The Minnesota State Fair may only run twelve days a year, but the fairgrounds stay busy the rest of the time too!
Throughout the year, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds host dozens of events, from holiday markets and snow sculptures to LEGO conventions and a three-ring circus. Many of these events are completely free to attend, while others charge an admission fee.
Here’s a look at the events coming up at the fairgrounds this winter and spring, so you and your family can plan a visit even when the fair isn’t in town.
Free Events
- Horse Crazy Holiday Market – November 20-21, 2026, Warner Coliseum. Free admission (a $5 donation is suggested) for this two-day marketplace featuring more than 100 vendors with goods and services for horse lovers.
- Minnesota Merry Market – Weekends, December 5-20, 2026, North End Event Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A holiday market with more than 80 local artists and vendors, food trucks and family activities.
- Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition – January 29-February 7, 2027, Kidway Lot. Part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, this free snow park features sculpture viewing, a snow maze and food.
- Twin Cities Regional Science Fairs – February 26-28, 2027, North End Event Center. Free event for youth science projects across the Twin Cities metro.
- FIRST Robotics – March 26-27, 2027, Warner Coliseum. High school students compete with industrial-size robots they’ve built themselves.
Events with Admission Fees
- Brick Cities Lego Convention – October 31-November 1, 2026, North End Event Center. See fan-built LEGO models and collections, shop resellers and join in prize activities. See the event website for ticket information.
- Girls on the Run 5K – November 8, 2026. This 5K celebrates the end of a season of confidence-building for girls of all abilities. Race-day registration is $40.
- Winter Antique Show – January 9-10, 2027, Warner Coliseum. General admission $10 ($9 with coupon). 100+ dealers of antique furniture and collectibles.
- Gymnastics Invitationals – Three weekends in January 2027 at Warner Coliseum: the Ironmaiden and Ironman Invitational (January 15-17), the Legacy Luau Gymnastics Invitational (January 22-24) and the Twin Cities Invitational (January 29-31). Admission varies by meet.
- George’s Minnesota Muskie Expo – March 5-7, 2027, Warner Coliseum. Adults $10, weekend pass $17, children 12 and under free. Muskie fishing seminars, retailers, guides, boats and a kids zone.
- Saint Paul Osman Shrine Circus – March 18-21, 2027, Warner Coliseum. Reserved seating $25-$40, children 2 and under free. A three-ring circus with animals, aerialists and clowns.
This is just a sample of what’s happening, and new events are added throughout the year. You can find the complete, up-to-date schedule, including hours and ticket details, on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Events Calendar.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Hi, I’m Chrysa, the owner and editor of ThriftyMinnesota.com. I’m here along with my friends Hannah and Laura to share fun and thrifty ways for you and your family to enjoy all the awesome things Minnesota has to offer!
Leave a Reply