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The 2026 North Dakota State Fair opens Friday, July 17, welcoming thousands of visitors from across North Dakota, across the country, and beyond for nine days of agriculture, entertainment, family fun and North Dakota tradition.
From July 17-25, the fairgrounds in Minot will come alive as guests gather to celebrate the the nation’s 250th birthday The Fair Way, with entertainment, interactive experiences, agriculture, food, shopping and hundreds of events taking place throughout the celebration.
“This is one of our favorite times of the year because you can feel the excitement building across the state,” Craig Rudland, general manager of the N.D. State Fair, said. “Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who’s been coming for generations, there’s something new to discover and plenty of traditions to enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Minot.”
The 2026 fair offers something for every age and interest, according to fair officials. Guests can enjoy nationally recognized entertainment, interactive America 250 experiences, livestock competitions, horse shows, agricultural exhibits, family-friendly attractions, shopping, contests and fair food favorites throughout the week.
Agriculture continues to be at the heart of the fair, with 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock shows, youth competitions and educational experiences showcased across the grounds.
The fair also will feature new attractions, new food vendors, live entertainment and interactive exhibits celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
“Months of planning all come together during these final days, and it’s exciting to watch the fair come to life,” Rudland said prior to the opening.
With hundreds of activities happening each day, fair officials encourage guests to plan ahead to make the most of their fair experiences.