family activities, music, food, and park-based fun in the heart of St. Louis Park.
White Bear Lake Manitou Days — June 18–July 4, 2026
Location: Downtown White Bear Lake and lakefront areas, White Bear Lake, MN
Family Description: A multi-week lake community celebration with a parade, beach dance, Marketfest, medallion hunt, children’s fishing contest, boat parade, and fireworks.
Eagan Art Festival — June 20–21, 2026
Location: Eagan Central Park, Eagan, MN
Family Description: An outdoor art festival with artist booths, hands-on creative activities, music, food, and open green space for families.
Stone Arch Bridge Festival — June 20–21, 2026
Location: West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN
Family Description: A popular riverfront art and music festival with more than 200 artists, live music, food, a car show, and family activities along the Mississippi River.
Twin Cities Jazz Festival — June 19–20, 2026
Location: Mears Park and Lowertown, Saint Paul, MN
Family Description: A free outdoor jazz festival with live performances, food options, and a relaxed park setting where families can enjoy music together.
Roseville Rosefest — June 22–28, 2026
Location: Parks and community spaces in Roseville, MN
Family Description: A weeklong city celebration with a parade, superhero carnival, theater in the park, family skate, inflatables, food trucks, bands, and fireworks.
Twin Cities Pride Festival — June 27–28, 2026
Location: Loring Park, Minneapolis, MN
Family Description: A large community festival with entertainment stages, vendors, food, resources, and a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.
Taste of Minnesota — July 3–4, 2026
Location: Downtown Minneapolis near Nicollet Mall and Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Family Description: A food, music, makers, and community celebration featuring Minnesota artists, restaurants, food trucks, breweries, local vendors, and holiday-weekend energy.
Red, White & BOOM! — July 4, 2026
Location: Downtown Minneapolis riverfront area, Minneapolis, MN
Family Description: A Fourth of July celebration with community activities, riverfront gathering spaces, and evening fireworks that make it a classic family outing.