Live updates from opening day 

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The opening day at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair set an attendance record, with 155,185 people walking through the gates on Thursday.

The previous attendance record for the first Thursday of 138,875 was set in 2024.  

 may have been a factor. The Twin Cities saw sunshine and low humidity for pleasant fair-going conditions.

Typically, the second weekend of the fair is the busiest, with crowd numbers growing to about 200,000 each day. Wednesdays are usually the least busy, with 114,932 people attending last year. 

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The Minnesota State fair saw 155,185 people attend opening day. 

Opening day at 2026 Minnesota State Fair sets record

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