Honestly, if you haven’t spent a sweltering Thursday night in Little Falls with a plastic cup of light beer and the smell of diesel in the air, have you even lived in Central Minnesota?
The Morrison County Fair 2025 is coming back. It’s basically the heartbeat of the region for one week in June. People think it’s just about giant pumpkins and kids showing off goats, but it’s actually way more chaotic and fun than that.
The dates are set for June 25 to June 29, 2025. Mark it.
I’ve seen people mix this up with the big state fair or other regional events, but Morrison County has its own weird, specific energy. It’s local. It’s loud. And if you don't plan your parking strategy, you’re going to be walking from a ditch three blocks away.
The Schedule Everyone Asks About
Most folks show up for the grandstand. That’s where the real action is. In 2025, the fair is sticking to its guns with a mix of high-octane racing and loud music.
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Wednesday is usually the "soft open," but things get real on Thursday, June 26. IV Play is scheduled to take the stage. If you haven't seen them, they’re a high-energy cover band that’s been around since the late 90s. They play everything from classic rock to modern stuff. It’s a $22 ticket, which is basically the price of a fancy burger these days.
Friday night is the big one. Hairball is returning on June 27.
Look, Hairball is an experience. It’s not just a concert; it’s a pyrotechnic tribute to 80s arena rock. You’ve got guys dressing up like KISS, Van Halen, and Motley Crüe. They usually have an opener—Gen-X Jukebox is slated to start around 7:00 PM—before Hairball takes over at 9:00 PM. That ticket is a bit steeper at $33, but the smoke and the lights usually make it worth it.
4-H and the "Real" Fair
Away from the loud music, the 4-H kids are the ones actually running the show.
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You’ll see the livestock shows happening all week. The rabbit show usually kicks off on Thursday afternoon, while the beef and swine shows often take over the arena on Friday. It’s intense. These kids spend all year raising these animals, and the Blue Ribbon Auction on Saturday is where the community really shows up to support them.
- Rabbit Show: Usually around 4:00 PM Thursday.
- Beef/Swine Show: Typically Friday afternoon.
- Blue Ribbon Auction: Saturday at 3:00 PM.
The Northeast 4-H Livestock Show is also a big deal later in the year, but the county fair is the primary qualifying ground. If a kid wins a blue ribbon here, they might head to the State Fair or the regional show in September.
Carnival Rides and Fried Food
Gopher State Carnival usually handles the midway. It’s exactly what you expect: the Tilt-A-Whirl, some flashy lights, and rides that make you feel slightly nauseous after eating a foot-long corn dog.
They usually do "Unlimited Ride" sessions. For 2025, expect these to cost around $30 per session. There are typically two slots: noon to 5:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
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If you have kids, Sunday is the day to go. It’s usually a bit quieter, and they have things like the Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull and even a "Princess Party" meet and greet. It’s a different vibe from the rock-and-roll madness of Friday night.
The Logistics: Don't Get Stuck
The fairgrounds are located at 15575 Hawthorn Rd, Little Falls, MN.
If you’re coming from out of town, hotels like the Country Inn & Suites or the AmericInn in Little Falls fill up fast. Honestly, many people just camp nearby or drive back to St. Cloud.
One thing people get wrong: they think the fair is the same thing as Freedom Fest. It’s not. Freedom Fest happens at the same fairgrounds but usually later in July (around July 17-18). Don't show up in June expecting Scotty McCreery or Uncle Kracker. That's a different ticket and a different crowd.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Buy Grandstand Tickets Early: Etix is the official vendor. Friday nights for Hairball almost always sell out or get incredibly crowded.
- Check the Weather: It’s June in Minnesota. It will either be 95 degrees with 90% humidity or a sudden thunderstorm will roll through at 6:00 PM. Plan accordingly.
- Bring Cash: While many vendors take cards now, the smaller booths and some of the carnival games still prefer old-school paper money.
- Register for Exhibits: If you’re a local wanting to show off your crafts or vegetables, registration usually closes by mid-June through the FairEntry system.
- Park Smart: Avoid the main Hawthorn Road entrance if it’s peak hours; look for secondary lots or be prepared to walk.
The Morrison County Fair isn't just an event—it's a tradition. Whether you're there for the autocross racing on Sunday or just a bucket of cheese curds, it’s the best way to kick off the summer season in Little Falls.