Fairly Unbalanced

Minnesota State Fair food reviews, news and more

recent posts

about

I am a lifelong Minnesota State Fair enthusiast from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’ve attended over 30 years of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, trying nearly every food on offer and wearing down numerous pairs of shoes. I draw on my years of Fair experience to guide you through the hits and misses of my favorite event of the year.
2019 Entertainment Preview

2019 Entertainment Preview

The Minnesota State Fair isn’t just about the food, the animals, the shopping, and the amusement rides. It has also earned the billing as Minnesota’s largest music festival, with hundreds of acts appearing on several stages scattered throughout the Fairgrounds each day. To help parse down all these performers down to the best of the best, we’re providing one suggestion for all twelve days of the Fair for a can’t miss entertainer; no matter which day you choose to visit the Fair, you’ll know who to make sure to check out. For more recommendations, check out each day’s Daily Schedule Highlights as they become available for each day of the Fair.

Day One: Thursday, August 22nd

Nooky Jones: The Minnesota State Fair gets off to a funky start with this spectacular local band. Horns, bass, drums and keyboards combine for a modern take on classic soul music, led by the incomparable frontman Cameron Kinghorn. This band is tight, fun, and seriously talented. Arrive early as they are likely to draw a crowd bigger than what this amphitheater can hold, and get ready to dance along!

  • Time: 8 PM
  • Location: Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater
  • Also Appearing: Friday, August 23rd at 8 PM
  • Preview Video: “Sweet Wine”

Day Two: Friday, August 23rd

Belinda Carlisle: The Bandshell Stage is the Fair’s largest stage, and draws some of the biggest crowds for it’s free entertainment each night of the Fair, and they are sure to pack them in for this talented former member of the hit 80s group The Go-Gos. Her set is sure to include numerous hits, both from her time with the Go-Gos as well as from her illustrious solo career. 1980s outfits not required, but highly encouraged!

Day Three: Saturday, August 24th

All Tomorrow’s Petty: Loosely comprised of various members of several Twin Cities area bands, this band is dedicated to the music of Tom Petty, while avoiding the pratfalls of being purely a tribute act. Their shows are fun and vibrant, as these talented musicians step out of their comfort zone to tackle this classic material. A fantastic band to check out while having a few beers with friends, which makes them perfect for the Giggles’ Campfire Grill beer garden.

  • Time: 7:45 PM
  • Location: Giggles’ Campfire Grill
  • Also Appearing: Friday, August 23rd at 7:45 PM
  • Preview Video: “Breakdown”

Day Four: Sunday, August 25th

Sawyer’s Dream: This group feels as though they’ve stepped out of a time machine direct from the mid-1960s, yet this up and coming Minneapolis band performs their own original songs, complete with stirring guitar riffs and beautiful four-part harmonies. They perform with such cohesion and unity on stage that they will captivate any audience with their unique blend of soul, folk and rock.

  • Time: 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM
  • Location: Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater
  • Also Appearing: Saturday, August 24th at 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM
  • Preview Video: “Love is on the Way”

Day Five: Monday, August 26th

Mark Mallman: You never quite know what you’ll get out of any Mallman performance, other than sheer entertainment. Backed by a sparse band, Mallman and his keyboard take center stage, playing his original songs (and often a few top-of-the-mind covers as well) with his trademark mayhem style. Strap in for what is sure to be a wild mid-afternoon experience!

  • Time: 4:15 PM
  • Location: Dan Patch Park
  • Also Appearing: Friday, August 30th at 8 PM as part of First Avenue Goes to the Fair at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater
  • Preview Video: “Minneapolis”

Day Six: Tuesday, August 27th

Aby Wolf: A local indie-pop songwriter, Wolf’s music features haunting vocals that entrance listeners. Fans of unique, melodic, mellow music will appreciate this performance for all its beauty and authenticity. Grab a seat in the spacious amphitheater and prepare to vibe out to her gorgeous songs.

  • Time: 8 PM
  • Location: Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater
  • Also Appearing: Monday, August 26th at 8 PM
  • Preview Video: “Alone”

Day Seven: Wednesday, August 28th

Sean Emery: This one’s great for the whole family, but just as entertaining for adults as it is for kids. Emery is a Minnesota State Fair legend, performing his juggling comedy act for several decades to audiences that keep coming back for more. If nothing else, check him out just to see a 61 year old man pratfall off a unicycle; we promise he’ll keep you entertained.

Day Eight: Thursday, August 29th

Pert Near Sandstone: Fans of bluegrass and string music cannot miss this performance by these local cult favorites. Be prepared to jam out and dance around to this hootin’, hollerin’, pickin’ great six piece band. Their live shows are legendary, so be sure to get there early for a front row seat!

  • Time: 8 PM
  • Location: Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater
  • Also Appearing: Wednesday, August 28th at 8 PM
  • Preview Video: “Solid Gone”

Day Nine: Friday, August 30th

First Avenue Goes To The Fair: A new concept being introduced this year, the Fair has turned over programming of the Schell’s Stage over to the legendary music venue First Avenue for two separate nights of great Minnesota music, highlighting some of the best in the state. Night one includes rowdy punk group The Bad Man, up and coming hip-hop star Dwynell Roland, Twin Cities legend Har Mar Superstar and raucous performer Mark Mallman.

Day Ten: Saturday, August 31st

First Avenue Goes To The Fair: The Schell’s Stage takeover continues for it’s second night with an all-new lineup of incredible local musicians. Saturday night’s performers include indie-pop luminary Haley, hip-hop showman deM atlaS, and local rap elder statesman Brother Ali. Surprises are sure to be in store for what will be another incredible night of top-tier local music.

Day Eleven: Sunday, September 1st

Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals: Now in it’s 47th year, the Amateur Talent Contest seeks the state’s best performers in three different age divisions. The finals, held inside the Grandstand, are the culmination of the previous ten days of qualifying rounds held nightly at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Free to attend, this showcase of singers, musicians, dancers, and a variety of other acts is always inspiring to watch. Be sure to stick around after the champions are crowned for the fireworks show!

  • Time: 7:30 PM
  • Location: Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Day Twelve: Monday, September 2nd

Dessa: The 2019 Minnesota State Fair closes out with one of the hottest free stage performers in recent memory, as Twin Cities rap star Dessa brings her melodic, wordy and fierce music to the Bandshell stage for two nights of shows. Get to the stage early, as the seats and all available standing room around the stage are sure to fill up quickly for this headline-level talent. These may be the best performances of the entire Fair, not to be missed!

  • Time: 8:30 PM
  • Location: Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage
  • Also Appearing: Sunday, September 1st at 8:30 PM
  • Preview Video: “Good For You”
Posted in , ,

Leave a comment