About Us

We are located on the southern edge of Brainerd and began as an agricultural event for the purpose of providing a place for county residents to exhibit their products. Youth projects such as 4-H and FFA were able to enter and compete for prizes. While many aspects of the fair have changed over the years, the main philosophy remains the same, to provide opportunity for our patronage to touch base with the agricultural heritage of Crow Wing County.

The Crow Wing County Fair is now among the five largest fairs in Minnesota, with annual exhibits numbering over 6,000 and annual attendance estimated at 100,000. The Fairgrounds Includes a variety of buildings, as well as a modern curling facility that has a capacity of 860, a grand stand that seats 1800, and a large horse arena with bleachers. 

The fair was organized in 1884 and fairs were held in Brainerd, Pequot Lakes and Crosby before permanently locating in Brainerd in 1937. The 1899 fair was held at grounds owned by M. K. Swartz located just east of the 1900 block on East Oak Street. in 1938 the fair was held at the Brainerd Armory and beginning in 1939 at the Mill Avenue fairgrounds where it was held each year until moving to its present location at 2000 South 13th Street in 1962.

Online Registration

Online registration is now open for all premium lists for 2023. Get your online registration done today!

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Premium Handbook

This year’s premium handbook is now available! View the full event schedule to learn more.

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Facility Rental

Looking for a unique venue for your wedding or family gathering? Look no further than our vast and spacious facilities that allow for the perfect setting to achieve that sought-after look.

With ample parking and electrical hook ups, 30 and 50 amps. The grounds are a perfect setting for gatherings of any size.

The facility is safe, 70 electrical plugs and a dump station makes camping accommodation easy and affordable. The 40 acres is fenced in, with passage gates making the area safe and secure.

The curling club can offer a unique venue for your wedding or family gathering. Look no further than our vast and spacious facilities for the perfect get together. With a capacity of 860, we have one of the largest venues in the area.

We have a covered bandstand that is available for concerts and performances. Already, churches and other organizations have taken advantage of this space for fundraisers and other activities benefitting from the covered outdoor space and the prime acoustical setting.

For roughly 50 weeks out of the year, the buildings and grounds are available, and affordable and flexible in nature to meet the needs of most any event or activity. In every season, the Fairground has what you’re looking for. Let us help you plan your event.

Craft shows, farmer’s markets, flea markets, car shows, corporate events, camping clubs, art shows, church concerts and gatherings, auctions, weddings, family gatherings, graduations parties, seasonal storage and much much more. The sky’s the limit for hosting any occasion at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds.

For Rates and more information:

Facility Rental Request