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Home > Fair Guide > Special Days

Special Days

See Event Calendar for all events during fair week.

Community Day - Monday, August 10, 2026

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).

For more information about 360 Communities and its network of food shelves, visit 360Communities.org.

Senior Day - Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Join us for donuts, cookies, and coffee/lemonade social at the museum in Ahlberg Hall starting at 9 AM to celebrate the kick-off to Senior Day, and meet our dedicated Senior Day sponsors. At noon, enjoy live music (to be announced) on the Craft Beer Garden Stage!

See the Senior Day Event Schedule.

Now Accepting 2026 Senior Day Sponsors and Exhibitors
Email fair@dakotacountyfair.org to inquire.



Hero Appreciation Day - Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Hero Appreciation at Dakota County Fair

Join us in honoring and thanking our local Dakota County servicemen and women, for their dedication and sacrifice. Our heroes include veterans, active-duty military, police, fire, and first-responders.

Hero Appreciation Day Schedule of Events
  • 8 AM - Flag Raising Ceremony
    Location: Ahlberg Hall Museum flag post (outdoors)
  • 8 AM - 12 PM - Hero Appreciation Day Reception
    Location: Ahlberg Hall Museum (indoors)
    Coffee and donuts (while supplies last). Visit with fellow heroes and local vendors that support our servicemen and women and first responders.
  • 12:30 PM - Trolley Ride
    Location: Dakota Village (meet at the Drugstore building)
    Heroes are invited to board the Dakota Village trolley to be honored in the 1 PM tractor parade through Dakota Village.
FREE RODEO TICKETS! Military Personnel, Veterans and their immediate families can pick-up FREE tickets at the Info Booth, starting at 8 AM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while supplies last! Please bring military ID or proof of service.


Kids' Day - Thursday, August 13, 2026

Kids' Day Icon

Free fun, education, and entertainment throughout the day. See the Events Calendar for all 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 13, 2026. Great for daycares and summer camps.
Please submit a Tour Request to reserve your timeslot.

Public Safety Day - Saturday, August 15, 2026

Saturday: Public Safety Day at Dakota County Fair

Fire & EMS Demonstrations | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
 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!
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