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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Parking at Dakota County Fair (cash only)

Fair Week Parking Map

South Lot - Enter through 2nd Street on Hwy 3.
North Lot - Enter through 3rd St on 200th.

2026 Parking Cost (cash only)

Cars: $10/day
Buses: $20/day
Motorcycles: $5/day (use 2nd Street entrance)
Bicycles: Free (use 2nd Street entrance)

Weekly Parking Pass
The weekly parking pass can ONLY be purchased at the fair office ticket window, which is located inside Ahlberg Hall. The fair office accepts cash, check, or credit card.

North Parking Lot
Lot From Ash Street/220th, go South on Third Street.

General Admission Parking
Handicap Parking
Vendor Parking

South Parking Lot
From Highway 3/Chippendale Ave, turn West on 2nd Street.

General Admission Parking
Handicap Parking

During fair week, the 2nd street entrance can be used by employees (pass required), motorcycles, bicycles and emergency vehicles ONLY.

When is the Dakota County Fair next year?

2026: August 10-16
2027: August 9-15
2028: August 7-13
2029: August 6-12
2030: August 5-11

Where is the Fair located?

4008 220th Street West, Farmington, MN 55024.
- Click here for directions
- Click here for Map

How much does the fair cost?

Parking - $10 per carload or $20 per busload
General admission - FREE
Grandstand events - prices vary/event
Food/games/rides - prices vary

Can you ride your bike around at the fair?

For your safety, bikes, skate boards, rollerblades, Segway's, hoverboards, or like devices are NOT allowed on the grounds. They can be parked outside the 2nd street entrance outside the fence. Please bring your own bike lock.

Is there an ATM on the fairgrounds?

ATMs are located throughout the fairgrounds. See Map for locations. Most vendors do accept credit cards.

Where is the Lost and Found?

Fair Office (located inside Ahlberg Hall Museum on 2nd Street and Dakota Way)
Sheriff/Police station (located near Carnival)

When do I enter my Open Class items?

Please read the Premium Book to find your department, entry, pickup, and judging days and times.

Are Pets allowed on the Fairgrounds?

During the Dakota County Fair, animals, including dogs and other pets, are not allowed on the fairgrounds, except under the following conditions:

Certified Service animal
Exhibition or Demonstration Animals

Are photographers and media allowed at the fair?

With permission: Media/press and private photographers may be allowed with express consent from the Dakota County Agricultural Society
Not allowed: Client photoshoots and "mini sessions"

If you wish to photograph at the fair, please email fair@dakotacountyfair.org to request media approval. Please include name, business represented, anticipated date of visit, reason for visit, and all contact information. Advance request is recommended.

Scooter Rental

Scooters are available on a first-come basis. We cannot reserve or guarantee we will have scooters available.

Drop-off/Pick-up location: Info booth near North Parkin Lot (MAP)
Need a ride from your car? No problem, the parking attendants can call you a courtesy cart (golf cart) shuttle.

2026 Pricing

$50/four hours
$85/eight hours
$15 each additional hour

Courtesy Carts

Courtesy carts run throughout the week. Just flag one down for a lift to and from anywhere on the fairgrounds.
Note: Our carts DO NOT travel down Food Alley due to heavy foot traffic for the safety of all our guests.

Grandstand FAQ

Do you have a handicap seating area in the Grandstand?
Yes, there is a handicap viewing deck where wheelchairs and walkers can be used without ascending the bleachers.

Can I bring a backpack or bag?
Yes, small bags and backpacks are allowed.

Can I bring a water bottle?
Water bottles are allowed if filled with water.

Can I buy a pit pass?
Pit passes are only available for drivers and approved crewmembers and are not sold to general public.

Dakota County Fair App

Plan your visit! The Dakota County Fair app lists events, food, merchants, vendors and more.
Download: App Store | Play Store