Steele County Free Fair's Spring Into Summer at the Steele County Fairgrounds, with red, green, and orange text.

May 29-30, 2026

Spring into Summer at the Steele County Free Fair is a lively community celebration that kicks off the summer season with a weekend full of fun, entertainment, food, and games, bringing together friends, families, and fair fans of all ages. The weekend features something for everyone from competitive and casual activities to tasty eats and spirited fundraisers.


Highlights include a Bourbon & Cigar Night Fundraiser, offering an evening to enjoy premium bourbons and cigars while supporting local causes; an action-packed softball tournament for athletes and spectators alike; the whimsical Tom Thumb Mini Donut 5K Fun Run, blending tasty treats with friendly fitness; and a deliciously competitive Backyard BBQ Competition, where pitmasters battle for top honors.


In addition to these highlights, attendees can enjoy games, music, food vendors, and classic fair fun that sets the tone for summer. The event celebrates community spirit and Fair traditions ahead of the annual Steele County Free Fair in Owatonna, Minnesota.



Complete event details, including sign ups for activities will be coming soon. Stay tuned!


All information subject to change.


  • Thursday, May 28: 6:30-9:30pm
  • Friday, May 29: 10:30am-11:30pm
  • Saturday, May 30: 10:00am-11:30pm


General admission to this event is FREE  just like the fair!

Complete event details, including sign ups for activities will be coming soon. Stay tuned!


All information subject to change.

Coming soon:

  • Entertainment Lineup
  • Food & Brews
  • Midway Info
  • Camping Info
  • and more!

SPRING INTO SUMMER AT THE STEELE COUNTY FREE FAIR IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

Tom Thumb Donuts logo: cartoon character riding a feather, holding a donut. Text reads
Red Hy-Vee logo with
The Comfort Inn logo featuring an orange stylized letter
A cartoon chef holds a heart-shaped churro, surrounded by floating ice cream churro cups against a chocolate-drip background.
Logo for Owatonna Motor Company featuring the text next to a blue-outlined map of Minnesota.

Click the images below to explore your options!

All proceeds from Spring into Summer will benefit the Steele County Agricultural Society and (insert other non-profit here) both 501(c)(3) non-profits.