Community Corner

Fair-ly Fun Week Approaching in Dakota County

The 154th Dakota County Fair kicks off Monday, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 12.

Ready for some more summer festival fun?

The Dakota County Fair is back and ready to kick off its 154th year on Monday at the fair grounds in Farmington. The fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 12, and is sure to be jam packed with your favorite rides, games, animals, music and—of course—food.

Fair organizers have posted each day's events online for your reference. Just visit the Dakota County Fair website and click on Calendar among the options near the top of the page.

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Click here for a the map of the fairgrounds. Find a list of food vendors and other businesses here.

Some more details to get you on your way:

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General Admission Tickets:

  • $5 for adults
  • $2 for children 6 to 12 years old and seniors over 60
  • Free for children 5 and under
  • $20 for seven adult admissions (full week of attendance)
  • Parking: $5 daily, $15 week-long

Several admission, parking and grandstand packages can be purchased before 4 p.m. opening day (Monday). Visit the Dakota County Fair website for complete information.

Grandstand Tickets—demolition derby, motocross, tractor pull, Xtreme bullriding (for each event):

  • $12 for adults
  • $6 for children 6 to 12
  • Free for children 5 and under

Special Days:

  • Tuesday: Kids Day—$1 admission for kids ages 6 to 12
  • Wednesday: Military Day—Free admission and parking for military personnel and their families
  • Thursday: Senior Day—Free admission and parking for seniors ages 60 and up

Carnival:

  • Wristbands: $20 in advance or $25 at the fair—get unlimited rides 7 p.m. to close Tuesday, noon to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to close on Sunday
  • Fair passports: $50 in advance or $60 during the fair—get free admission and unlimited rides all seven days of the fair

Musical Entertainment at the Beer Garden Stage:

  • The WhiteSideWalls, 8 p.m. Wednesday
  • The Johnny Holm Band, 8:45 p.m. Thursday, 21+ after 10 p.m.
  • Hitchville, 8:30 p.m. Friday, 21+ after 10 p.m.
  • Lost Highway, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 21+ after 10 p.m.

Other Musical Entertainment

  • Free all-ages entertainment stage features dancers, musicians and other entertainers daily.

A complete listing of event times and information is available on the Dakota County Fair website.


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