Auditions for Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Competition announced

(Minnesota State Fair) – Calling all amateur singers, dancers, musicians, jugglers, acrobats and talented people of all ages: Registration is now open to audition for the 50^th Annual Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest. Auditions run Monday, July 24, through Sunday, July 30, at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell on the fairgrounds. Registration is available online at mnstatefair.org/competitions/amateur-talent-contests/. The deadline to register for auditions is 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 26. Everyone who auditions receives a commemorative MSF Amateur Talent Contest T-shirt.

“In the spirit of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, we are a talent showcase for everyone, from tap dancers to pianists to singers to all other kinds of talent. We especially pride ourselves on making sure everyone who auditions has a positive and fun experience, whether they move on to the semifinals or not,” said Theresa Weinfurtner, State Fair entertainment director, who has overseen the Amateur Talent Contest for 22 years. “Anyone who tries out is met by a supportive crowd of talent contest fans cheering them on.”

From the summer auditions, semifinalists are selected to perform during the first 10 days of this year’s Minnesota State Fair on the Leinie Lodge Bandshell stage, sponsored by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. Winners from the semifinals then compete in the finals on Sunday, Sept. 3, on the Grandstand stage. In total, nearly $20,000 in prize money is awarded to the first- through third-place winners in three divisions: Open Division (any age), Teen Division (ages 13-18) and Preteen Division (ages 12 and under).

Over the past five decades, more than 17,000 acts have auditioned for the MSF Amateur Talent Contest, with 5,500 qualifying for semifinal competition. More than $250,000 in prize money has been awarded to top finishers. Past winners include Nashville-based country music singer-songwriter Caitlyn Smith, local theater actor Max Wojtanowicz, beatbox artist DJ Snuggles, piano prodigies Emma and Jacob Taggart, and Minneapolis’ first family of soul The Steeles.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world. Showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is 12 Days of Fun Ending Labor Day. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @mnstatefair for year-round Minnesota State Fair updates.

The 2023 Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday, Aug. 24, through Labor Day, Sept. 4. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information.