What to Eat at the Minnesota State Fair: A Food Writer’s Top 10 Must-Try Picks (2026)

I’ve been going to the Minnesota State Fair since the 1980s, and I’ve been covering new fair foods for Bring Me The News since 2018. Needless to say, I’m a little obsessed with the fair—especially the food! Here I’m sharing my Top 10 favorite MN State Fair eats, the ones I think are truly worth your time (and your appetite).

Thanks to my Bring Me The News food writing assignment, I get to go early on Day 1 of the Minnesota State Fair, sample a bunch of new foods, and write about it. Dream gig!

So much of my focus is on trying new foods, but I’ll be honest: My favorite part of the fair is eating my tried-and-true favorites that I only get to eat once a year.

2026 Minnesota State Fair New Foods

Every year, the Minnesota State Fair debuts dozens of new foods – and every year, I’m there on Day 1 to try them for Bring Me The News.

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs August 27 through September 7. I’ll be there opening day sampling the new foods and reporting back. Check back here after August 27th for my picks. I’ll update this post with the new foods worth seeking out and the ones you can skip. Follow along on Instagram to see what we are eating in real time.

Check out the official list of new foods for 2026.

Pro tip: Not every new food at the fair makes the official New Foods list. Many booths will feature new foods that don’t get any press. Pay attention when you’re checking out menus at your favorite booths.

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Here, I’m sharing my all-time favorite foods from the Minnesota State Fair.

#1: Fried Pickles

If I’m taking one of the park-and-ride buses to the fair, my first stop is at The Perfect Pickle – not far from the Transit Hub bus parking lot.

The fried pickles are SO good, you guys. They’re always served fresh and hot. The exterior has a perfect crunch and it served with a generous side of ranch, for dipping.

Where to find: The Perfect Pickle, Southwest corner of West Dan Patch Ave. & Liggett St.

#2: Garlic Fries

Usually I don’t bother ordering French fries at the fair because I can get fries anywhere. But the garlic fries are something special.

I mean, just look at this photo. The fries are the perfect size – not too thick, not too thin – and they’re covered in fried garlic.

Where to find: Ball Park Cafe, East side of Underwood St. between Dan Patch & Carnes avenues

#3: Corn Dogs

No surprise here, corn dogs (& cousin pronto pups) are on my and everyone else’s favorite fair food list.

FYI, Auntie M’s makes a killer gluten-free corn dog.

Where to find: Dozens of vendors sell regular corn dogs. You’ll find them all over the fair.

Find a gluten-free corn dog at Auntie M’s, South side of Judson Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets, just west of Adventure Park.

#4: Cider Pops

The frozen cider pops from the Agriculture Horticulture Building are a great break from the heavy foods that are so common at the fair. The cider pops are made from apple cider. That’s it. Refreshing on a hot day, tart, and fruity.

Where to find: In the Agriculture Horticulture Building, south side

#5: Hummus Bowls

The hummus bowls from BABA’s feature lots of toppings and flavors. The mini pita rounds serve as a great scooping-up agent, and also make it a good dish to share.

Where to find: At Street Eats at Randall & Underwood, located on the northwest corner of Randall Ave. & Underwood St.

#6: Oof-Da Tacos – CLOSED

Sadly, the Oof-Da Tacos booth will not be at the fair in 2026.

My husband insisted that I include Oof-Da Tacos to this list, and honestly, he’s not wrong.

What is an Oof-Da Taco? It’s similar to an Indian Taco or Navajo Taco. A fried bread base, topped with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

Where to find: Northeast corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cooper St.

#7: Something From Sausage Sister And Me

When I’m needing a break from the heavy fair food, I head to Sausage Sister And Me in the Food Building for some delicious meat and protein.

I’ve tried many of their foods and have enjoyed them all, including the jalapeño poppers, the Up North Puff Pasty, and the Piggy Pals On A Stick (pictured).

Where to find: In the Food Building, east wall

#8: Pie

There are at least 2 great pie stands at the Minnesota State Fair: Minneapple Pie (pictured) and Sara’s Tipsy Pies.

If you like warm, homemade pie, you can’t go wrong with either pick. Minneapple makes a great apple pie. Sara’s Tipsy Pies have interesting, booze-infused flavors.

Where to find:

• Minneapple Pie: South side of Judson Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets
• Sara’s Tipsy Pies: In the Food Building, northwest wall

#9: Basil Hummus With Spicy Walnut Topping

I tried the basil hummus when it was a new food in 2023 – and since then, it’s become a favorite.

The hummus is so fresh and bright tasting, thanks to the basil. This is another dish that’s good to share. The crunchy garlic parmesan fried pita chips are a nice contrast to the creamy hummus. Love it!

Where to find: Holy Land, At the International Bazaar, southeast corner

#10: Gluten-Free Scone

Before I leave the fair, I always stop by the French Meadow food booth and pick up one of their gluten-free scones. I’m always super full at this point, so I pick up a scone to eat the next day.

This scone was apricot, but I believe they have different flavors every year. Any way, you can’t go wrong!

Where to find: French Meadow, North side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson & Underwood streets

Minnesota State Fair-Inspired Recipes

The only thing I don’t like about the fair is that it only lasts 10 days.

As a kitchen experimenter, I have learned to make some of my favorite fair foods at home, copycat style. Here are some recipes I’ve tried:

• State Fair Deep Fried Candy Bars
• Copycat State Fair Cookies (Sweet Martha’s)
• Homemade Deep-Fried Cheese Curds
• Apple Cider Pops
• Corn Fritters With Maple Butter