EXHIBIT · MINNESOTA STATE FAIR
Chickens
Rows of clucking, crowing, and preening chickens fill the Sheep & Poultry Barn, where 4-H youth and open-class breeders show off birds in every imaginable color, size, and feather pattern. Judges follow the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection, examining each bird's body shape, plumage, comb, and condition to crown breed and class champions. From towering Brahmas to fluffy little Silkies, the poultry exhibit is one of the noisiest and most colorful corners of the fairgrounds.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair ended on Monday, September 7, 2026. Everything below describes the 2026 fair, which is the most recent one I hold — stands, buildings and rides carry over year to year, but dates, prices and schedules do not. I update it when the fair publishes for 2027. The 2027 fair runs August 26 – September 6, 2027 — 293 days away.
- Building
- Rabbit & Poultry Exhibits
Which breeds are in the barn?
16 breeds are shown here: Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Leghorn, Orpington, Wyandotte, Brahma, Silkie, Cochin, Australorp, Ameraucana, Polish, Sussex, Marans, Old English Game Bantam, Sebright, Jersey Giant.
When is the judging?
- 4-H Poultry Show (Rings 1 & 2) — Thu 27 Aug
- Open Class Chicken, Turkey & Waterfowl Judging — Tue 1 Sep
- Rooster Crowing Contest — Qualifying — Wed 2 Sep
- Rooster Crowing Contest — Finals — Thu 3 Sep
When are the animals actually in the barn?
4-H poultry: first four days. Open class poultry & pigeons arrival Monday, Aug. 31, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed to public until noon); departure Thursday, Sept. 3, noon to 4 p.m. FFA poultry arrival Friday, Sept. 4, 4 a.m. to 1 p.m.; departure Monday, Sept. 7, noon to 4 p.m. 2026 Poultry Barn hours: Aug. 27-29 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Aug. 30 8 a.m.–noon; Aug. 31 noon–8 p.m. (late open, livestock arrival); Sept. 1-2 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sept. 3 8 a.m.–noon; Sept. 4 noon–8 p.m. (late open); Sept. 5-6 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sept. 7 8 a.m.–noon.
Worth knowing
- Chickens are judged against a book called the Standard of Perfection, which describes the ideal shape, size, and color for every breed.
- Silkie chickens have fluffy feathers that feel like fur and even have black skin and bones underneath.
- Brahmas are one of the largest chicken breeds and can weigh up to 12 pounds, with feathers covering their feet like fuzzy boots.
- Bantam chickens are miniature versions of regular breeds, sometimes only one-fourth the size of a standard chicken.
- The fair also hosts a Rooster Crowing Contest, where roosters compete to see who can crow the most times in a set period.
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Last verified against the fair's own listing. Anything I cannot source I leave blank rather than estimate.
Compiled and checked by Keith Gulbro, who has been going to this fair for thirty-odd years and builds MN Fair Guide on his own — why he does it. Spotted something wrong? Tell him and it gets fixed.
MN Fair Guide is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Minnesota State Fair. Browse the whole fair in the guide, read about the app, or send a correction.