MPR at the Minnesota State Fair
Stories. Music. Conversations. Community. All aboard at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair.
Connect with the people, programs and performances that are made of Minnesota, in the most Minnesota place imaginable, the Minnesota State Fair. Join MPR News, The Current and YourClassical MPR at MPR's State Fair Station Aug. 27 through Sept. 7.
MPR's State Fair Station is located near the corner of Judson and Nelson. Find your way to us to enjoy live broadcasts, performances, conversations, family activities and plenty of ways to connect with public media.
While you’re there, sign up for an e-newsletters and take a spin on the giant Wheel of Fun, where everyone's a winner! Gear up with special merchandise drops from YourClassical MPR, The Current and MPR News. Take home a limited-edition MPR tote bag or score our new Nalgene water bottle. New designs will be announced and pre-ordering will be available on Aug. 17.
Celebrate MPR’s Made of Minnesota Day on Friday, Sept. 4, in Dan Patch Park with performances from Koo Koo, Cantus, Obi Original and Davina and the Vagabonds, plus activities, giveaways and community partners celebrating all things Minnesota. On MPR’s Made of Minnesota Day, members will receive a free mini tote (while supplies last). This onsite, in-person offer is not available by mail.
Plan your visit to MPR's State Fair Station with the schedule below, then explore our 2026 Minnesota State Fair New Foods guide to discover this year's can't-miss bites and beverages. All programming is subject to change.
Programming schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
10:30 a.m. – The Early Risers Podcast
Early Risers is a podcast from Little Moments Count and MPR with frank facts, engaging stories and real how-tos for anyone who cares about raising children with a clear-eyed understanding of cultural differences, race and implicit bias.Noon – Live broadcast of Minnesota Now with Nina Moini
Join Nina Moini for a live broadcast of Minnesota Now on the first day of the Minnesota State Fair. Music guest Sophie Hiroko.1:30 p.m. – YourClassical presents The Paper Clips Trombone Quartet
The Paper Clips are a trombone quartet dedicated to connecting the threads of classical and contemporary music through fun and engaging performances. They will represent YourClassical’s Class Notes program.3 – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala
Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
11 a.m. – TPT and MPR News present: Almanac Live at the State Fair
TPT’s “Almanac” returns to MPR's State Fair Station for a live taping of the renowned local public television show. Expect politics, weather, art, music and more with Cathy Wurzer and Eric Eskola.1:30 p.m. – Sahan Community Live
Join Sahan Journal as they present the uplifting rhythms and grooves of Brandyn Lee Tulloch and Poetic Roots. This Black music collective plays '70s style reggae and funk, drawing on Tulloch's background in spoken word and Jamaican culture. Plus, you can visit Sahan Journal staff, grab some swag, and take a seat around the Minnesota Public Radio stage.
3 – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala with Thomas Sticha
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
11 a.m. – Rock the Cradle Pop up featuring The Jolly Pops
Bring your whole family to MPR's State Fair Station for a morning of kid-focused programming featuring music by The Jolly Pops.1:30 p.m. – Marketplace’s Must Be the Money
Chris Farrell takes on the role of energetic game show host, bringing a Family Feud-style atmosphere to the MPR Stage. The game pairs younger contestants with an older audience to spark lively conversations about money while highlighting the reporting featured in Must Be The Money.3 - 6 p.m. – The Minneapolis Sound with Purple Funk Metropolis
Purple Funk Metropolis is a seven-piece instrumental band blending soul, jazz, funk and high-energy grooves. Formed by University of Minnesota jazz students, the group has evolved through years of performing, recording and rehearsing together. With layered arrangements, sharp musicianship and infectious live energy, PFM brings dance-ready momentum to every stage.
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. – Danger Boat & Minnesota Humanities Center present Sketches of Minnesota
Join the comedians at Danger Boat Productions alongside the Minnesota Humanities Center for a show inspired by the statewide Sketches of Minnesota tour. This live improv/sketch performance springs from real conversations with residents of our great state, from Austin to Winona, International Falls to West St. Paul. It’s an improv show all about what makes Minnesotans tick — our quirks, shared challenges, and big hopes for the future. It’s a family-friendly review of our state with original music, short-form improv and sketches all inspired by real Minnesotans’ stories— maybe even yours!Noon – Live podcast recording of The Wirecutter Show podcast
The Wirecutter Show from The New York Times is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speaks with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries.3:30 p.m. – Native News
Stop by and join the Native News team for a conversation with guests highlighting Native journalism, Indigenous foods and Native arts.4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. – The Current presents Country-oke
Country-oke is a popular live-band country karaoke night in the Twin Cities, co-hosted and curated by Minnesota-based country-folk artist Thomas Sticha. Unlike traditional karaoke that relies on a backing track, participants get to sing vintage and modern country songs accompanied by a full, professional backing band.5 p.m. - The Current's Music-on-a-Stick Show 2026 at the State Fair Grandstand with Sierra Ferrell
Monday, Aug. 31, 2026
10:30 a.m. – MPR News Weather Team Live
Meet MPR meteorologists Ben Cathey, Sven Sundgaard and Mandy Thalhuber as they discuss the year’s weather news and the changing art and science of meteorology.Noon – MPR News Politics Team
1:30 p.m. – YourClassical presents the Minnesota Orchestra String Quartet
3 – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala with Durry
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026
10:30 a.m. – MPR News Book Event
Noon – St. Paul Neighborhood Network presents – TBD
1:30 p.m. – YourClassical presents The Havana String Quartet
Founded in 2017, the Havana String Quartet has established itself as a leading ensemble in classical and contemporary music, proudly representing the richness and diversity of Cuban culture. The quartet is composed of Hansel Pérez Carrero (director, violin), Ana Caridad Frómeta (violin), Amaya Fuentes Sarria (viola), and Denise Hernández Rabeiro (cello), all talented musicians and graduates of the University of the Arts in Havana.3 – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
10:30 a.m. – WTIP Presents TBD
Noon – MPR News Weather Team Live
Meet MPR meteorologists Ben Cathey, Sven Sundgaard and Mandy Thalhuber as they discuss the year’s weather news and the changing art and science of meteorology.1:30 p.m. – YourClassical presents Saturday Cinema Movie Quiz at the State Fair with Lynne Warfel
Saturday Cinema returns to the Fair with a quiz show. Win prizes and show off your classic film knowledge with host Lynne Warfel.3 – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala with Megasound
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026
10:30 a.m. – Juxtaposition Arts
Noon – Live broadcast of Minnesota Now with Nina Moini
Join Nina Moini for a live broadcast of Minnesota Now at the Minnesota State Fair. (Guests and topics TBD)1:30 p.m. – YourClassical presents The Minnesota Opera at the Fair
Hear the Minnesota Opera perform excerpts from opera favorites live at the State Fair.3 – 7 p.m. – The Current's Morning Show, Live in the Afternoon with Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala with Nur-D
Friday, Sept. 4: MPR’s Made of Minnesota Day (all programming live in Dan Patch Park)
10 – 11 a.m. – Annual State Fair Weather Quiz with Mark Seeley and the MPR Weather Team, hosted by Cathy Wurzer
Join us for a chance to test your weather knowledge for the annual state fair weather quiz from iconic Minnesota climatologist Mark Seeley. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – The Current presents Koo Koo
Koo Koo is the high-energy duo of Bryan Atchison and Neil Olstad, who began the project in 2008 after meeting at Saint Mary’s University in Winona. Built on crowd participation, comedy, dance music and playful experimentation, Koo Koo turns every performance into an all-ages party. Their shows invite audiences to sing, move and laugh along, stretching the idea of what a band can be.1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – YourClassical presents Cantus
As one of the nation’s few full-time vocal ensembles, Cantus has come to prominence with its distinctive approach to creating music. Working without a conductor, the members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process, creating programs that give voice to shared human experiences.2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Carbon Sound presents Obi Original and The Black Atlantics
Obi Original and The Black Atlantics. Guitarist and producer extraordinaire, Obi Original mixes rock, highlife, and African fusion into a unique Minnesota sound.4 – 5 p.m. – The Current presents Davina and the Vagabonds
Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene with their high-energy live shows, level A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism and Sowers’ commanding stage presence.
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
11 a.m. & 1 p.m. – The Current presents Bunny Blood
Bunny Blood — the Minneapolis trio of Hallie Gronquist, Jared Jones and Josh Fetzek — was the top vote-getter in The Current’s 2026 Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report poll. Their genre-bending sound blends shoegaze, nu metal, grunge and alternative pop into music that is heavy, hypnotic and constantly evolving.3p.m. & 5 p.m. – The Current presents Room3
Room3 is a jazz fusion wild card rooted in tradition yet driven by experimentation. Their sound is imaginative, playful and rhythmically sharp, mixing elements of bebop, contemporary jazz, prog rock, funk and more. The collective operates out of Minneapolis most commonly as a four-piece, with RAWTWHYLAH (aka Colin Mitchell) on drums, Beck Anderson on bass, Eli Awada on keyboards and Evan Espinoza Robles on percussion. Each member is a student of their craft with a unique approach to their instrument and a willingness to push boundaries.
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
11 a.m. & 1 p.m. – The Current presents jeremy messersmith
jeremy messersmith is an indie pop singer-songwriter and one of Minnesota’s most recognized and celebrated artists, praised by The New York Times, NPR, USA Today, Paste Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Spin, and Rolling Stone, among many others. A thoughtful, clever lyricist with a tender voice, the Minneapolis-based troubadour crafts songs that are catchy and relatable, and span the emotional gamut from poignancy to whimsy.3 p.m. & 5 p.m. – The Current
Monday, Sept. 7, 2026
11 a.m. & 1 p.m. – The Current presents Mason Jennings
For Mason Jennings, songwriting has always been about creating a personal connection, both with his audience and with himself. Over the years, he’s become known for his unpretentious, emotive approach to folk music, combining introspective lyrics with acoustic melodies.3 p.m. & 5 p.m. – The Current presents Miloe
The story of Miloe begins in the pews of a church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Where Bobby Kabeya's family would congregate every Sunday was a place where community and rhythm entwined. Every week as parents sang in the choir, Kabeya remained transfixed by the percussion section's ability to keep the entire congregation on its feet. When he and his three younger brothers would return home, they'd turn to the warm enveloping sounds of everything from rumba to reggae, genres championed by nineties Afropop stars such as Papa Wemba, Lokua Kanza, and Lucky Dube.
Official Minnesota State Fair Resources
Official web site for the Minnesota State Fair
State Fairground map for reference
Official fair finder to locate food, booths, shops
MPR’s Made of Minnesota Day Sponsors:
