Kick off your day at the Great Minnesota Get-Together with MCC and world-class musicians Courtland Pickens and Known MPLS youth choir (Sunday, August 30) and the Twin Cities Sacred Heart Singers (Sunday, September 6), for Prayer at the Fair 2026!
This interfaith prayer and worship opportunity takes place from 9:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m. both Sundays of the Minnesota State Fair at the Luther Auto Bandshell (formerly the Leinie Lodge Bandshell). This long-running State Fair tradition invites people from all walks of faith, spirituality, and secularism to come together for a moment of unity and peace amid the fun of the fair.
Here are the top 10 reasons to start your Sunday with Prayer at the Fair:
10) Convenience. Arriving earlier in the morning makes your trip to the fair less hectic! If you drive, parking is easier. If you bus, crowds are smaller. If you bike, the traffic surrounding you is sparser. All lines are shorter. It’s easy to find an open seat at the Bandshell. Wins all around!
9) Comfort. During the earlier hours of the day, the fairgrounds are fresher, cleaner, and cooler. It’s like having the fair all to yourself—and a couple thousand other people. Grab a hot coffee and Swedish 'Sota Slider at the Hamline Church Dining Hall ahead of Prayer at the Fair for a full Sunday experience!
8) Focus. A morning worship service can help you acclimate to the fairgrounds, leaving behind whatever it took to get you there—and opening your heart to whatever you might discover during your visit. We gather at the big green Bandshell Stage just inside the Snelling Avenue entrance gates near the Space Tower—a perfect threshold location.
7) Perspective. The service lifts up our relationship to all creation, reminding us that the fair tradition comes from centuries of human families celebrating the harvest season. Carry that awareness with you as you wander through this 21st century harvest fair, ever mindful of your connection to countless generations of fair-goers from across time and around the world.
6) Gratefulness. We sing songs of thanks and praise, developing our gratitude muscle. This helps us see our environment—and our encounters during the coming day—through a lens of thankfulness, paying closer attention to the blessings surrounding us.
5) Mindfulness. Sitting in a 30-minute worship service can set a tone for the rest of your fair adventure. Even after our service, you may find yourself more present to your day, noticing the divine nature tucked inside everyday ordinary people, places, and things. Ever really noticed all the different types of chickens? The wealth of vegetables grown in Minnesota? The creative talents of the 4-H kids? Staying mindful is a fascinating way to take in the treasures of the fair.
4) Compassion. We read texts honoring non-human animals and life of all stripes. You might find yourself appreciating the four-legged and winged animals all around you with new eyes. (Including your fellow human animals!)
3) Inspiration. Scripture readings remind us of our core values, including our dedication to justice. As you walk from booth to booth and exhibit to exhibit, you might notice your mind exercising keener discernment as you consider purchases and possible impact on the planet.
2) Connection. Worship with others can rekindle your sense of love toward the fellow pilgrims exploring the fairgrounds alongside you. Crowds seem less like annoying strangers, and more like traveling comrades, making your entire visit that much more emotionally satisfying.
1) Spiritual practice. Grounding your spirit before any endeavor can increase and deepen your engagement. If you start your day with Prayer at the Fair, you may very well find yourself more calm, serene, and attentive throughout your entire fair visit. Upon leaving the fairgrounds, you'll be able to reflect back on a rewarding, nourishing adventure.
Prayer at the Fair happens both Sundays of the State Fair from 9:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Please join us, won’t you?
What: Prayer at the Fair, an Interfaith Prayer & Worship Gathering
When: Sunday, August 30, and Sunday, September 6; 9:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
Where: Luther Auto Bandshell (formerly the Leinie Lodge Bandshell), Minnesota State Fairgrounds