MN State Fair Announces New Attractions For 2023: Photos

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota State Fair on Tuesday announced the new attractions, exhibits, vendors, and programs to be featured at the 2023 Great Minnesota Get-Together.

From "Mini Golf On-A-Stick" to two new Kidway rides, here is a small taste of what's new at this year's fair.

The following descriptions were provided by the Minnesota State Fair:

Can Can Wonderland Mini Golf On-A-Stick

After its popular debut at the fair’s Kickoff to Summer event in May, Can Can Wonderland Mini Golf On-A-Stick comes to the State Fair with fun for the whole family. This clever nine-hole course is made up entirely of famous State Fair landmarks – the Space Tower, Haunted House, DNR Park, Giant Slide, Ferris wheel and more.

Sweet & Selfie Experience

This fun, sugar-filled exhibit for all ages takes the fair guest on a journey through a fantastical world, where largerthan-life sweets (giant donuts, cookies, a candy mountain and more) create Instagram-worthy moments, and intriguing displays provide candy knowledge. It asks the questions: What's the best-selling Halloween candy? How many dried cocoa beans does it take to make one pound of chocolate? Peppermint is a hybrid of what two mints? Free with fair admission.

Sensory-Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway & Kidway

Sensory-Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway & Kidway is offered to better accommodate those with sensory sensitivities by reducing light brightness and sound volume on a fair day – Monday, Aug. 28.

Pan-Latino Day at Dan Patch Park La Raza

95.7 FM and 1400/1470 AM, Minnesota’s top Latino radio stations, will host a festival of the diversity represented under the colorful panorama of Latin American cultures in Minnesota. Musicians, dancers and local artists, as well as organizations and community leaders, will be featured throughout the day.

Universally Designed Changing Restroom with Hoist by Momentum Refresh

Momentum Refresh is the nation’s first fully accessible, universally designed, mobile restroom equipped with a fullsize adjustable changing table, a ceiling hoist and other amenities. By offering a safe and comfortable personal care space for those with mobility limitations and their caregivers, Momentum Refresh reduces barriers and promotes inclusivity, equity and understanding. In addition to a toilet, this groundbreaking vehicle is equipped with a height adjustable universal changing table, an overhead ceiling hoist to facilitate easier transfer from wheelchair to changing table or toilet, a height-adjustable sink, enough room for an individual and caregiver, and a team of trained professionals available to inform guests about the amenities and to maintain and clean the space.

50th Annual Amateur Talent Contest

More than 17,000 singers, dancers, jugglers, acrobats, instrumentalists and others have auditioned over the past five decades for this popular showcase of Minnesota’s most talented. This year’s semifinals are Aug. 24-Sept. 2 at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell and the finals are Sept. 3 at the Grandstand – a free event. Performers are competing for a share of more than $20,000 in cash prizes.

Naturalization Ceremonies & Oaths of Allegiance

In the spirit of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, more than 50 citizenship candidates from more than a dozen countries will take the Oath of Allegiance – the final step in the naturalization process – and officially become citizens of the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota will lead these special naturalization ceremonies at the State Fair.

Future Projections’ Canopy/Calliope

This new imaginative and immersive public art installation presented by Future Projections is a fantasia of imagery and sound. It is designed to delight and enchant the senses through “light painting” and photo collages that light up the ground below and the leafy canopy above. Future Projections is a live animation and projection art company founded by Minneapolis visual and performing artist Paul Herwig. Free with fair admission.

Oink Booth – A New Look

The iconic Oink Booth has a new look and is designed to reflect a real modern-day pig barn. Thanks to a partnership with Minnesota Pork, the newly constructed Oink Booth has expanded with more educational games and interactive activities about pigs in Minnesota. Oink Booth favorites – including the famous pig ear headbands, the sow and piglets exhibit and the ever-popular largest boar – will continue to be a part of the exhibit. Located at the Robert A. Christensen Pavilion, northeast corner.

Theater Day at Dan Patch Park: Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.

Everyone’s favorite zoo crew sets out on a wild adventure in this upbeat musical based on the DreamWorks hit movie “Madagascar.” ETC Productions, in partnership with Apple Valley High School, brings together performers and technicians ages 15-19, from throughout the Twin Cities, to present this lively one-hour show. Their stop is part of a 44-performance summer tour. Free with fair admission.

Two New Kidway Rides

Two new rides debut at the fair this year.

Beach Shack: This adventurous ride spins, dips and tilts in a bright beach shack.

Pump & Jump: Little tykes get a big adrenaline rush as they climb and drop and climb and drop.

The 2023 Minnesota State Fair — touted as one of the largest and best-attended expositions on the globe — will run from Aug. 24 through Labor Day, Sept. 4.

Check out the other events and programs that will be new to the Minnesota State Fair here.