Get Excited - Today Is NDSF Opening Day

Oh boy - today is March 2nd, 2026 - Opening Day of the North Dakota State Fair in Minot!

Well, kind of, anyway. It's a no-brainer that this year is flying along so fast, and before you know it - "Spring forward..." - Yep another time change. I do realize that we are not out of the woods one bit when it comes to Mother Nature; heck, just ask any North Dakotan, and they will tell you about the time we had a blizzard in April or May. Today was opening day to buy your tickets to the 2026 North Dakota State Fair that runs July 17 through the 25th.

"In 2026, the North Dakota State Fair proudly joins the nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday"

So let's fast forward to July, I'm guessing the weather will be much more inviting, and we will all be ready for an easy drive out to Minot, for entertainment, fried food, and a ton of "Fair Fun".- Speaking of entertainment, here is the line-up so far :

July 17th - Alex Warren

July 18th - Jon Pardi

July 19th - Jessie Murph

July 20th -MHA Indian Horse Relay Semi-Finals

July 21st - MHA Indian Horse Relay Championships

July 22nd- Niko Moon

July 23rd - Zach Top

Stay tuned for more announcements!

This year, take advantage of the Grandstand Showpass - it will only cost you $130, and it will get you into six Grandstand events during this year’s “Celebrate the Big 250 — The Fair Way!” celebration:

The 2026 Grandstand Showpass went on sale this morning at 8:00 a.m. and can be purchased: