Hours - Fair Week

Plan your visit to the Dakota County Fair by checking the hours for your favorite attractions and buildings. Please note: all hours are subject to change. For building locations, see the Fair Map.

General

Fairgrounds Gate Admissions

Monday: open at 8:00 a.m.
Tuesday - Sunday: open at 7:00 a.m.

Fair Office Hours - Ahlberg Hall

Daily: 8:00am - 8:00 p.m.

Dakota City Museum

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Rides and Entertainment

Carnival Hours (see: Carnival Info)

Monday: 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday: Noon - 10:00 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Main Beer Garden Serving Hours (see: Beer Garden Free Stage calendar)

Monday - Wednesday: Noon to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Craft Beer Garden Serving Hours (See: Craft Beer Garden Free Stage calendar)

Monday - Wednesday: Noon to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The fair closes at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Be sure to check for updates and plan your visit accordingly!

Buildings and Barns

Needlecraft, Woods & Hobbies Building, Art Show Buildings

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Commercial Exhibit Buildings

Monday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Horticulture and Foods Building

Monday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

4-H Building

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Livestock Buildings (Swine, Sheep, Rabbit, Cattle)

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Dakota City Village

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.