DAILY FAIR SCHEDULE

Day One: OPENING DAY

STEM Day at Dan Patch Park: SciMathMN brings together kids of all ages to celebrate and explore the wonders of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) through hands-on learning, interactive STEM experiences, and connections to nonprofit STEM education providers, student groups and local businesses

Grandstand Entertainment: The Black Keys: Dropout Boogie Tour with The Velveteers at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Two

Governor’s Fire Prevention Day at Dan Patch Park: This annual fun-filled, action-packed Governor’s Fire Prevention Day is the largest fire-prevention education event in the world. Opportunities for families include learning about fire-safe behavior, fire prevention, safe escape from a fire, proper use of a fire extinguisher, how to prepare for an emergency, as well as technological improvements in burn treatment and firefighting equipment. Activities take place at Dan Patch Park, the North End and DNR Park. Presented by the Governor’s Council on Fire Prevention and Control

Grandstand Entertainment: The CHICKS: World Tour 2023 with Wild Rivers at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Three: 4-H Day

Visit the barns and animal competition areas to celebrate 4-H. See displays and performances in the 4-H Building.

Hubbard Broadcasting Day at Dan Patch Park: Hubbard Broadcasting Day features radio and podcast appearances, plus live music performances from locally owned and operated Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc.

Grandstand Entertainment: Keith Urban with Lindsay Ell at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Four

Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Dan Patch Park: North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS) will be joined by guest chefs to present cooking demonstrations and discuss the foundations of Indigenous food systems. Indigenous music and learning activities for all ages. Activities are scheduled throughout the day at Dan Patch Park.

Grandstand Entertainment: Boyz II Men with Chaka Khan at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Five: Seniors Day

Mental Health Awareness at Dan Patch Park: This is a day filled with interactive, engaging, educational and fun activities for fair guests of all ages to explore mental health resources and information. Event organizers will host more than 50 organizations from  throughout Minnesota to bring the most cutting-edge information on mental health and mental wellness to all. In addition, there will be a full stage lineup of diverse stage performances for a wide variety of audiences, including children’s programming, cultural performances, youth performances, musicians, therapy animals, and more! There will also be a collaborative art project anyone can help with as they walk through the event. Minnesotans of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to enjoy the day! Presented by
NAMI Minnesota & Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health and Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health.

Minnesota State Patrol Day at the North End: Troopers will be at North Underwood Street throughout the day to answer questions from fair guests. Squads (new and vintage) will be on display, and troopers from various specialty assignments will highlight some of the unique services offered by the Minnesota State Patrol.

Grandstand Entertainment: Happy Together Tour 2023 featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV and The Cowsills at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Six: Military Appreciation Day

Military Appreciation Day at Dan Patch Park: Guests can stop by to visit educational booths and organizations that support the military in celebration of Military Appreciation Day. Additional programs are also held throughout the fairgrounds, including at the Veterans Garden and the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. A flyover takes place in the morning.

Grandstand Entertainment: Brandi Carlile with Wynonna Judd at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Seven: Kids Day

Theater Day at Dan Patch Park: Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. Everyone’s favorite zoo crew sets out on a wild adventure in this upbeat musical based on the DreamWorks hit movie “Madagascar.” ETC Productions brings together performers and technicians ages 15-19 to present a one-hour show that will give you no choice but to “Move it, move it!”

Grandstand Entertainment: Yung Gravy with special guest bbno$ at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Eight: Seniors Day

UCare – Senior Stretch & Stroll Day at Dan Patch Park: Enjoy live musical and dance performances on the outdoor stage throughout the day, plus a variety of fun fitness, health and wellness programming.

Grandstand Entertainment: Duran Duran with Bastille and Nile Rodgers and CHIC at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Nine

MPR Day at Dan Patch Park: On the Dan Patch Park Stage, MPR News, Classical MPR and 89.3 The Current team up for live broadcasts, performances, local music and more throughout the day. Presented by Minnesota Public Radio.

Grandstand Entertainment: Jonas Brothers with special guest Lawrence at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Ten: FFA Day

Several FFA livestock judging events take place throughout the day.

Pan-Latino Day at Dan Patch Park: La Raza 95.7 FM and 1400/1470 AM, Minnesota’s top Latino radio stations, host a festival of the diversity represented under the colorful panorama of Latin American cultures in Minnesota. Enjoy Latin dance classes, performances by the Mexica Danzantes Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, Dos Coronas, Mariachi Son de Morelos, La Comparsa de Chinelos de San Pablo Apóstol, Rumba Nueva and more. Plus, arts activities and interactive experiences with Muralismos de Mexico, Alebrijes de Minneapolis, and the participation of many of the key organizations working in the Latino community in Minnesota will be featured throughout the day.

Grandstand Entertainment: The Current's Music On-A-Stick featuring The Hold Steady with special guests Bob Mould Band and Dillinger Four at 7:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Eleven: Friends of the Fair Day

Fair guests can stop by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation tent outside the J.V. Bailey House to learn more about the Foundation and becoming a Friend of the Fair member.

Grandstand Entertainment: Minnesota State Fair 50th Annual Talent Contest Finals at 7:30 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE.

Day Twelve: Kids Day

Hmong Minnesota Day at Dan Patch Park: Now in its eighth year, Hmong Minnesota Day is about hope, healing and a celebration of life. Stage activities feature a collaboration of Hmong artists and organizations from throughout Minnesota, including singers, dancers, martial artists, community leaders and more for all to enjoy.

Grandstand Entertainment: Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour at 3:00 p.m. For ticket info, CLICK HERE

70 PRINCESS KAY OF THE MILKY WAY CORONATION: Wednesday, Aug. 23, 8:00 p.m., at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

Since 1954, the Princess Kay program has recognized young women who are involved in the Minnesota dairy community. Dairy princesses from across the state exhibit leadership and communication skills as they compete to be Princess Kay of the Milky Way, with the winner serving as the dairy community’s spokesperson and goodwill ambassador throughout the year. She and the nine finalists will have their likenesses sculpted in butter during the State Fair in the Dairy Building. The competition is organized by Midwest Dairy.

OPENING CEREMONY: Thursday, Aug. 24, 10:15 a.m., at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

CEO Renee Alexander and President Joe Scapanski declare the State Fair officially open at the Opening Ceremony with the national anthem and a flag raising by members of the Minnesota State Fair Police Department.

FLAG RAISING: Located at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

With the exception of Aug. 24 and 25, flag raising ceremonies occur daily at 10:25 a.m. On Aug. 24, the flag raising is at 10:15 a.m. during the Opening Ceremony. On Aug. 25, the flag raising is at 10:10 a.m. as part of Governor’s Fire Prevention Day at Dan Patch Park.

VETERANS GARDEN CEREMONY: Tuesday, Aug. 29, 9:15 a.m., at the Veterans Garden on the south side of the Agriculture Horticulture Building

Minnesota’s military veterans of every era will be celebrated during a special ceremony at the State Fair’s Veterans Garden. The garden was established in 2005 on the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, and honors all Minnesotans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces from territorial days through today. The garden features memorials to Minnesota veterans of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Also featured is a Gold Star Families memorial honoring families of those who died while in military service to our nation, and a Blue Star Memorial honoring all American military veterans.

2023 BEST AWARDS CEREMONY: Thursday, Aug. 31, 10:00 a.m., at the International Bazaar Stage

State Fair superintendents and other State Fair organizers will nominate exhibitors, vendors or concessionaires for the “2023 Best Awards.” A committee will then review nominations and select winners who are announced at this ceremony.

50 YEAR AWARDS: Saturday, Sept. 2, 10:00 a.m., at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

This award honors individuals and organizations with 50 years of State Fair participation.