What the Dakota County Fair Is
The Dakota County Fair is a week-long fair in Farmington with free gate admission, a full 4-H livestock program, a carnival, three nights of demolition derby and a themed day for every part of the community. Dakota County has the largest 4-H enrollment in Minnesota, and that shows in the barns. The most recent edition ran Monday, August 10 through Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Where and When
Dakota County Fairgrounds, 4008 220th St W, Farmington, MN 55024. Fair admission is free and parking is $10 per car. The fair opens at 7 a.m. daily (8 a.m. on Monday), and Dakota City, the heritage section of the grounds, is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with a tractor parade at 1 p.m. The carnival opens at 2 p.m. on Monday and at noon on other days.
The Livestock Show Schedule
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Mon, Aug 10 | Dairy and goat shows |
| Tue, Aug 11 | Rabbit show; rabbits leave that evening |
| Wed, Aug 12 | Beef cattle, sheep and swine arrive; poultry judging in the afternoon |
| Thu, Aug 13 | Sheep show in the morning, then the beef show |
| Fri, Aug 14 | Swine show in the Henry Fox Swine Barn |
| Sun, Aug 16 | Celebrity Showmanship Contest at noon |
The Celebrity Showmanship Contest was in its second year. Local celebrities are paired with 4-H members and compete for charitable donations.
Themed Days
- Monday, Community Day: opening day hours as above.
- Tuesday, Senior Day: a Senior Day Social from 9 a.m. to noon at Ahlberg Hall in Dakota City, and a Kids Power Pedal Tractor Pull contest at 10:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, Hero Appreciation Day: a reception at Ahlberg Hall from 8 a.m. to noon, a Kids Lumberjack Sports Camp at 5 p.m., and Rodeo Night from 7 to 9 p.m. with free tickets for military.
- Thursday, Kids Day: Children's Barnyard Tours from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., princess and superhero meet-and-greets from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ag Experience Building, and a demolition derby at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday: demolition derby at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Public Safety Day: peace officers with squad cars, drones and an airboat from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and fire and EMS demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Other daily attractions include axe throwing, a lumberjack show, a Mega Jump and magic shows, grandstand entertainment, live music in the beer garden, food vendors and a free wedding program with ceremonies at the gazebo in Dakota City.
Questions
Does it cost money to get in?
No. Admission is free; parking is $10 per car and rides, food and some grandstand events cost extra.
When can I watch the swine show?
Friday, August 14, in the Henry Fox Swine Barn, in the 2026 edition.
When is the next fair?
The next dates have not been announced here; the most recent edition was August 10 to 16, 2026.
Official Links
- Dakota County Fair
- Fair address, hours and daily highlights
- KYMN: livestock schedule and derby nights
- Dakota County: farm families and 4-H recognized at the fair
Minnesota County Fairs and the State Fair: The Essentials
Minnesota county fairs ran from Hennepin's June 11 to 13 fair to Lac qui Parle's September 10 to 13 fair in 2026, per a county fair list. Dates may change.
State Fair
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair ran August 27 to September 7, and the 2027 fair is August 26 to September 6, per the fair's recap.
Ownership and entries
Animals must be identified in 4-H Online by May 15, and market animals cannot be leased, per Extension's animal ID page. State Fair 4-H registration goes through users.mnstatefair.org.
Livestock
The State Fair 4-H livestock departments include beef and dairy cattle, goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine, per the 4-H page.
Auction
The Purple Ribbon Auction raised more than $1.35 million for 115 4-H members in 2026.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and deadlines.
Weights, residency and sale rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Minnesota County Fairs and the State Fair
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Dakota County 4-H Outdoor Education Summit
A 4-H outdoor education summit for Dakota County youth held November 21, 2026 at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.
MN | 651-480-7700 | Organizer: Dakota County 4-H Official event details - Olmsted County 4-H Officer Training
Training for 2026-2027 Olmsted County 4-H club officers, 6-8 p.m., with a volunteer training held the same evening. Held each year; the most recent date was November 12, 2026.
Rochester, MN Official event details - Olmsted County Pesticide Safety Recertification
Private pesticide applicator A/E recertification day, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for Olmsted County farmers who must recertify every three years. Held each year; the most recent date was November 13, 2026.
Rochester, MN Official event details - Pope County 4-H Dairy Clinic
Dairy skills clinic for Pope County 4-H members at the University of Minnesota Morris West Central Research and Outreach Center. Held each year; the most recent date was November 15, 2026.
Morris, MN Official event details - Climate Resilience for Farmers - Northwest
Two-day University of Minnesota Extension workshop for northwest Minnesota farmers on climate resilience, November 18 (9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) and November 19, 2026.
Crookston, MN Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.