Dakota County Fair / Special Days

See Event Calendar for all events during fair week.

Community Day - Monday, August 4, 2025

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 5, 2025

Join us for donuts, cookies, and coffee/lemonade social at the museum in Ahlberg Hall starting at 9 a.m. to celebrate the kick-off to Senior day. Afterward, meet our dedicated Senior Day sponsors. At noon, enjoy live music by Richie Yurkovich & Polkarioty on the Craft Beer Garden Stage!

See the Senior Day Event Schedule.

Download our printable PDF to share with your Senior friends. Thank you for helping us invite the community!

Hero Appreciation Day - Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Wednesday, August 6 is Hero Appreciation Day at 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

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 a.m. and go every 30 minutes until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Please submit your Tour Request by Friday, July 25, 2025.

Public Safety Day - Saturday, August 9, 2025

Saturday: Public Safety Day at Dakota County Fair

🚒 Fire & EMS Demonstrations | 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (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!