Join YourClassical MPR at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair

Adventure awaits at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, and this year, the MPR booth returns with even more excitement and adventure! Join YourClassical MPR at the MPR booth from Thursday, Aug. 21, through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1.

We are back at the usual spot, near the corner of Judson and Nelson, for another year of MPR at the Fair. While there, you can sign up for one of our e-newsletters and take a spin on the giant wheel of fun — where everyone's a winner! Gear up with merchandise from YourClassical MPR, The Current, and MPR News. And treat yourself to a limited-edition MPR tote bag, designed by local artist Katelyn Clemons, with a one-time donation of $10 or more (tote bags will be available online starting August 11, and available in person at our booth during the entire fair)!   

Friday, Aug. 29 is MPR Day at Dan Patch Park. Booths and vendors from our partners will be hosting activities and giveaways, and the stage will be booked with shows, events, and performances. We can’t wait to see everyone in person at this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together!

Programming Schedule

All activities are on Central Daylight Time and take place at the MPR booth near the corner of Judson and Nelson unless otherwise noted. This schedule is subject to change; please check back for updates and additions.

Here are YourClassical MPR events at the State Fair:

• Thursday, Aug. 21, at 1:30 p.m.: YourClassical presents Saturday Cinema Movie Quiz at the State Fair with Lynne Warfel — Saturday Cinema returns to the Fair with a quiz show. Win prizes and show off your classic film knowledge with host Lynne Warfel.  

  

• Monday, Aug. 25, at 1:30 p.m.: YourClassical presents Titambe — Titambe is a powerful, vibrant West African dance ensemble based in Minnesota. It specializes in West African traditional culture and aesthetic, educational and professional presentation of dance, music, instruments, and folklore. Titambe will be there representing YourClassical’s Class Notes program.  

  

• Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 1:30 p.m.: YourClassical presents Steam Machine — Steam Machine are a music-and-dance ensemble who perform old-time and bluegrass music. They will be there representing YourClassical’s Class Notes program. 

  

• Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 1:30 p.m.: YourClassical presents Box Cat Music — Box Cat Music is a songwriting duo made up of Rob, a self-taught guitarist, pianist and songwriter; and Elise, a classically trained cellist, who also sings and plays percussion.  Together, they create customized songs for a wide variety of occasions. The ensemble will help students use fundamental music concepts to tell a story through song. All Box Cat Music concerts include a live songwriting experience for students that reflect the students’ ideas and input. Box Cat Music will be there representing YourClassical’s Class Notes program. 

  

• Thursday, Aug. 28 at 1:30 p.m.: YourClassical presents The Minnesota Opera at the Fair - Come listen to Minnesota Opera perform excerpts from opera favorites live at the State Fair. 

  

• Friday, Aug. 29, MPR DAY, at 1 p.m. (at Dan Patch Park): YourClassical presents Performance Today — Come celebrate Performance Today along with new host Val Kahler and longtime host Fred Child. They will interview Minneapolis native Evren Ozel, who recently took third place in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Val and Fred will also host a special music performance from a brass quintet featuring members of the Minnesota Orchestra. 

  

• Sunday, Aug. 31, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: YourClassical’s Class Notes presents Siama’s Congo Roots - Siama’s Congo Roots is a duo featuring music from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. The music features guitar, vocals, and various percussion instruments.