Every year, MPR dusts off its booth and benches at the intersection of Judson and Nelson on the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair. It’s a place for fairgoers to rest their feet, shop MPR goodies, and listen to fascinating live programming. Sometimes a band; maybe a politician; a weather quiz; or a fan favorite, fair food talk. Whatever it is, fun and commentary is in abundance.
For those not attending the Minnesota State Fair, roving MPR reporters track down quirky stories to share about this unique experience that Minnesotans hold dear…’The Great Minnesota Get-Together.’ The MPR Archive Portal shares some of these aural snapshots from years past at the Fair.
Come enjoy it, Minnesota style! Plan to join MPR News, The Current, YourClassical MPR, and all of our friends at Camp MPR, at the Minnesota State Fair, August 25 through September 5.
We are back at the usual spot, near the corner of Judson and Nelson, but this year our space will be kitted-out for outdoor-themed fun and adventure, in all the most Minnesota ways imaginable.
We can’t wait to see everyone in person at this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together!
- Programming Schedule
- Fair Features
- Official 2022 Minnesota State Fair Resources
- The Current’s Music-on-a-Stick Aug. 27
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., at The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Karen Armstrong will be discussing her new book “Sacred Nature: Restoring Our Ancient Bond with the Natural World.”
In this short but deeply powerful book, Armstrong resacralizes nature for modern times. Drawing on her vast knowledge of the world’s religious traditions, she vividly describes nature’s central place in spirituality across the centuries. In bringing this age-old wisdom to life, Armstrong shows modern readers how to rediscover nature’s potency and form a connection to something greater than ourselves.
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The city of Superior, Wis. returned two small parcels of land Thursday to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, including a burial ground where nearly 200 people were dug up just over a century ago.
Olympic gold medalist and international celebrity, gymnast Sunisa Lee paid a special visit Thursday to St. Paul’s Battle Creek Elementary, where she was once a student. She also remembered how teachers and coaches challenged her as she sought Olympic greatness from an early age.
- Timeline Olympian Sunisa Lee's path from St. Paul to stardom
- 'A historic moment for our community' Hmong Minnesotans revel in Sunisa Lee's Olympic journey
Organizers of ‘Black Magic Weekend’ say the festival, which opens Thursday, is a safe space where Black LGBTQ+ people can express pride in their culture and identity.
MPR News Photojournalist Ben Hovland is geared up for an aurora borealis chase, the fabled natural phenomenon you can witness in Minnesota. He shares his tips with us.
- Aurora Alert Geomagnetic storm watch for potential 'cannibal CME'
- 2019 Tips for spotting the northern lights, from an aurora devotee
The Current is partnering with venues to bring two hours of music and fun, featuring a Current DJ spinning music live, and a 30-minute set performed by a local artist/band. Each venue will provide drink specials during the event. Each Current Happy Hour is free and open to the public.
- Thursday, August 18 at Wild Mind Ales with host Bill DeVille and music by Lissie, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. RSVP
When Thompson was 12, he saw Louis Armstrong perform in Minneapolis at the Northrop Auditorium, which fueled his early pursuit of jazz.
- Listen Pianist Butch Thompson looks back on 40 years of Prairie Home
- 2013 Butch Thompson, a Minnesota jazz classic for the ages
- More 'Minnesota Sounds and Voices' special
