Minnesota is the home of 10,000 lakes (even though the state has over 15,000!), but it’s also home to the best State Fair around. Since I grew up in Minnesota, I just assumed that all state fairs were the same.

However, once I visited a few more state fairs, I was grossly disappointed. The Minnesota State Fair is clearly the golden standard with almost 2 million people attending. In order to be a highly regarded state fair you need a few things: greasy fair food, lots of rides and activities, incredible live music, and of course competitions! The Minnesota State Fair is being held from August 24th to September 4th, 2017, it’s over Labor Day weekend, so clear your schedule and make sure you go!

While we’re a fairly healthy state, in Minnesota we know how to throw down when it comes to greasy fair food. Deep fried snickers? You got it. Deep fried Oreo? Of course. Deep fried bacon? Duh. It’s gotten to the point where we literally have a stand at the fair that will deep fry anything you bring them. Now, that’s extreme… extremely delicious. If you’re not in the mood for greasy fair food, then you’re still in good hands! The fair has over 300 food vendors serving a wide variety of food, from whole turkey legs, to bacon wrapped corn on the cob, to vegan sandwiches. Let’s think about it though, you can’t enjoy your ice cold strawberry shaved ice, or your funnel cake without sitting down in the shade and enjoying some music. While the fair food is the most important thing to me, the music is critical as well!

Good thing that state fair is the largest music festival in Minnesota! With more than 10 stages and 900 shows, there is constantly music and shows available! There’s a lumberjack show for those Minnesota newbies, along with a doggy pool where you can watch cute puppies splash around, a skateboarding park where stunts are performed, along with tons of talented bands from across the nation. There’s even a cultural stage, where you can watch Irish step dancers, Lebenese belly dancers, and Argentinian musician. There’s something for everyone. This year the grandstand (main stage) will be starring some big names, including, Usher, Sam Hunt, Pentatonix, Toby Kieth and Nickleback. Reserve your tickets early as they will likely sell out quickly! There’s also a 5K, called the Milk Run, if you want to work off some of calories you’ve gained from eating all of the fair food. When you go, don’t miss the daily parade at 2pm, along with the stunning nightly firework show.

Of course, we have a giant sing-along where hundreds of people belt out some of their favorite songs, but you won’t see me doing that (#tonedeaf). There are also hundreds of competitions from food eating, to horses, to livestock, to arts and crafts. It’s always a fun way to spend the day, looking at amazing creations, and seeing animals! There’s really an endless amount to do at the Minnesota State Fair. It’s the perfect way to end the summer. Let us know if you’re planning on going!

Xoxo,

Lexi