Dozens of new foods, rides, and some fair ground upgrades are set to debut at this year's Great Minnesota Get-Together.
"We've always got a couple upgrades here and there throughout the fairgrounds," says fair spokesperson Maria Hayden. "The biggest, most noticeable one people will see is the Coliseum renovation. So, the Lee and Rose Warner Coliseum has actually been closed for the last year or so. It's a 75-year old building and it had never undergone a major renovation in that whole time. So it was all due for an upgrade. Over the last year they've been working hard repainting, redoing all of the restrooms, also the interior of the Coliseum. All the seats are brand new."
The 4-H building also go a full refresh outside.
Hayden says fairgoers can also experience the world's largest traveling observation wheel for the first time at the fair, and check out fresh exhibits like an air-conditioned dinosaur museum.
The Minnesota State Fair is also debuting 36 new foods, always a highlight for the fair's biggest fans.
"One is the walking chopped Italian grinder from Mancini's, so it's kind of a fun twist, kind of like a walking taco," Hayden explains. "We've also got some fun sweets. Sarah's Tipsy Pies has a brand new strawberry Ube sundae tart.
She says also new this year are some new attractions like a few free independent film screenings that fairgoers can catch on select days.
"We've got a couple of different new attractions. The biggest, most noticeable one you'll see is the America wheel honoring America 250," she says.
Also new in 2026:
Two new Mighty Midway rides: Thor, which sends you soaring through the air with heart-pounding twists, turns and upside-down thrills, and Juke Box Funhouse, where you 'rock your way through a music-themed fun house full of unexpected twists, fun surprises and legendary icons from across the decades.'
There are also two new rides in Kidway.
There is also a new Cultural Destinations Day on Sunday, Sept. 6. With a spotlight on “Many Rhythms. One Celebration,” experience the vibrant traditions, music, art and dance of four of Minnesota's most celebrated cultural festivals – all in one place! Brought to you by Cultural Destinations.
And we have to add that there's also a new feature at the WCCO Radio booth next to Sweet Martha's Cookies at Underwood and Carnes.
Our friends with Lindus Construction have installed a new motorized pergola to keep that hot sun - or rain - off while you come visit us. See our schedule here.
We are just days away from the start of the Minnesota State Fair and NEW for our WCCO fans this year? Shade! Thanks to our friends with @LindusCon we have a new motorized pergola to keep that hot sun - or rain - off while you come visit us. Here's a peek at what it looks like: pic.twitter.com/LVxp0YWA2O
— News Talk 830 WCCO (@wccoradio) August 22, 2026
And see more of what is new this year here:
