Win a Family 4‑Pack of Daily Armbands to the Mille Lacs County Fair!

Click Here to Enter to Win a Family 4 Pack of Armbands to the Mille Lacs County Fair

Celebrating More Than 135 Years of Community, Tradition, and Summer Fun

We’re celebrating summer by giving one local family a 4‑pack of daily armbands to use one day during the fair. 

The Mille Lacs County Fair returns August 5–9, 2026, bringing five full days of entertainment, agriculture, music, food, and family fun to the heart of the fairgrounds. For more than 135 years, this fair has been a beloved Minnesota tradition — and this year’s lineup is packed with classic favorites, new attractions, and unforgettable experiences for all ages.

Whether you’re here for the animals, the live music, the carnival rides, or the hands‑on kids activities, the Mille Lacs County Fair offers something special for everyone.

Daycare Day at the Fair

Daycares across the region are invited to enjoy a special morning designed just for young children. On Thursday, August 6 from 9:00 am to Noon, the fair will host Daycare Day, featuring a variety of kid‑friendly activities and hands‑on fun.

Admission is free for daycare children and chaperones.

Livestock, Horses & Mounted Shooters

Animal lovers can explore the barns, watch 4‑H livestock and horse shows, and learn more about Minnesota agriculture. The Minnesota Mounted Shooters competition brings high‑energy excitement to the horse arena:

• Saturday at 5:00 pm
• Sunday at 10:00 am

This thrilling event blends horsemanship, speed, and old‑west flair as riders compete using .45 caliber black‑powder blank cartridges to pop balloon targets.

Community Stage Entertainment

Wednesday, August 5 Happy Trucker Show LIVE 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Thursday, August 6 Dellwood 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Friday, August 7 The Star Chiefs 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday, August 8 Jonathan Clemons 11:15 am – 2:30 pm The Jorgensens 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunday, August 9 Leavin’ Page Town 11:30 am – 3:30 pm

Entertainment Pavilion

Don B! Wednesday, August 5 Noon – 12:45 pm

Sawyer’s Dream Wednesday, August 5 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Cory & Friends: The Power of Friendship Thursday, August 6 10:00 am – 10:30 am 11:30 am – Noon

Ninja Experience

Ninja warrior meets parkour and freerunning in this high‑energy, action‑packed stage production. The Ninja Experience delivers high‑flying stunts, jaw‑dropping tricks, and intense obstacle challenges, including the famous 15‑foot warped wall. This show blends comedy, danger, and audience participation for a performance that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.

After the show, families can meet the ninjas, take photos, get autographs, and even test their own skills by breaking boards with the team.

Showtimes: Wednesday – 3 pm & 6 pm Thursday – Noon, 3 pm & 6 pm Friday – Noon, 3 pm & 6 pm Saturday – Noon, 3 pm & 6 pm Sunday – 1:30 pm Location: South end of the fairgrounds near the Heritage Building.

Sustainable Safari Wildlife Shows

Sustainable Safari brings unforgettable wildlife encounters to the fair, inspiring appreciation for animals and conservation. Each 45‑minute show features 5–6 animals such as alligators, kangaroos, foxes, skunks, porcupines, possums, woodchucks, tenrecs, and more.

Location: Open Class Building

Showtimes: Wednesday, August 5 2:00 pm Wildlife Show 3:30 pm Wildlife Show

Thursday, August 6 12:30 pm Wildlife Show 2:00 pm Alligator Show 3:30 pm Wildlife Show

Friday, August 7 12:30 pm Wildlife Show 2:00 pm Alligator Show 3:30 pm Wildlife Show 5:00 pm Alligator Show

Saturday, August 8 12:30 pm Wildlife Show 2:00 pm Alligator Show 3:30 pm Wildlife Show 5:00 pm Alligator Show

Sunday, August 9 12:30 pm Wildlife Show 2:00 pm Wildlife Show

Agri‑Golf

A free 9‑hole mini‑golf course designed for kids and adults, with each hole teaching Minnesota agricultural facts. Daily mini‑tournaments add extra excitement.

Location: South end of the fairgrounds

Hours: Wednesday – Noon to 8:00 pm Thursday – Noon to 8:00 pm Friday – Noon to 9:00 pm Saturday – Noon to 9:00 pm Sunday – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Alfy’s World of Robotic Puppets

Thursday, August 6 & Friday, August 7 Noon – 6:00 pm Location: Strolling

A four‑foot‑tall talking horse named Naaathan may stroll up and start a conversation with you. These radio‑controlled robotic puppets engage guests with humor, personality, and spontaneous interactions. This attraction has appeared at major venues including Mall of America, St. Paul Saints games, parades, festivals, and more.

Kids Pedal Tractor Pull

Thursday, August 6 at 2:00 pm A classic fair competition for children ages 4–11. Trophies awarded to top pullers in each age class, with winners advancing to the Minnesota State Pedal Tractor Pull.

Registration begins at 1:30 pm.

Kids Money Grab

Saturday, August 8 Noon & 1:30 pm Children dig through sawdust for coins and treats. Open to toddlers through age 12.

Talent Show

Saturday, August 8 at 2:30 pm Local performers compete for cash prizes and the chance to represent Mille Lacs County at the Minnesota State Fair.

Little Farm Hands

A hands‑on exhibit where kids learn what it’s like to be a farmer for a day. Staffed by 4‑H members and volunteers.

Location: North end of the fairgrounds Hours vary daily Wednesday–Sunday.

The Amazing Bubble Factory

Daily bubble entertainment featuring bubbles from pea‑sized to minivan‑sized, plus live music, humor, and audience participation.

Location: South end of the fairgrounds Showtimes run throughout the week.

Carnival Midway

Wednesday: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Opening Day Special: $20 armbands

Thursday: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Friday: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm Armbands: Noon–4:00 pm & 6:00 pm–10:00 pm ($25 each session)

Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Armbands: Noon–4:00 pm & 6:00 pm–10:00 pm ($25 each session)

Sunday: Noon – 4:00 pm

Join the Fun August 5–9, 2026

With five days of entertainment, agriculture, music, food, and family activities, the Mille Lacs County Fair is the perfect place to celebrate summer. Whether you’re a longtime fairgoer or visiting for the first time, this year’s lineup promises something memorable for everyone.