Minnesota State Fair
Aug. 27 – Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2026
Educational Display
This year, we’ll be featuring an interactive activity tied to our Fall 2026 issue of Northern Gardener magazine and educational resources from The Tool Shed.
Potted Plant Show
Come see local indoor gardeners compete for the coveted Grand Champion blue ribbon during the first couple days of the fair. (Entries accepted in person on Wed., Aug. 26th)
Volunteer
Want to meet and educate new northern gardeners on the Tool Shed and enjoy cheese curds and free fair admission? Consider joining our small team this year.
Join us for Minnesota State Horticultural Society Days at the Fair!
We’re excited to announce that, for our 160th anniversary, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan have issued an official State of Minnesota Proclamation naming August 27th — September 7th as Minnesota State Horticultural Society Days. The dates have been aligned with the Minnesota State Fair to recognize our history and original founding on the State Fairgrounds in Rochester, Minn. back in 1866.
Stop by our booth to see the original Proclamation or read it here in full. Check out the Dirt Stage schedule to see when we’ll be sharing more information about this great honor!
Become a member at the fair
…and receive a special perk! This year, we’re offering a branded canvas tote bag so you can show off your love of everything Northern Gardener.
Want to be a Northern Gardener cover designer?
Visit us in the Garden Library to relax, read a few back issues… and even design your own cover of our award-winning magazine!
We’re encouraging families and artists of all ages to enter our Northern Gardener cover design contest. Leave your design with us or take it home and post on social media (don’t forget to tag us so we can see it!)
The best part? We’ll feature our winning entry/entries in a 2027 issue of Northern Gardener magazine!
Entries must be tagged on social media by Friday, September 11th for consideration
Our Booth
Located in the Dirt wing of the iconic Agriculture Horticulture building, we offer everything from presentations on The Dirt Stage along with merchandise that includes:
- Seed Savers packets
- Bee lawn mixes
- Fun t-shirts
- Gardening tools
- Gloves (check your Blue Ribbon Coupon Book to save!)
Stop by to say hi (and get out of the sun) — and don’t forget to try some honey ice cream on the way out!
*Please note: For volunteer safety and optimal efficiency, our booth will be cashless going forward. We appreciate your understanding.
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