Dakota County Fair / Special Days

See all events, including Special Day events, on our Events page.

Community Day - Monday, August 4, 2025

Join Us for Community Day at the Dakota County Fair!

Help fight hunger by donating brown paper grocery bags to support local food shelves. 360 Communities, operating the largest food shelf network in Dakota County, needs 10,000 bags annually—and they often run short.

How to Donate:
Drop off your paper bags in the bright yellow tubs at the admission gates or the main Fair office (inside Ahlberg Hall Museum).

2025 Dakota County Fair Hours:

Monday, Aug 4: Noon–10 PM
Aug 5–9: 8 AM–10 PM
Aug 10: 8 AM–5 PM

Thank you! For more information about 360 Communities and it's network of food shelves, visit 360Communities.org.

Senior Day - Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Celebrate Senior Day with Us!

Join us for a donuts, cookies, and coffee/lemonade social at the museum in Ahlberg Hall starting at 9 AM. Afterward, meet our dedicated Senior Day sponsors.

At noon, enjoy live music by Richie Yurkovich & PolkariotyRichie Yurkovich & Polkarioty on the Craft Beer Garden Stage!

Click here to see what else we have to enjoy on Senior Day!

Hero Appreciation Day - Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Wednesday, August 6 is Hero Appreciations Day at the Dakota County Fair, to say thank you to our service men and women (including prior service and retirees).

More Information to Come!

Kids Day - Thursday, August 7, 2025

Click here to see the Events Schedule for more Kids Day activities.

Children's Barnyard Tours
Barnyard tours will start at 10:00 AM and go every 30 minutes until 6:30 PM on Thursday, August 7th.
Mail or email forms to the fair office to reserve a time for a tour by Friday, July 25th.

Public Safety Day - Saturday, August 9, 2025

🚒 Fire & EMS Demonstrations | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM (South of the Farm Tractor Display)

Meet local firefighters and paramedics while exploring the latest in emergency response:
✅ See a new ladder truck
✅ Learn how to use a fire extinguisher
✅ Watch a live kitchen fire demo & learn fire safety tips
✅ Discover CPR innovations that can save lives

👮 Law Enforcement & S.W.A.T. | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (North of the Dakota County Government Building)

Meet Dakota County Peace Officers and explore law enforcement gear:
🚔 Check out squad cars, drones, and an airboat
🎗️ Purchase a Pink Patch to support breast cancer awareness
👋 Enjoy a meet & greet with local officers

Come experience the latest in public safety and connect with those who serve our community!