We have scoured the details, found the fun, got the scoop, and have been thinking about the Minnesota State Fair all year! We have the skinny on what’s new, how to save, and making plans for your day of fun at the great Minnesota Get Together!
First off! What’s new at the Minnesota State Fair. Here is your big list of new attractions and exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair.
Sweet & Selfie Experience
This fun, sugar-filled exhibit for all ages takes the fair guest on a journey through a fantastical world, where larger-than-life sweets (giant donuts, cookies, a candy mountain and more) create Instagram-worthy moments, and intriguing displays provide candy knowledge. It asks the questions: What’s the best-selling Halloween candy? How many dried cocoa beans does it take to make one pound of chocolate? Peppermint is a hybrid of what two mints? Free with fair admission. Sweet & Selfie Experience was created by Stage Nine Design and is distributed by Exhibits Development Group.
Located in the North End Event Center, north of Murphy Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Labor Day).
Sensory-Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway & Kidway
Sensory-Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway & Kidway is offered to better accommodate those with sensory sensitivities by reducing light brightness and sound volume on a fair day – Monday, Aug. 28. For more resources and information about attending the State Fair with sensory-processing challenges, please visit the Accessibility Guide website page at mnstatefair.org/general-info/
Located at Mighty Midway & Kidway. Monday, Aug. 28: 9-11 a.m. at Kidway; 10 a.m. to noon at Mighty Midway.
Can Can Wonderland Mini Golf On-A-Stick
After its popular debut at the fair’s Kickoff to Summer event in May, Can Can Wonderland Mini Golf On-A-Stick comes to the State Fair with fun for the whole family. This clever nine-hole course is made up entirely of famous State Fair landmarks – the Space Tower, Haunted House, DNR Park, Giant Slide, Ferris wheel and more. Cost: $10 per person; children 3 and under are free with a paid adult.
Located at the North End, north of Murphy Avenue and The Hangar, east of Underwood Street. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (8 p.m. Labor Day; ticket sales close at 7:30 p.m.).
Pan-Latino Day at Dan Patch Park
La Raza 95.7 FM and 1400/1470 AM, Minnesota’s top Latino radio stations, will host a festival of the diversity represented under the colorful panorama of Latin American cultures in Minnesota. Musicians, dancers and local artists, as well as organizations and community leaders, will be featured throughout the day.
Located at Dan Patch Park, south of the Grandstand and west of the Grandstand Ramp. Saturday, Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Universally Designed Changing Restroom with Hoist by Momentum Refresh
Momentum Refresh is the nation’s first fully accessible, universally designed, mobile restroom equipped with a full-size adjustable changing table, a ceiling hoist and other amenities. By offering a safe and comfortable personal care space for those with mobility limitations and their caregivers, Momentum Refresh reduces barriers and promotes inclusivity, equity and understanding. In addition to a toilet, this groundbreaking vehicle is equipped with a height-adjustable universal changing table, an overhead ceiling hoist to facilitate easier transfer from wheelchair to changing table or toilet, a height-adjustable sink, enough room for an individual and caregiver, and a team of trained professionals available to inform guests about the amenities and to maintain and clean the space.
Located on the east side of Cosgrove Street, north of Lee Avenue. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day).
50th Annual Amateur Talent Contest
More than 17,000 singers, dancers, jugglers, acrobats, instrumentalists and others have auditioned over the past five decades for this popular showcase of Minnesota’s most talented. This year’s semifinals are Aug. 24-Sept. 2 at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell and the finals are Sept. 3 at the Grandstand – a free event. Performers are competing for a share of more than $20,000 in cash prizes.
Located at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell Aug. 24-Sept. 2 (6 p.m.) and at the Grandstand Sept. 3 (7:30 p.m.).
Future Projections’ Canopy/Calliope
This new imaginative and immersive public art installation presented by Future Projections is a fantasia of imagery and sound. It is designed to delight and enchant the senses through “light painting” and photo collages that light up the ground below and the leafy canopy above. Future Projections is a live animation and projection art company founded by Minneapolis visual and performing artist Paul Herwig. Free with fair admission.
Located just south of the Grandstand, east of the Grandstand Ramp. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, Aug. 28, 29 & 30, at dusk or approximately 9 p.m. for 1 hour (weather permitting).
Oink Booth – A New Look
The iconic Oink Booth has a new look and is designed to reflect a real modern-day pig barn. Thanks to a partnership with Minnesota Pork, the newly constructed Oink Booth has expanded with more educational games and interactive activities about pigs in Minnesota. Oink Booth favorites – including the famous pig ear headbands, the sow and piglets exhibit and the ever-popular largest boar – will continue to be a part of the exhibit.
Located at the Robert A. Christensen Pavilion, northeast corner. Check the website for hours.
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, in partnership with Apple Valley High School, brings together performers and technicians ages 15-19, from throughout the Twin Cities, to present this lively one-hour show. Their stop is part of a 44-performance summer tour. Free with fair admission.
Located at Dan Patch Park, south of the Grandstand and west of the Grandstand Ramp. Performances are Wednesday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (1 hour); 1 p.m. performance is audio-described.
Two New Kidway Rides
Two new rides debut at the fair this year.
- Beach Shack: This adventurous ride spins, dips and tilts in a bright beach shack.
- Pump & Jump: Little tykes get a big adrenaline rush as they climb and drop and climb and drop.
Located at Kidway.
History Walking Tour: 5 New Stops
The History Walking Tour, a two-mile, 12-stop self-guided exploration of some of the State Fair’s most historically significant spots, introduces five new additions to the tour: Bandshell, Farm Boys’ Camp, Fairborne, Judging Arena (Compeer), and the Parade. The History Walking Tour is presented by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation and the Minnesota Historical Society. Brochures can be picked up at any tour stop on the fairgrounds, outside the J.V. Bailey House or at the History & Heritage Center. Free with fair admission. The new stops are:
- Bandshell: Small stages inside buildings were the norm before the 1960s. In 1971 the Bandshell was constructed – the largest of the State Fair stages offering free entertainment. In 2023, among dozens of shows on the Bandshell stage, catch the 50th Annual Amateur Talent Contest semifinals.
- Farm Boys’ Camp: In 1912, farm boys submitted an essay to earn a trip to the State Fair. Girls were included in 1916. Renamed Youth Camp in 1975, it continued through 1993 and was turned into a scholarship program in 1994. This year, 22 scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded to youth from greater Minnesota or those enrolled in an agriculture program.
- Fairborne: Happy 40th birthday, Fairborne! In 1983, Fairborne became the State Fair’s second gopher mascot, joining Fairchild, the official mascot since 1966.
- Judging Arena: Added to the livestock area in 1964, this 15,000-square-foot structure was replaced in 2012 with a larger arena now known as Compeer Arena.
- Parade: Part of the State Fair since the beginning, parades historically were most often held at the Grandstand racetrack and featured industrial fair vendors or prize-winning livestock.
Located throughout the fairgrounds.
Little Farm Hands Celebrates 20 Years
Now in its 20th year, Little Farm Hands welcomes more than 150,000 guests each year. This popular exhibit is where little fair fans become farmhands and experience the agricultural process through activities especially for ages 3-10. The journey starts with putting on an apron to fire up the imagination and ends with using “earnings” from working on the farm to purchase an item at the grocery store. Free with fair admission. Kemps Little Farm Hands is sponsored by Kemps (Title Sponsor and Dairy Barn), Cub (Grocery Store), Cargill (Tractor Shed) and Minnesota Corn (Grain Bin). Additional support from Edling Farms (Potatoes) and Minnesota Apple Growers Association (Apples).
Located south of Lee Avenue on the west side of Cooper Street. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mighty Midway & Kidway Fun Card
New this year – Mighty Midway & Kidway ride & game tickets will be loaded onto a Fun Card rather than given as paper tickets. Every time you ride a ride or play a game, you’ll scan your card and the appropriate number of tickets will be deducted from the card. If you’d like to add tickets to the card, stop by a ticket booth or self-serve kiosk at Mighty Midway or Kidway.
Located at Mighty Midway & Kidway.
Next up! We have all the ways to save money at the Minnesota State Fair!
Ways to Save Before-the-Fair Savings
Pre-fair discount admission tickets are $15 (a $3 discount off the regular adult admission price and a $1 discount off the regular seniors and kids admission prices) and are valid any one day of the 2023 fair for any age (children 4 & under are always free). Also prior to the fair, Mighty Midway and Kidway ride & game tickets are $20 for a 25-ticket Fun Card. (Kidway is sponsored by Kwik Trip.)
Discount State Fair admission tickets, discount Mighty Midway and Kidway ride & game tickets on a Fun Card, and Blue Ribbon Bargain Books (sponsored by Minnesota Lottery) are available through Aug. 23 at the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office off Como Avenue (Loop Gate #9), participating Cub locations and numerous locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis. (while supplies last). Discount admission tickets may also be purchased online at mnstatefair.org through Aug. 23 and by phone through Etix at 1-800-514-3849. Online and phone orders for Midway/Kidway ride & game Fun Cards, Blue Ribbon Bargain Books and admission tickets that must be mailed should be placed by Aug. 10.
During the fair, the regular admission price is $18 for adults (13-64); $16 for seniors (65+); and $16 for kids (5-12). Children 4 and under are always admitted free. Mighty Midway and Kidway tickets purchased during the fair are $1 per ticket, $30 for 33 tickets, and $60 for 70 tickets. Throughout the fair, Blue Ribbon Bargain Books are $5 and available at State FairWear Gift Shops and Bargain Book & State Fair Poster Carts (while supplies last).
Visit mnstatefair.org/tickets/
Special Deal Days
The State Fair kicks off with savings on Opening Day, Aug. 24. Discounted admission is $16 for adults (13-64) and $13 for seniors (65+) and kids (5-12) when purchased at the gate.
Monday, Aug. 28, and Thursday, Aug. 31, are Seniors Days. Seniors (65+) are admitted for $13 when tickets are purchased at the gate.
Military Appreciation Day is Tuesday, Aug. 29, when active military and their families, as well as retired and veteran military and their spouses, are admitted for $13 when they purchase admission at the gate and provide documentation of U.S. military service.
Wednesday Aug. 30, and Labor Day, Sept. 4, are Kids Days. Kids (5-12) are admitted for $13 when tickets are purchased at the gate.
In addition, many vendors feature special day deals for all State Fair guests on Opening Day, Aug. 24; Seniors Days Aug. 28 & 31; Military Appreciation Day, Aug. 29; and Kids Days, Aug. 30 & Sept. 4. Participating vendors will display a special day deal sign and are listed in the Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide (sponsored by Human Touch) available at all information booths and at mnstatefair.org. Select vendors also feature last chance deals on Labor Day, Sept. 4.
More Fun for Less at Mighty Midway & Kidway
Specials are offered every weekday on rides and games at Mighty Midway and Kidway. All-day specials run Thursday, Aug. 24; Tuesday, Aug. 29; Wednesday, Aug. 30; and Monday, Sept. 4. Early Bird specials are offered until 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25; Monday, Aug. 28; Thursday, August 31; and Friday, Sept. 1. (Kidway sponsored by Kwik Trip.)
Blue Ribbon Bargain Book
The 2023 Blue Ribbon Bargain Book (sponsored by Minnesota Lottery) offers 100 coupons offering savings of at least 30 percent on food, merchandise and attractions throughout the fairgrounds. Coupons are valid all 12 days of the fair, and a preview of the bargains is available at mnstatefair.org/blue-ribbon-
Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide
Available to view and print once available at mnstatefair.org/deals-and-
Free Entertainment, Exhibits and Attractions
- Sweet & Selfie Experience, a whimsical exhibit with Instagram-worthy moments and intriguing displays providing candy knowledge, is for all ages and debuts in North End Event Center. It is free with fair admission. More information: mnstatefair.org/new-this-year/
attraction/ - Nightly fireworks spectacular (sponsored by Mazda)
- Live music and entertainment lineup features more than 900 shows throughout the fairgrounds, including the Cosgrove Stage (sponsored by Allina Health | Aetna) where community groups perform; The Timberworks Lumberjack and All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash shows at The North Woods (sponsored by Good Health Saunas); family-friendly entertainment at the Family Fair Stage (sponsored by Green Mill Restaurant) at Baldwin Park; and more. Additional information: mnstatefair.org/free-live-
music-and-shows/ - The daily parade at 2 p.m. features the high school marching band competition.
- Dog agility demonstrations outside the Pet Pavilions
- Learn more and get inspired at free exhibits such as the Eco Experience (sponsored by Xcel Energy), DNR and Moo Booth.
- Many free things to do with young fair fans at exhibits such as Alphabet Forest, Math On-A-Stick and more. Additional information: mnstatefair.org/general-info/
kids-guide/ - BINGO made its debut last year and includes five games per session and lasts about 30 minutes. Proceeds support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3) and is located at Ramberg Center (sponsored by Cal Spas).
- FAN Central (sponsored by Xfinity) features local sports teams and merchandise.
- A wide variety of horses can be seen daily throughout the fair in the Horse Barn; competing as part of the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show; and at two horse education exhibits (Aisle of Breeds and EquiMania!TM), free with fair admission (Horse Barn is closed Aug. 29).
- The finest needlework, handcrafts, baking and canning that Minnesota has to offer presented in the Creative Activities Building, along with the Cambria Kitchen, home to daily demonstrations
- Fruit, wine, Christmas tree, crop art, flower, vegetable, potato, bee & honey contests along with the Giant Pumpkin Contest in the Agriculture Horticulture Building (sponsored by Bremer Bank)
- Shopping, specialty merchants and unique artisans are plentiful on the fairgrounds at: the Grandstand Exhibit Building (sponsored by Sleep Number), which has two levels of more than 160 vendors; Creative Activities Annex; Family Fair at Baldwin Park; International Bazaar; Home Improvement Building (sponsored by LeafFilter); Merchandise Mart; and more. More information: mnstatefair.org/general-info/
shopping-destinations/ - The Dairy Building (sponsored by Paddle North), which is home to the famed Princess Kay butter sculptures and malts and sundaes, as well as several vendors selling outdoor gear, home improvement merchandise, wool products and more
- The DIRT demonstration stage (sponsored by DISH) located in the Agriculture Horticulture Building offers free sessions from master gardeners, florists, lawn enthusiasts and other outdoor experts
- Thank a Farmer Magic Show on the Christensen Farms Stage (sponsored by T-Mobile), where children of all ages learn about the role agriculture plays in our daily lives
- The Kemps Little Farm Hands agricultural education experience (sponsored by Kemps, Cub, Cargill and Minnesota Corn Growers Association)
- Karaoke and music in The Garden (sponsored by Treasure Island Resort & Casino)
- There are five iconic fairgrounds spots for taking great photos, and they are marked with a Selfie Spot badge (sponsored by AARP). Here is a map of the five locations: mnstatefair.org/faq/amenities/
Sponsors for a Day
Day sponsors will be at the corner of Wright Avenue and Underwood Street with activities and information about their organization.
They include:
Mall of America (Aug. 24);
PaintCare (Aug. 25);
Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line (Aug. 28);
Metro-wide 911 Centers (Aug. 29);
Northstar Bus Lines (Aug. 29);
ShiftMed (Aug. 29);
Transportation Security Administration (Aug. 29);
AuSM (Aug. 30); Can Do Canines (Aug. 30);
Minnesota Alliance With Youth (Aug. 30);
People for PSEO (Aug. 30);
Save the Boundary Waters (Aug. 30).
For more information: mnstatefair.org/new-this-year/
Free Information & Guest Services
The Great Minnesota Get-Together offers many free services and amenities for guests’ convenience, including: free trolley rides (sponsored by United Healthcare) on the north end of the fairgrounds; information booths (sponsored by Humana) stocked with free maps (sponsored by Star Tribune), daily schedules and free ID wristbands to help reunite lost children and vulnerable adults with their families or guardians; a free Wi-Fi hotspot at the west Grandstand Plaza (sponsored by DragNFly Wireless); First Aid Stations (sponsored by Regions Hospital) located on the east and west ends of the fairgrounds; and more.
Now on to our favorite part! The new food that is coming to the Minnesota State Fair!
Al Taco Baba: Traditional hummus, harissa (pronounced hr-ee-suh) barbacoa, corn, queso fresco, chili dust, shatta (hot sauce) (pronounced shat-ta), crema, cilantro and pita puffs. At Baba’s, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall avenues, just south of Little Farm Hands
Ba-Sants in Two Varieties – Everything Cream Cheese and Sweet Corn: A buttery, crisp and caramelized pastry – a combination of a bagel and croissant: Everything Cream Cheese Ba-Sant is rolled in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes, black pepper and sea salt with a scallion cream cheese filling; Sweet Corn Ba-Sant is filled with fresh sweet corn custard and garnished with crunchy caramel corn. At French Meadow Bakery & Cafe, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
Bacon-Wrapped Waffle Dog: Griddled bacon-wrapped Kramarczuk hot dog served on a Nordic Waffle with cheddar cheese, pickle slices and crispy onions and drizzled with burger sauce. At Nordic Waffles, located at West End Market, south section
Basil Hummus With Spicy Walnut Topping: Holy Land hummus blended with fresh basil and topped with a mix of crushed walnuts, crushed red chili pepper, garlic and olive oil. Served with homemade garlic parmesan chips. (Hummus is vegan and gluten-free; chips are vegetarian-friendly with gluten-free option available.) At Holy Land, located at the International Bazaar, southeast corner
Bee Sting Sundae: Bridgeman’s vanilla ice cream topped with hot honey, spicy peanuts, whipped cream and a cherry. (Vegetarian, gluten-friendly) At Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, located on the northeast corner of Judson Avenue and Liggett Street
Birthday Cake Mini Donuts: Birthday cake-flavored mini donuts coated with vanilla sugar, drizzled with icing, and dusted with sugar crystals and sprinkles. At Mini Donuts & Cheese Curds, located on the east side of Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee avenues
Cheese Curd Stuffed Pizza Pretzel: Scratch-made jumbo pizza dough pretzel, hand-twisted and stuffed with Ellsworth cheese curds, pepperoni and a Green Mill blend of Italian spices. Brushed with garlic butter and topped with diced pepperoni, herbs and parmesan cheese. Served with Green Mill pizza sauce. At Green Mill, located on the east side of Cooper Street between Randall and Wright avenues, at Family Fair at Baldwin Park
Cheesecake Curds: Eli’s Cheesecake pieces covered in funnel cake batter, fried and dusted with powdered sugar and salt. Served with strawberry dipping sauce. At LuLu’s Public House, located at West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater
Chicken Momo With Tomato Chutney: Blend of ground chicken, cabbage, onion, ginger and other spices steamed in a dough wrapper. Served with tomato chutney. At Midtown Global Market’s MomoDosa*, located in the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall
Cloud Coolers in Three Flavors: Three choices of lemonade served with a cotton candy cloud spun onto the drinking straw: Summer Strawberry – strawberry lemonade topped with strawberry fields cotton candy; Happy Huckleberry – huckleberry lemonade topped with blackberry jam cotton candy; and Flower Power – violet lemonade topped with lavender love cotton candy. At Spinning Wylde, located north of Wright Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets, at Family Fair at Baldwin Park (new location)
Crispy Lutefisk Steam Bun: Steamed lotus bun filled with a blend of cabbage, carrots, cilantro and yum yum sauce, plus Olsen Fish Company lutefisk brined in salt water for 12 hours, covered in sweet hoisin sauce, then baked and topped with sesame seeds. At Shanghai Henri’s, located at the International Bazaar, north wall
Crunchy Balboa: Deep-fried tortilla filled with vegan roast beef, bacon and cheese sauce, plus peppers, onions and a hashbrown patty. Served with vegan Follow Your Heart seasoned sour cream. (Vegan) At The Herbivorous Butcher, located in the Food Building, west section, south wall
Dill Pickle Cheese Curd Taco: Fried white cheddar cheese curds, sandwich stacker dill pickles, cream cheese, lettuce and raspberry chipotle sauce in a fried flour tortilla. (Vegetarian)
At Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos, located on the north side of Judson Avenue between Liggett and Clough streets, outside the Sheep & Poultry Barn
Donut Delights: Mini donuts wrapped in bacon, on-a-stick, then deep-fried, topped with a layer of peanut butter and drizzled with raspberry dessert sauce. At Coasters, located on the southeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street
Fried Butternut Squash Ravioli: Deep-fried butternut squash ravioli sprinkled with maple cinnamon sugar. Served with a side of whipped ricotta. (Vegetarian) At Oodles of Noodles, located in the Food Building, east wall
Fried Green Tomato Sandwich in Two Varieties – BLT and Vegetarian: Two deep-fried locally grown green tomato slices in a crust of Whole Grain Milling Co. High Lysine Cornmeal, with mustard mayonnaise made with Lost Capital Economics Coarse Spicy Ale Mustard, and local lettuce on a toasted brioche bun from The Good Bread Company. BLT is served with bacon from Pastures a Plenty & Hidden Stream Farm. Vegetarian option is served with locally produced charred sweet corn relish. At Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Cooper and Cosgrove streets
Fruity Cereal Milk Biscuit: A Betty and Earl’s biscuit made with fruity cereal milk and cereal bits, drizzled with icing flavored with fruity cereal, and topped with more cereal bits. At LuLu’s Public House, located at West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater
Galabao (pronounced gah-lah-bow – bow rhymes with cow): Traditional Hmong-style steamed bun stuffed with ground pork, egg and spices – a recipe from Chef Yia Vang’s mom. Served with choice of Krunchy Chili Oil, Kua Txob (pronounced kuwah-tsaw) Hot Pepper Sauce or Lemongrass Scallion Dressing. At Union Hmong Kitchen, located at the International Bazaar, south wall, west corner
Holey Hamloaf Breakfast Sandwich: Hamline Church Dining Hall hamloaf, tangy glaze, caramelized onions and cheese in a sandwich made with fried egg-in-a-hole toast. At Hamline Church Dining Hall, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets
Hot Honey Cheese Sticks: Fried Halloumi (pronounced hal-lou-mi) cheese topped with hot honey and honeycomb crunch. (Vegetarian) At The Blue Barn, located at West End Market, south of the History & Heritage Center
Irish Butter Ice Cream Over Brown Sugar Cinnamon Toast: Ice cream made with European-style butter served on brown sugar cinnamon toast, drizzled with butter syrup and sprinkled with sea salt flakes. At Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, located on the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street
Italian Duo Dunkers: Two Italian-themed hand pies with seasoned parmesan crusts: one with sausage, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese in a 7 Vines Winery red wine-infused pizza sauce; and one with chicken, mushrooms and spinach in a creamy garlic alfredo sauce. Served with garlic butter dipping sauce. At Sara’s Tipsy Pies, located in the Food Building, northwest wall
Jam’nades in Two Varieties – Blueberry Mint and Strawberry Jalapeño: Organic lemonade infused with locally made jams in two varieties: Blueberry Mint Jam’nade with a spoonful of blueberry jam and topped with mint sprigs; Strawberry Jalapeño Jam’nade with a spoonful of strawberry jam and jalapeño slices. Served with a boba tea straw. (Vegan, gluten-free) At Jammy Sammies by BRIM, located at the North End, northwest section, across from the North End Event Center
“Kind of a Big Dill” Pickle Lemonade: Lemonade mixed with tangy dill pickling spices, craft brewed by Urban Growler and garnished with a crunchy slice of pickle. (Non-alcoholic) At Nordic Waffles, located at West End Market, south section
Lemonade Sorbet: Lemon sorbet made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest and mint garnish, served in a frozen half-lemon shell. (Vegan, gluten-free) At Quench’d: Lemonade/Bottled Water, located on the south side of Dan Patch Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
Loaded Lobster Fries: Lobster in garlic and herb butter, served on a bed of french fries sprinkled with OLD BAY® Seasoning, topped with bacon, drizzled with homemade chipotle mayonnaise, and garnished with green onion and a lemon wedge. At Cafe Caribe, located on the south side of Carnes Avenue between Chambers and Clough streets
Maui – Sota Sticky Ribs: Slow-smoked St. Louis-style ribs, caramelized with RC’s Sticky Huli Huli sauce and seasoned with furikake (pronounced fur-uh-kaa-kay), green onion and cilantro. At RC’s BBQ, located on the north side of West Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett and Chambers streets
Miami Mango Pickles: Dill pickles infused with Miami mango punch. At Soul Bowl, located in the Food Building, east wall
MinneCookieDough Pie: Homemade chocolate chip cookie dough in a flaky pie crust dusted with powdered sugar. Served with choice of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. At Minneapple Pie, located on the south side of Judson Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets
Paletas in Two Flavors – Dill Pickle Lemonade and Mini Donut (pronounced pah-lay-tuhs): Mexican frozen treats on-a-stick in two flavors made locally by La Michoacana Rose (pronounced meech-oo-a-kahn-a): Dill Pickle Lemonade Paleta is lemon-flavored, water-based and includes dill pickle slices (vegan); Mini Donut Paleta is vanilla ice cream with mini donut bits and a whole cinnamon mini donut inside (vegetarian). At Hamline Church Dining Hall, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets
Pickle Fries: Crispy, tangy thin-cut dill pickle fries lightly coated in a cornmeal and seasoned mustard batter. Served with a side of chipotle dipping sauce. At Mike’s Hamburgers, located on the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Nelson Street
Smoked Beef Arepa (pronounced ur-ay-puh): Smoked roast beef, avocado puree, fresh tomatoes, red onions and arugula in a baked Venezuelan crispy corn pocket. (Gluten-free) At Midtown Global Market’s Arepa Bar, located in the Taste of the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall
Sota-cuterie Board: Collection of Minnesota-made meats, cheeses, pickles and other charcuterie board favorites – served on an edible herb-crusted cracker “board.” At Sabino’s Pizza Pies, located in the Warner Coliseum, north side
Walleye Fritter Pops: Smoked walleye mixed with a blend of cheeses, dill pickle relish, fresh garlic and spices, rolled in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Served on-a-stick with a side of comeback sauce and a lemon slice. At Giggles’ Campfire Grill, located on the southeast corner of Lee Avenue and Cooper Street, at The North Woods
Check out these new food vendors!
Afro Deli: Serving Sambusas in three varieties – beef, chicken or veggie, fried triangle-shaped pastries with choice of meat or lentils, mixed with onions, garlic and cilantro, and served with “Basbaas,” a spicy Somali dipping sauce made with fresh chili peppers, jalapeños, cilantro, onions and lemon juice; Sweet Plantains, pieces of ripe plantains fried until golden brown (vegetarian); Somali Tea, a fragrant, spiced infusion of tea leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg, served hot or iced (vegetarian); and fresh mango juice (vegetarian).
Churros & Aguas Fresca: Serving bags of churros with caramel or fudge sauce; churros filled with strawberry, Nutella® or Bavarian cream; churro sundaes with vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream; and aguas frescas in watermelon, mango, pineapple and strawberry lime flavors.
MomoDosa: Serving official new food Chicken Momo With Tomato Chutney (blend of ground chicken, cabbage, onion, ginger and other spices steamed in a dough wrapper and served with tomato chutney). Plus, Masala Dosa (South Indian crepe of rice and lentil batter, ghee, and served with tomato chutney and coconut chutney); Veggie Pakora (shredded cabbage and onions dipped in chickpea batter, fried and served with mint and cilantro chutney and tamarind chutney, vegan and gluten-free); and Mango Lassi (smoothie made with mangoes, yoghurt, powdered cardamom and cloves).
Peachey’s Baking Company: Serving Amish doughnuts made on-site using traditional Amish recipes, topped with vanilla glaze and served warm; Peanut Butter Cream Doughnut, an over-sized Amish doughnut topped with house-made vanilla custard, peanut butter crumbles and whipped cream; and Southern Sweet Tea, a fresh-brewed tea sweetened with cane sugar.
Tasti Whip: Serving Dole Soft Serve in pineapple, mango, strawberry and lemon flavors; Dole Floats with pineapple, mango, strawberry and lemon-flavored Dole Whip in pineapple juice; Dole pineapple juice; and bottled water.
Wow Fudge: Serving more than 70 varieties of gourmet, handcrafted, old-fashioned copper kettle fudge, including new custom Minnesota State Fair flavors – Strawberry Rhubarb, Blueberry Cheesecake and St. Paul Pickle.
All images courtesy of Minnesota State Fair.
