This year’s fair, its 61st year as a state fair, has many new and previous favorites ranging from food, exhibits to attractions.

“This year is especially meaningful as we join the nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday, while also recognizing North Dakota’s history. The Fair has long been a place where tradition, community and new experiences come together, and 2026 gives us a unique opportunity to reflect on that legacy,” Craig Rudland, State Fair general manager, said in a message.

As part of the nation’s historic celebration, the fair will showcase people, industries, innovations and traditions that have helped shape both North Dakota and the nation, according to State Fair officials.

The fair, North Dakota’s largest annual gathering, draws more than 350,000 visitors each year, according to State Fair officials.

MDN FILE PHOTO The North Dakota State Fair, opening Friday, July 17, and continuing through Saturday, July 18, features a diverse range of activities, exhibits, competitions and entertainment. A ferris wheel at the 2025 fair is shown.

What to know before you go:

– Gate hours and locations. Gate B, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., northeast corner by Commercial II; Gate C, 24 hours, south of Grandstand; Gate D, 24 hours, across from Clarion Inn; Gate E, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., southwest corner, on Burdick; and Gate F, 24 hours, northwest corner, on Fourth Avenue Northeast.

– Free bus rides are available from Dakota Square Mall to Gate E from 1 p.m.-1 a.m.

– The North Dakota State Fair App is available to help guests plan their entire fair experience before they arrive and purchase tickets. See N.D. State Fair website for app access information.

“Many guests are surprised by how much is included with admission,” Rudland said in a news release. “From live entertainment and educational exhibits to animal attractions and interactive experiences, there is something happening around every corner all day long.”

America’s 250th birthday will be celebrated with special contests, including a pie eating contest, hot dog eating contest, best legs contest, best mullet contest and NDSF arm wrestling championship.

The Freedom Truck mobile museum will be in Machinery Row all nine days of the fair.

Several special event days are scheduled for Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24.

Grandstand entertainment is scheduled for each evening of the fair. This year’s Grandstand entertainment includes: Alex Warren with special guest Noah Cyrus, July 17; Jon Pardi, July 18: Jessie Murph, July 19; MHA Nation Indian Horse Relay, July 20-21; Niko Moon, July 22; Zach Top, July 23; Zedd, July 24; T.I. with DaBaby & Waka Flocka Flame, July 25.

Arena entertainment – Battle of the Rumblehorn (bull riding and freestyle American bull fighting) and ranch rodeo – are part of State Fair events.

Free stages throughout the fairgrounds will have live music, comedy, magic, family entertainment, cultural performances and nightly entertainment all nine days of the fair.

Among free stages and other free attractions returning or debuting this year include:

– Agriculture Acre, new for 2026, features hands-on learning experiences, cooking demonstrations, commodity education and interactive exhibits highlighting the importance of North Dakota agriculture.

– K9 Kings are talented dogs performing tricks, agility demonstrations and other routines.

– Daryl’s Racing Pigs, one of the most popular attractions, returns with racing pigs dashing to the finish line.

– Sea Lion Splash returns with daily performances.

– Off Axis High Dive Show presents performers diving from tower platforms into a pool below.

– MHA Dancers, presented daily, celebrate Indigenous culture through music, storytelling and traditional dance performances.

– North Dakota Game and Fish Outdoor Skills Park gives guests of all ages the opportunity to try archery, air rifle shooting and fishing, and also enjoy wildlife exhibits and other outdoor experiences.

The fair has many other activities and experiences for visitors, including educational exhibits, contests, demonstrations and cultural attractions. Agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, crop displays, and 4-H and FFA projects are a prominent part of the fair.

Sixty-four food vendors will be at the fair with six new additions, according to State Fair officials.

Among this year’s newest food vendors are:

– Boki Food Service serving new twists on classic comfort food with items including Donut Bacon Burger, French Toast Burger, Donut Fries and Sweet Potato Fries.

– Fire Wok Noodles has made-to-order bowls featuring steak, chicken, shrimp, fresh vegetables, noodles or rice.

– Sirloin Steak tips will be serving tender steak tips, hearty sandwiches and meals.

– Polar Bear Ice Cream will offer hard-scooped and soft serve ice cream, frozen cheesecake, milk shakes, floats and other frozen treats.

– Rick’s Pizza is back and expanding to a second location near Gate B by Commercial II. Its famous Pickle Pizza will be available at both locations.

– Fresh Fruit Candy is introducing Tanghulu, a traditional Chinese treat made by coating fresh fruit on bamboo skewers in a thin layer of hardened sugar, creating a crisp, glass-like shell around each piece of food.

There also will be 254 commercial vendors, including 44 new businesses, State Fair officials said.