There’s something magical about Minnesota State Fair food season.
Maybe it’s the smell of fresh mini donuts drifting through the fairgrounds. Maybe it’s the sight of a bucket of warm cookies being passed around among friends. Or maybe it’s simply the excitement of knowing that once again, the Great Minnesota Get-Together will bring together some of the most iconic, indulgent, and unforgettable foods in the state.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs August 27 through September 7, and while we still have a few weeks to wait, we recently got a taste of what’s to come during the Kickoff to Summer at the Fair event. With nearly 1,600 food options available throughout the fairgrounds each year, narrowing down what to eat is never easy—but these are a few of the fair favorites we’re already excited to enjoy again.
Sweet Treats Worth Saving Room For
Amish Annie’s Donuts
One of the newer additions to the fair food scene, Amish Annie’s Donuts made a strong first impression at the Kickoff to Summer event. These hand-cut donuts are warm, fluffy, and coated in just the right amount of sweetness. They’re the kind of treat that disappears faster than you planned.
Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar
No Minnesota State Fair food list would be complete without Sweet Martha’s. Whether you grab a cone for yourself or commit to the legendary overflowing bucket, these warm chocolate chip cookies remain one of the fair’s most iconic traditions. There’s a reason they’re one of the most recognizable sights on the fairgrounds every year.
Tiny Tim’s Mini Donuts
The scent alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. Tiny Tim’s Mini Donuts have become a fair staple for generations, serving up fresh, cinnamon-sugar-coated mini donuts that somehow taste even better while walking through the fairgrounds.
Minnesota State Fair Food Classics We Can’t Skip
Corn Dogs
Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. A perfectly crispy corn dog remains one of the ultimate Minnesota State Fair experiences. Simple, satisfying, and easy to enjoy while exploring the grounds, it’s a must-have for many fairgoers every year.
Fried Pickles
Crunchy, salty, tangy, and served fresh from the fryer, fried pickles continue to be one of our favorite savory snacks. They’re the perfect shareable bite between larger food adventures.
Mouth Trap Cheese Curds
Golden, melty, and impossible to resist, cheese curds are practically a State Fair food group of their own. Whether you’re grabbing a basket to share or keeping them all to yourself, they remain one of the fair’s most beloved traditions.
Unique Fair Flavors
Candy Apple Seltzer from Andy’s Grille
One of the more surprising finds from the Kickoff to Summer event was the Candy Apple Seltzer from Andy’s Grille. Refreshing, crisp, and packed with sweet-tart apple flavor, it delivers a fun twist on a classic fair treat in beverage form.
Que Viet’s Giant Egg Roll
Few foods have achieved legendary status at the Minnesota State Fair quite like Que Viet’s Giant Egg Roll. Packed with flavor and perfectly crispy, it has become one of the fair’s signature foods and continues to draw long lines year after year.
The Best Part? Discovering Something New
While these favorites are already on our must-eat list, one of the best parts of the Minnesota State Fair is stumbling across something you’ve never tried before. With nearly 300 food concession locations and around 1,600 menu items available, every visit offers an opportunity to discover a new favorite.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong fairgoer, come hungry—and maybe wear stretchy pants.
Planning Your State Fair Stay?
If you’re traveling to the Twin Cities for the Minnesota State Fair, staying nearby can make your fair experience even more enjoyable. Skip the long drive home after a full day of food, entertainment, exhibits, and attractions.
Consider booking your stay at one of these convenient Twin Cities-area hotels:
- Home2 Suites Roseville
- Hampton Inn Roseville
- Residence Inn Roseville
- Courtyard Roseville
- Homewood Suites New Brighton
- Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview
All offer comfortable accommodations and easy access to the State Fairgrounds through nearby Park-And-Ride stations, making them the perfect home base for your Minnesota State Fair adventure.
Start planning now, bring your appetite, and we’ll see you at the Great Minnesota Get-Together this August!