Whether folks are getting hot in “herre” with Nelly, or relishing summer’s final days with Atmosphere and Friends, fairgoers always appreciate good food and a show. Here are suggested menus, including some of the fair’s newest offerings, for easy and satisfying fueling up near the Grandstand and the rest of the fair’s music stages.

The Current’s Music On-A-Stick at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand features Atmosphere & Friends on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.

In 1991 — MPR’s first year of live broadcasts from its booth at the Minnesota State Fair — the late Kris Kristofferson was interviewed and performed two songs to promote an upcoming event that brought together Indigenous people, environmentalists and artists.

The modern-day crooner regaled fans at the State Fair with his unique, freshed-up take on classic music and fashion. Folk-inflected singer-songwriter Madi Diaz opened the show.

Performances by The Twins of Franklin, FènixDion and Nur-D lit up the stage in Dan Patch Park during MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair.

The top concerts and music events for each day of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Grab some chicken and beer before seeing Ludacris or a Chicago dog before Chance the Rapper. Suggested menus for easy and satisfying fueling up near the Grandstand and the rest of the fair’s music stages.

Join The Current, Carbon Sound, Radio Heartland, The Local Show, and all of our friends at Camp MPR, at the Minnesota State Fair, Thursday, Aug. 22, through Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 2).

Shepherd’s Pie, Wild Rice Bowls, and a pork-free take on the Monte Cristo, are among some of the new bites this year.

On a beautiful summer day at the Minnesota State Fair, the band Kiss The Tiger delivered a rollicking set from the stage in Dan Patch Park.