Fairly Unbalanced

Minnesota State Fair food reviews, news and more

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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.
  • Twin Cities Events Calendar — September 28th-October 4th

    Twin Cities Events Calendar — September 28th-October 4th

    Welcome to the Twin Cities Events Calendar, where we will feature festivals, block parties, exhibitions and other events each week that are similar to the Minnesota State Fair, for those who want to enjoy the rest of what the Twin Cities have to offer year-round! This weekly calendar will be posted each Thursday, covering the following seven days. Know of an event coming up in future weeks, or know of an event we missed on the current calendar? Email us at fairlyunbalancedmn@gmail.com

    Friday, September 28th:

    • Gasthof’s Oktoberfest Festival: Gasthof’s hosts one of the Twin Cities biggest Oktoberfest celebrations, with live music, food, games and of course, beer!
      • Time: 5pm-11pm; also Sept. 29th 5pm-11pm, each Fri-Sat through Oct. 13th
      • Location: Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit, Northeast Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: http://www.gasthofzg.com/oktoberfest.html
    • Oktoberfest at Black Forest Inn: Ten days, ten themes featuring prizes, games, contests, the ceremonial keg tapping, live music, wedding celebrations, brats, beer from local brewers, and more. Prost!
    • Sever’s Fall Festival: Celebrate all things Fall with one of Minnesota’s largest corn mazes, hayrides, food trucks, circus performers, and a pumpkin patch.
      • Time: 1pm-8pm; also Sept. 29th 10am-8pm, Sept. 30th 10am-6pm, each Fri-Sun through Oct. 28th
      • Location: Canterbury Park, Shakopee
      • Admission: $15
      • For more information: https://seversfallfestival.com

    Saturday, September 29th:

    • Blocktoberfest: Join for a block party with live music, multiple craft breweries, local artists and vendors and food trucks. This free, family-friendly event is our chance to work toward our goal of being a brewery that is not only a reflection on, but a reflection of, our community.
      • Time: 11:30am-7:30pm
      • Location: Dual Citizen Brewing Co, St. Paul
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page
    • CommunityFest: Join us as we celebrate 50 years of Community Education the only way we know how, with food, fun and friends! Come enjoy live music and performances, onsite adult enrichment classes, youth friendly activities, food truck foods and community!
    • Schwandtoberfest: Drop those dirndls and lederhosen at the dry cleaners, amigos, the greatest day of German revelry is upon us! In addition to brewing what could be our best batch of Schwandtoberfest Bavarian Festbier yet, we’ve been dreaming up some spectacular amusements and games for Year 5, including face painting, caricatures, Hammer Stump, and an array of ridiculously fun Schwandtoberfest Games, plus a huge lineup of live music.
      • Time: 12pm-12am
      • Location: Bauhaus Brew Labs, Northeast Minneapolis
      • Admission: $10 cover; $34 with a commemorative beer stein and three fills
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page

    Sunday, September 30th:

    • Open Streets MPLS: University of Minnesota + Motley: Back again for 2018, Minneapolis residents will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy their neighborhood streets without the presence of motorized traffic at Open Streets University of Minnesota! Open Streets is a free event bringing together community groups and local businesses to temporarily close streets in and around the University of Minnesota campus to car traffic, opening it up for people walking, biking, rolling, and playing. More than a street festival, Open Streets Minneapolis brings together local businesses, families, and neighbors to bike, walk, socialize, play, enjoy art and live performances, and shop in their communities in a car-free environment.
  • Twin Cities Events Calendar — September 21st-26th

    Twin Cities Events Calendar — September 21st-26th

    Welcome to the Twin Cities Events Calendar, where we will feature festivals, block parties, exhibitions and other events each week that are similar to the Minnesota State Fair, for those who want to enjoy the rest of what the Twin Cities have to offer year-round! This weekly calendar will be posted each Thursday, covering the following seven days. Know of an event coming up in future weeks, or know of an event we missed on the current calendar? Email us at fairlyunbalancedmn@gmail.com

    Friday, September 21st:

    • Sever’s Fall Festival: Celebrate all things Fall with one of Minnesota’s largest corn mazes, hayrides, food trucks, circus performers, and a pumpkin patch.
      • Time: 1pm-8pm; also Sept. 22nd 10am-8pm, Sept. 23rd 10am-6pm, each Fri-Sun through Oct. 28th
      • Location: Canterbury Park, Shakopee
      • Admission: $15
      • For more information: https://seversfallfestival.com

    Saturday, September 22nd:

    • Powderhorn Porchfest: A music festival featuring 16 local bands across 4 porches that transform into stages. Powderhorn Porchfest is unique in its focus on celebrating local music and local foods. While dancing in the streets to jazz, blues, indie and more you can enjoy sweet and savory delights from half-a-dozen food trucks. Bring the kids, Porchfest is free and friendly for all ages.
      • Time: 4pm-10pm
      • Location: 17th Ave S between 32nd and 34th Streets, South Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: www.ppna.org/porchfest

    Sunday, September 23rd:

    • Best of the Wurst: Best of the Wurst is the Twin Cities’ premier foodie event, featuring unique sausage samples from local restaurants, craft beer and cider from Sociable Cider Werks and August Schell Brewing Company, live music from Church of Cash and Alex Rossi. To be concluded with the crowning of the “Best of the Wurst,” which guests determine through Ranked Choice Voting.
      • Time: 2pm-6pm
      • Location: Sociable Cider Werks, Northeast Minneapolis
      • Admission: $25-75
      • For more information: Facebook Event Page
    • Hola Streets! Parking Lot Party: Come party with us and celebrate the neighborhood we love to call home with an all day block party. Live music, food, drinks and the release of the Beach Side tropical beer collaboration between Hola Arepa and Indeed Brewing.
      • Time: 11am-7pm
      • Location: Hola Arepa, South Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page
    • Nicollet Open Streets: Back again for 2018, Minneapolis residents will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy their neighborhood streets without the presence of motorized traffic at Open Streets Nicollet! Open Streets is a free event bringing together community groups and local businesses to temporarily close Nicollet Ave S to car traffic, opening it up for people walking, biking, rolling, and playing. More than a street festival, Open Streets Minneapolis brings together local businesses, families, and neighbors to bike, walk, socialize, play, enjoy art and live performances, and shop in their communities in a car-free environment.
    • Open Streets on 50th: Get outside and hit the streets as the City of Edina, along with the 50th & France Businesses & Professional Association, hosts “Open Streets on 50th!” West 50th Street between Wooddale and Chowen avenues will be closed again for music, dance, games, art, yoga and other creative and active events. Civic, athletic, artistic and neighborhood groups, as well as businesses and food trucks, will participate by hosting events, demonstrations, activities and more. New this year is an electric vehicle ride and drive, where you can try out some of the newest, coolest ones on the market.
      • Time: 1pm-5pm
      • Location: 50th St and France Ave, Edina
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page

    Tuesday, September 25th:

    • Mill City Night Market: Minneapolis’ trusted source for healthy and local groceries is at The Commons Minneapolis park for a Tuesday Night Market! Enjoy a unique outdoor shopping experience enhanced by food trucks, local farmers & food makers, artists and more–remember your shopping list and a picnic blanket!
    • Minnesota Orchestra at The Commons: Music Director Osmo Vänskä and the world-renowned Minnesota Orchestra return to The Commons for a free outdoor concert. Vänskä and the Orchestra will perform a dramatic mix of classical and popular works, from Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Opus 67, IV to John William‘s Theme from Jurassic Park.
      • Time: 6pm-7pm
      • Location: The Commons, Downtown Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Facebook Event Page

    Thursday, September 27th:

    • Posters for Parks 2018: Posters for Parks will launch its third annual show with a one night, pop-up gallery featuring limited edition posters inspired by Minneapolis parks and created by local artists and designers.
      • Time: 4pm-10pm
      • Location: Lakes & Legends Brewing Company, Downtown Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page
  • Twin Cities Events Calendar — September 14th-20th

    Twin Cities Events Calendar — September 14th-20th

    Welcome to the Twin Cities Events Calendar, where we will feature festivals, block parties, exhibitions and other events each week that are similar to the Minnesota State Fair, for those who want to enjoy the rest of what the Twin Cities have to offer year-round! This weekly calendar will be posted each Thursday, covering the following seven days. Know of an event coming up in future weeks, or know of an event we missed on the current calendar? Email us at fairlyunbalancedmn@gmail.com

    Friday, September 14th:

    • St. Paul Oktoberfest: Don’t miss Minnesota’s most authentic Oktoberfest! Featuring authentic German food, vendors, cultural demonstrations, live music and a kids carnival.
      • Time: 4pm-10pm; also Sept. 15th 10am-10pm
      • Location: Schmidt Artist Lofts, St. Paul
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: www.saintpauloktoberfest.org
    • Sever’s Fall Festival: Celebrate all things Fall with one of Minnesota’s largest corn mazes, hayrides, food trucks, circus performers, and a pumpkin patch.
      • Time: 1pm-8pm; also Sept. 15th 10am-8pm, Sept. 16th 10am-6pm, each Fri-Sun through Oct. 28th
      • Location: Canterbury Park, Shakopee
      • Admission: $15
      • For more information: https://seversfallfestival.com

    Saturday, September 15th:

    • Eat Street Food, Music and Arts Festival: This free, family-friendly event will give festival-goers of all ages the chance to experience Eat Street in a unique way, with artisans and makers, food trucks, local organizations, visual artists, and Whittier restaurant favorites all lining the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street. Live music, performances, international fare, and activities from the neighborhood’s many arts and cultural organizations will collectively reflect and celebrate who and what Whittier is at its heart.
      • Time: 1pm-9pm
      • Location: Nicollet Avenue between 25th and 27th Streets, South Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: eatstreetfest.com
    • Harvest Fest: 56 Brewing will host an onsite Farmer’s Market, a petting zoo featuring sheep, goats, pigs, mini horses and donkeys, bunnies, live music, and will showcase their 2018 fest beer, as well as another yet-to-be-announced brew.
      • Time: 2pm-10pm
      • Location: 56 Brewing, Northeast Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free; $10 cover after 6:30pm (includes one beer)
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page
    • LoLa Art Crawl: Art on display from 130+ artists throughout the greater Longfellow neighborhood of South Minneapolis, known as the “Biggest Little Neighborhood Art Crawl in Minneapolis.”
      • Time: 10am-5pm; also Sept. 16th 10am-5pm
      • Location: Longfellow Neighborhood, South Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: www.lolaartcrawl.com
    • Open Streets MPLS: West Broadway: Open Streets is a free event bringing together community groups and local businesses to temporarily close West Broadway Ave to car traffic, opening it up for people walking, biking, rolling, and playing. More than a street festival, Open Streets Minneapolis brings together local businesses, families, and neighbors to bike, walk, socialize, play, enjoy art and live performances, and shop in their communities in a car-free environment.
      • Time: 11am-5pm
      • Location: West Broadway, North Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: www.openstreetsmpls.org
    • West Bank Night Market: Booths with local artists, Somali fashion from Samiya store, and a DJ for entertainment throughout the day. The Night Market is complemented by added festivities throughout the entirety of the West Bank Neighborhood including the Cedar Cultural Center’s Global Roots festival, music features at Palmer’s Bar, specials at The Wienery and more. With local vendors, global foods, artists, music, there is something for everyone on the West Bank!
      • Time: 3pm-10pm; also Sept. 16th 3pm-10pm
      • Location: Dania Hall, South Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page

    Sunday, September 16th:

    • Open Streets at Penn Fest: Penn Avenue in Richfield will be closed to motorists and replaced by games, sports, food trucks, dance, music, crafts and more on the street. Popular favorites like BMX bike demos and Lerum Classic Car Show will return. New attractions include the Minnesota Art Truck – kind of like a food truck only serving up creative art activities instead.
      • Time: 12pm-5pm
      • Location: Penn Avenue between 62nd and 76th Streets, Richfield
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page

    Tuesday, September 18th:

    • Mill City Night Market: Minneapolis’ trusted source for healthy and local groceries is at The Commons Minneapolis park for a Tuesday Night Market! Enjoy a unique outdoor shopping experience enhanced by food trucks, local farmers & food makers, artists and more–remember your shopping list and a picnic blanket!
  • Fair News Round-Up — September 12th, 2018 Edition

    Fair News Round-Up — September 12th, 2018 Edition

    This feature will run weekly during the Minnesota State Fair off-season and feature the best of news articles, blogs, social media posts and more about the Fair from across the internet. Have an interesting item we missed? Send it to us at fairlyunbalancedmn@gmail.com

    Do you miss the Fair yet? It wrapped up for the 2018 year a little over a week ago, and while it’s nice to catch your breath a little bit, it’s hard not to wax nostalgic about all the fun that was had. This week’s slew of links will help you relive last year’s Fair, plus a look forward to what to expect next year. Here’s what the internet is saying about the Fair this week:

    • #LifeGoals: WCCO brings us the story of a LIFE-LONG FAIR FAN who at 97 years old has only missed two years of the Fair in her life. Definitely a record to aspire to for any Fair fan; I hope to be as energetic about the Fair as she is at her age.
    • You’ve probably heard by now that the Fair set an all-time attendance record this year, topping the 2 million visitors mark for the first time ever. The Star Tribune DIGS A LITTLE DEEPER into Fair attendance and analyzes how attendance numbers through history compare with Minnesota’s population. Spoiler alert: 2018 was not the year with the highest percentage of Minnesotans attending the Fair, but it’s close.
    • KARE examined all the WEIRD STUFF you can buy at the Fair. Be sure to check out their video and add some items to your shopping list for next year; there’s no shortage of cool stuff for sale at the Fair. I always seem to come home with some sort of unexpected purchase after each visit.
    • The Fair encompasses a lot of aspects of life, and POLITICS have always played a major role, especially during election years. The Star Tribune examines this phenomenon and how the Great Minnesota Get-Together can lead to citizens with vastly different backgrounds coalescing when they otherwise may not, sometimes with negative effects. Look for a wider examination into the role of politics at the Fair coming from Fairly Unbalanced later on.
    • Looking ahead to next year’s Fair, MPR’s Tim Nelson interviews Minnesota State Fair general manager Jerry Hammer about WHAT TO EXPECT from the Fair in the near future, including some details about a new performing arts space and exhibit hall in the works for next year. Keep an eye on future editions of the Fair News Round-Up as more information is made available about these and other projects at the Fairgrounds.
  • Twin Cities Events Calendar — September 7th-13th

    Twin Cities Events Calendar — September 7th-13th

    Welcome to the Twin Cities Events Calendar, where we will feature festivals, block parties, exhibitions and other events each week that are similar to the Minnesota State Fair, for those who want to enjoy the rest of what the Twin Cities have to offer year-round! This weekly calendar will be posted each Thursday, covering the following seven days. Know of an event coming up in future weeks, or know of an event we missed on the current calendar? Email us at fairlyunbalancedmn@gmail.com

    Friday, September 7th:

    • Minneapolis Greek Festival: Experience authentic Greek food, live music, dancing, and culture at this year’s Minneapolis Greek Festival.
      • Time: 12pm-10pm; also Sept. 8th 12pm-10pm and Sept. 9th 12pm-6pm.
      • Location: St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, South Minneapolis.
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: https://mplsgreekfest.org/
    • SeptemberFest: Three days of live music, great food, cold beer and wine, pull tabs, wine toss & more!

    Saturday, September 8th:

    • Edina Fall into the Arts Festival: More than 250 artists & exhibitors, food vendors and sponsors will be showing and selling their work. The festival has an assortment of exciting new artists, as well as returning favorites representing diverse media such as photography, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, wearable arts, glass, fiber arts, wood, and painting. One of the most beautiful settings in the country. Something for everyone!
    • Fulton Fall Festival: Count on lots of family friendly fun at the festival, which is tentatively set to include a bike parade featuring the Southwest High Marching Band, inflatables, petting zoo, games, festival food (hot dogs, burgers, pizza, etc.), the Marketplace, a silent auction, and great music for all ages. New this year: BINGO for all ages and a magician/balloon artist!
      • Time: 11am-3pm
      • Location: Fulton Neighborhood Association, Southwest Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page
    • Minneapolis Monarch Festival: Filled with music, art activities, games, food and more, the day offers many fun ways for people of all ages to learn about the monarch butterfly and its amazing 2,300 mile migration from Minnesota to the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico. The Minnesota/Mexico connection is highlighted with music and dance on an all-day stage featuring the Aztec dance group Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli and the music of Salsa Del Soul and a variety of hands-on art activities. Children ages 0–12 are encouraged to dress up in monarch-themed costumes and join the costume parade.
    • Official Vikings Kickoff Rally: This free event takes place all afternoon in Commons Park outside U.S. Bank Stadium in partnership with iHeart Media and will feature live performances by country music superstar Randy Houser and KFAN’s own Chris Hawkey Band, along with appearances by Vikings Legends, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, the Skol Line, Viktor, and more.
      • Time: 1pm-5pm
      • Location: The Commons, Downtown Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page
    • Second Saturday & Art Studio Garage Sale: You’re welcome to visit the California Building every Second Saturday to take a leisurely self-guided tour through the building, meet local artists, and experience art! California Building artists will have their studios open, and many will be selling art supplies, art with dings or dents, furniture, antiques, vintage clothes, fibers & fiber equipment, and so much more!
      • Time: 11am-4pm
      • Location: California Building, Northeast Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page
    • Sever’s Fall Festival: Celebrate all things Fall with one of Minnesota’s largest corn mazes, hayrides, food trucks, circus performers, and a pumpkin patch.
      • Time: 10am-8pm; also Sept. 9th 10am-6pm, each Fri-Sun through Oct. 28th
      • Location: Canterbury Park, Shakopee
      • Admission: $15
      • For more information: https://seversfallfestival.com
    • Sociable Summer: Market Fest III: A new lineup of more than 30 local makers to shop while enjoying cold cider before fall arrives. The markets are always dog and family-friendly, so bring the whole crew, sip, shop, and spend the day.
      • Time: 12pm-5pm
      • Location: Sociable Cider Werks, Northeast Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page

    Sunday, September 9th:

    • Borough Block Party: Live music from Radda Radda, Al Church, Pho and Viva Knievel, food and drinks, dog friendly!
      • Time: 12pm-8pm
      • Location: Borough, Downtown Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page
    • Nokomis Block Party: Featuring many vendors, local foods, arts and crafts, music, games, kids activities, dunk tank, raffles, and more.
      • Time: 11am-3pm
      • Location: Oxendale’s Market, South Minneapolis
      • Admission: Free
      • For more information: Event Facebook Page

    Tuesday, September 11th:

    • Mill City Night Market: Minneapolis’ trusted source for healthy and local groceries is at The Commons Minneapolis park for a Tuesday Night Market! Enjoy a unique outdoor shopping experience enhanced by food trucks, local farmers & food makers, artists and more–remember your shopping list and a picnic blanket!