Coming Soon — 2026 NDSF Vendor Applications!
July 17–25, 2026 • America 250: Celebrate the Big 250 – the Fair Way!
Honoring our nation’s 250th with tradition, fun, and community!
Selection Criteria
The North Dakota State Fair employs the following criteria for both evaluating existing vendors and selecting new ones:
- Returning vendors from the previous year will have the first opportunity to renew their participation, provided they have adhered to all rules, regulations, and performance expectations. Non-compliance with these standards or the failure to introduce new and captivating products may lead to non-renewal. While we strive to accommodate returning vendors by assigning them their previous booth locations from 2025, this placement is not guaranteed. Every effort will be made to honor previous arrangements, but changes may occur based on event logistics and overall vendor needs.
- Available spaces will be offered to new applicants who meet our criteria, without any specific order of preference.
- Exhibits must offer reputable, family-friendly products and present them in a professional and businesslike manner.
- Novel and diverse items that cater to the preferences of our fair patrons are highly encouraged.
- Exhibits with professional displays, including elements like drapes, carpeting, signs, and décor, will be given preference.
- Exhibits should be well-designed, functional, and provide easy accessibility for fairgoers to navigate around or through.
- The size of the exhibit will influence the placement of applicants within the fairgrounds.
Indoor Commercial Space
Pricing: All booth spaces measure 8×10 feet. Regular spaces are priced at $450 each, while corner or end spaces are available for $500.
For indoor booths located within the three commercial exhibit buildings, you’ll enjoy air-conditioned comfort and easy access to restroom facilities. Each booth space is furnished with 10 feet of pipe and drape at the rear and 3 feet along the two sides. The front remains open for your use. The dimensions for all indoor booth spaces are 10 feet in width and 8 feet in depth. If additional space is required, it can be extended by renting adjacent booth spaces, subject to availability.
The booth fee includes one basic electrical outlet (600 Watts, 120v, single-phase). Exhibitors should bring their extension cords if needed.
Outdoor Commercial Space
Pricing: Pricing varies based on booth size and location.
Outdoor exhibitors are responsible for providing their booth structures, which must adhere to current building, electrical, sanitation, and health codes. Compliance with specific structural specifications is necessary, and we kindly request that you submit your drawings or plans well in advance. Please note that we do not offer event tent rentals. Staking is not permitted on pavement or concrete surfaces. If needed, cement blocks can be provided if available, quantities are limited. All internal wiring is mandatory for operations, and exhibitors must provide adequately sized cables to connect to the Fair’s electrical service panels.
Food Vendors
Vendors who have a percentage-based licensing agreement are required to complete a form provided by management, with a percentage fee applied to their gross sales. Gross sales should be reported daily and percentage payment due by August 7, 2026. Failure to submit these reports will result in a record of non-compliance, and licensees may not be considered for the following year.
Food Frenzy Competition
Show off your best fair food creation in the Food Frenzy Competition! Compete in one of three categories: Tasty Temptation (Savory), Lavish Libation (Drink), or Sugary Sensation (Sweet).
Participation is FREE and comes with great perks — social media shoutouts, website recognition, booth signage, and of course, bragging rights. Winners also receive a championship ribbon.
📅 Applications are due June 30. Space is limited, so don’t wait! Vendors will be notified of acceptance.
Contracts
All individuals or companies conducting business on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds are required to have a valid, signed contract in place. Concessionaires and exhibitors are strictly prohibited from assigning, subletting, or transferring the designated space allocated to them. Furthermore, they may only offer for sale those products that have been explicitly listed on the contract or approved by Fair management.
NO REFUNDS ON BOOTH RENTAL SPACE DEPOSITS WILL BE MADE. 50% OF RENTAL SPACE COST IS REQUIRED WHEN THE CONTRACT IS ISSUED.
Insurance Requirements
All exhibitors must submit a certificate of general liability insurance to the North Dakota State Fair office. Failure to send an accurate certificate will prevent you from participating in the Fair. All certificates will be verified by the North Dakota State Fair staff. Fraudulent insurance certificates will result in the forfeiture of the license without reimbursement. (State and Federal agencies are exempt from this policy)
Your agent must include the following information on the insurance certificate:
- Insured for $2,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
- The Certificate Holder MUST be listed as Additional Insured to include setup and tear-down.
- 20-day cancellation notice
- Certificate holder:
North Dakota State Fair AND the State of North Dakota
PO Box 1796
Minot, ND 58702
Admissions
All vendors are individually responsible for acquiring their own gate admission. Every individual, whether they are employees, delivery personnel, or otherwise, must possess a valid admission ticket for each day of entry to the fairgrounds. Daily tickets or season passes are available for purchase in advance when making deposits, and they can also be purchased at the gate or online if you prefer electronic tickets. Please be aware that the North Dakota State Fair does not provide any passes or complimentary tickets of any kind.
Hours of Operation
| Location | Open | Close |
| COMMERCIAL I | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| COMMERCIAL II | 10:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| COMMERCIAL III | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| OUTDOOR | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| INDEPENDENT MIDWAY | 11:00 AM | until carnival closes |
Enjoy Your Stay
We strongly advise you to secure your hotel or camping accommodations without delay. Camping facilities on the Fairgrounds can be arranged through the State Fair office. Pricing for accommodations are as follows:
- Electric hook-up space: $30.00 per night
- Tent space: $20.00 per night
You can find additional hotel and campground recommendations in the Vendor Manual.
Address
2005 Burdick Expressway East
PO BOX 1796
Minot, ND 58701
Phone
(701) 857-7620
Fax
(701) 857-7622