The Dakota County Fair gets underway Monday, August 10th and runs through Sunday, August 16th.
See animals up close, attend a rodeo, lumberjack 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.
Monday August 10: Community Day
Help fight hunger by donating brown paper grocery bags to support local food shelves. 360 Communities, operating the largest food shelf network in Dakota County, needs 10,000 bags annually—and they often run short.
Tuesday, August 11: Senior Day
Join in for donuts, cookies, and coffee/lemonade social at the museum in Ahlberg Hall starting at 9 a.m. to celebrate the kick-off to Senior Day. Afterward, meet dedicated Senior Day sponsors and enjoy live music at noon on the Craft Beer Garden Stage
Wednesday, August 12: Hero Appreciation Day
After a flag-raising ceremony at 8am, enjoy coffee donuts in Ahlbert hall Museum while supplies last and visit with fellow heroes and local vendors that support our servicemen and women and first responders. Heroes are invited to board the Dakota Village trolley to be honored in the 1 PM tractor parade through Dakota Village.
Thursday, August 13: Kids Day
Free fun, education, and entertainment throughout the day. See the Events Calendar for all Kids’ Day activities. There will also be children’s barnyard tours every 30 minutes from 10am to 6:30pm. Reserve a timeslot!
Saturday, August 15: Public Safety Day
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 Dakota County Peace Officers and explore law enforcement gear.
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
For the complete list of Grandstand Events at the fair, head to the fair’s page.
Wednesday, August 12: Bulls & BroncsRodeo
Thursday, August 13: Demolition Derby
Friday, August 14: Demolition Derby
Saturday, August 15: 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.
Dakota City has its own special events during the fair including a tractor parade, craft and story time, live musical performances, historical reenactments and more!
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!