Head to Farmington for the Dakota County Fair, which is considered one of the top county fairs in Minnesota.
The Dakota County Fair gets underway Monday, August 7th and runs through Sunday, August 13th.
See animals up close, attend a rodeo, car show, demolition derby, and more.
Dakota County Fair Special Days:
If you’re flexible with the day you attend the fair, make note of these special days.
- Tuesday, August 8: Kids Day
- Find Barnyard Tours and a Kids Craft Event
- Wednesday, August 9: Military Day
- The first 600 Military Personnel and their immediate family receive free tickets to the “Bulls n Barrels Rodeo”
- Thursday, August 10: Senior Day
- Find donuts, cookies, coffee and lemonade under the Senior Day tent. There will be a Band in the Main Beer Garden during the afternoon from 12 pm – 3 pm.
- Saturday, August 12: Public Safety Day
- Visit with a Firefighter, see a new ladder truck, learn how to use a Fire Extinguisher, see the newest Life Saving Innovations in how CPR is administered, and see the power of a live Kitchen Fire and how to avoid this problem at home.
- Meet and greet with Peace Officers. Check out the air boat, squad cars, drones, and other emergency equipment. A K9 demonstration will be held from 1 pm – 2 pm.
For the carnival ride experience, choose to purchase wristbands in advance, at the fair, or a passport to fun for 7 days of unlimited rides!
Grandstand Events at the Dakota County Fair:
For the complete list of Grandstand Events at the fair, head to the fair’s page.
- Monday, August 7: ATV Rodeo
- Tuesday, August 8: Kids Mutton Bustin and Barrel Races
- Wednesday, August 9: Bulls & Barrels Rodeo
- Thursday, August 10: Demolition Derby
- Friday, August 11: Demolition Derby
- Saturday, August 12: Demolition Derby
During the fair, Dakota City comes to life with costumed interpreters and activities of 100 years ago. Dakota City is a 1900 era rural village of twenty-two buildings, including a blacksmith shop, newspaper office, schoolhouse and millinery shop, representing the business and social center of a rural community.
Visit the Dakota County site for a complete list of fair details. Download the Dakota County Fair App to keep track of events, food, and a map.
All ticket types are available HERE. Look to save money by purchasing tickets in advance, prior to Monday, August 7th at 12pm.
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Kristi is married with twin daughters. She grew up on a small dairy farm, but now lives in the south metro area. She enjoys finding free or thrifty things to do whether they are outings close to home or last minute adventures to far-away places.
Kristi can also be found enjoying estate sales, attempting to garden, volunteering in the wetlands or a favorite thrift store, or maybe just enjoying a good play in one of the many theatre venues in the area.
Aquila Jackson says
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Aquila Jackson and I am head of communications for Chef Shawn’s. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Chef Shawn’s would like to participate as a vendor for the upcoming fair. Please let us know what is needed to get set up.
Thank you for your consideration!