Dakota County Fair 2025: Your Complete Guide to Seven Days of Fun

Get ready for the most exciting week of summer!

The Dakota County Fair returns August 4-10, 2025, with seven action-packed days of entertainment, agriculture, food, and family fun.

Whether you're looking for thrilling rides, amazing shows, or educational experiences, this year's fair has something special for everyone.

Table of Contents

• Dakota County Fair 2025: Your Complete Guide to Se …

  • Daily Highlights and Special Themes

    • Monday, August 4: Opening Day

    • Tuesday, August 5: Senior Day

    • Wednesday, August 6: Hero Appreciation Day

    • Thursday, August 7: Kids' Day

    • Friday, August 8: High-Energy Entertainment

    • Saturday, August 9: Public Safety Day

    • Sunday, August 10: Family Fun Finale

  • Must-See Attractions

    • Dakota City Heritage Village

    • Children's Barnyard & Ag Experience

    • IMCA Oldtimers Car Museum

    • All American Lumberjack Shows

  • Non-Stop Entertainment

    • 30+ Free Music Shows

    • Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

    • Farmer Phil's Entertainment

  • 4-H Competitions and Shows

  • Rides and Games

  • Food and Refreshments

  • Veterans Appreciation Activities

  • Plan Your Visit

Daily Highlights and Special Themes

Monday, August 4: Opening Day

Kick off the week with the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony at noon at Ahlberg Hall, followed by an exciting ATV Rodeo at the Grandstand (7:00-8:00 PM, no ticket required!). Don't miss the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show featuring big air stunts, dock diving, and frisbee freestyle routines. Music lovers can enjoy Mitchell Hall and the Tennessee Trio, a world-class Johnny Cash tribute band, performing at the Craft Beer Garden Free Stage.

Tuesday, August 5: Senior Day

Seniors get the royal treatment with complimentary donuts, coffee, and lemonade at the Senior Day Social (9:00 AM-12:00 PM) at Ahlberg Hall, followed by live polka music from Richie Yurkovich & Polkarioty. Kids can participate in the exciting Kids' Power Pedal Tractor Pull Contest sponsored by Fleet Farm (10:30 AM and 5:30 PM), and the evening features Kids Mutton Bustin' and Barrel Races at the Grandstand.

Wednesday, August 6: Hero Appreciation Day

Our community heroes (veterans, active-duty and retired military, police, fire, and first-responders) are honored with a special reception featuring coffee and treats, plus a tractor parade in their honor. The evening culminates with the thrilling Bulls, Broncs & Barrels Rodeo at the Grandstand (tickets required).

Thursday, August 7: Kids' Day

Children take center stage with special character meet-and-greets featuring Spiderman and Moana (1:00-4:00 PM), along with Princess Kay of the Milky Way visiting the fair. The Magic & Juggling: The BIG FUN SHOW wows audiences, and the evening features the explosive Demolition Derby at the Grandstand.

Friday, August 8: High-Energy Entertainment

Feel the excitement with Freddie Justice, Master Hypnotist, performing his comedy/improv style show. The day concludes with another heart-pounding Demolition Derby and live music from country singer/songwriter Cory Farley from Nashville.

Saturday, August 9: Public Safety Day

Connect with those who serve our community and see the latest in public safety technology, including Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, and SWAT demonstrations. Enjoy historical reenactments including a Bank Robbery and Bounty Hunter performances in Dakota City, plus the final Demolition Derby of the week.

Sunday, August 10: Family Fun Finale

The fair wraps up with a classic Car Show (1976 and older vehicles, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM), Ecumenical Church Service, and a Cornhole Tournament with cash prizes. Enjoy the final performances before the fair closes at 5:00 PM.

Must-See Attractions

Dakota City Heritage Village

Step back in time and experience rural life in Dakota County during the 1900s. This self-guided tour features roving musicians, costumed reenactments, and hands-on experiences that bring history to life. Open daily from 10:00 AM-8:00 PM (Sunday until 5:00 PM).

Children's Barnyard & Ag Experience

Kids can get up close and personal with barnyard animals in the FFA and Ag Experience buildings. Additional activities include riding a plasma car and educational demonstrations that make agriculture fun and accessible.

IMCA Oldtimers Car Museum

Car enthusiasts will love this exhibit featuring beautifully restored race cars, historical records, and memorabilia honoring the drivers, owners, mechanics, and innovators who shaped I.M.C.A. racing.

All American Lumberjack Shows

Watch skilled lumberjacks demonstrate axe throwing, cross-cut sawing, and other traditional logging sports. Multiple shows daily, plus kids' lumberjack sports camps where children can try their hand at these exciting activities.

Non-Stop Entertainment

30+ Free Music Shows

The fair features over 30 free musical performances across two stages. From acoustic rock and country to polka and blues, there's music for every taste. Featured acts include:

• GB Leighton and band - crowd favorites

• Sugar Buzz - high-energy dance party

• Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos - interactive entertainment

• Wayne and the Boys - country and rock & roll

• Good for Gary - Twin Cities' most entertaining live top 40 cover band

Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

Multiple daily performances featuring amazing dogs performing big air stunts, dock diving, frisbee freestyle routines, high jumping, agility, and flyball racing. These free shows are perfect for the whole family.

Farmer Phil's Entertainment

This agricultural educator combines magic, balloon twisting, and educational content to entertain and inform visitors about farming and agriculture throughout the fair.

4-H Competitions and Shows

The fair celebrates youth agriculture with numerous 4-H competitions including:

• Livestock judging (dairy, goat, sheep, beef, swine)

• Horse shows and competitions

• Rabbit and poultry judging

• Fashion Revue Show

• Arts and performance contests

• Ag Olympics

• Champion Awards Program

Rides and Games

The carnival operates daily with thrilling rides and games for all ages. Traveling Tees Mini Golf provides family-friendly fun, while various contest and game areas offer chances to win prizes.

Food and Refreshments

Two beer gardens feature live music stages, with pull tabs and bingo available for additional entertainment. Traditional fair food and refreshments are available throughout the grounds.

Veterans Appreciation Activities

Daily activities honor our veterans with opportunities to:

• Decorate thank you cards

• Learn about veterans' benefits

• Listen to veterans' stories

• Retire old American flags

• Pick up patriotic sunglasses

Plan Your Visit

Dates: August 4-10, 2025 Daily Schedule: Most attractions open at 10:00 AM (some 4-H events start earlier) Closing Times:

• Monday-Saturday: 10:00-11:30 PM

• Sunday: 5:00 PM

Special Notes:

• Many grandstand events require tickets and may sell out - advance purchase recommended

• Free parking and many free attractions

• Daily tractor parades at 1:00 PM

• Flag raising ceremonies daily at Ahlberg Hall

The Dakota County Fair offers an authentic small-town fair experience with big-time entertainment. From traditional agricultural exhibits to modern thrill rides, from educational programs to professional entertainment, there's something to create lasting memories for visitors of all ages. Don't miss this celebration of community, agriculture, and summer fun!

For complete schedules, tickets, and more information, visit dakotacountyfair.org.