Here's What's New at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair runs from August 27th through September 7th and will draw more than 2-million visitors. People come to see agricultural exhibits and animals, enjoy music and entertainment, experience attractions and rides, and eat.

There are over 500 things you could eat at the fair, many of them served on a stick. And, each year, brand-new foods and drinks are introduced. This year, there's a new foodie destination called Eat Together! Learn about that and everything else that's new at the Great Minnesota Get Together below.

Eat Together! at the Minnesota State Fair

Located right next to the Giant Sing Along, Eat Together is the perfect place to gather with family and friends.

The shaded dining area features nine food vendors, including Jive Turkey BBQ, Solem's French Fries, BABA'S, Chan's Eatery, Gyros by G&G Concessions, Ollie's Crab Fritters, Quesadilla Junction, and Solem's Cheese Curds & Mini Donuts.

You can see all of the new foods that will be available at this year's fair below. But first, this year's Minnesota State Fair features new rides, attractions, and exhibits.

New Rides at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair

America Wheel: This brand-new attraction is the world’s largest traveling observation wheel—a full 75 feet larger than the former Great Big Wheel.

The America Wheel celebrates America’s 250th birthday by honoring U.S. presidents, the Constitution, and national parks, its 45 gondolas offer panoramic views stretching up to 14 miles. Cost is $7 per rider

New Midway Rides

Thor: A Viking-themed thrill ride that goes up and down, left and right, and upside-down.
Juke Box Funhouse: A family-friendly, music-themed funhouse filled with music icons from across the decades.

New Kidway Rides

Pirate Jet: Little pirates take the controls and glide through the air in their own pirate ships.
Ghost Pirate Dark Ride: A kid-friendly dark ride featuring mild, but silly scares.

Dinosaurs at the Minnesota State Fair

Presented by the Science Museum of Minnesota, this free exhibit brings you face-to-face with life-size skeleton casts, real dinosaur fossils. Plus, see real Minnesota fossils—including the state's official new State Fossil, the giant beaver! Don't miss the chance to meet paleontologists at the Fossil Corner on select dates (Aug. 27–29 and Sept. 2–4).

Films at the Minnesota State Fair

Grab a cold beverage and settle in at the Pet Pavilions for five nights of Minnesota-made short films and animation presented by Square Lake Film & Music (8:30 p.m. on Aug. 28–29 & Sept. 4–6). Stay for the full hour-long screening and stick around for a live Q&A with the local filmmakers.