The Current's music and events at the Minnesota State Fair 2023

Highlights from day one of the 2022 Minnesota State Fair on Thursday, August 25.Mike Madison/Bump Opera Photography

Like this?

Thanks for liking this song! We have added it to a personal playlist for you.

August 01, 2023

Join The Current, Carbon Sound, Radio Heartland, The Local Show, and all of our friends at Camp MPR, at the Minnesota State Fair, August 24 through September 4.

We are back at the usual spot, near the corner of Judson and Nelson, for another year of Camp MPR at the Fair. Gear up in merchandise from The Current, and treat yourself to a Camp MPR-themed giveaway when you sign up for our newsletters.

If you love great rock bands — and superfluous hyphens — don’t forget about The Current’s Music-on-a-Stick. This year’s lineup features The Hold Steady with special guests Bob Mould Band and Dillinger Four, on Saturday, Sept. 2, at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand. More information and the link to tickets can be found in our Events Calendar.

Friday, Sept. 1 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 our booth near the corner of Judson and Nelson unless otherwise noted. This schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates and additions! View the full Camp MPR schedule.

Thursday, August 24, 2023

5 – 6 p.m. – The Current presents Mae Simpson
Mae Simpson at Island City Brewing Co. Mid West Music Fest returned to Winona, Minn., on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Laura Buhman for MPR

Friday, August 25, 2023

5 – 6 p.m. – The Current presents Lady Midnight
Lady Midnight performing during Day One of Red Wing's Big Turn Music Fest on Friday, February 17, 2023.
Darin Kamnetz for MPR

Saturday, August 26, 2023

11 a.m. – noon; 1-2 p.m. – The Current presents Aby Wolf
Aby Wolf (Photo by Bo Hakala)
Swensson, Andrea
4 – 6 p.m. – Carbon Sound and Pure Water Radio Present: State Fair Producer Showdown
Find out who the hottest producers is this side of the Mississippi at Carbon Sound and Pure Water Radio's State Fair Producer Showdown at State Fair on Saturday, August 26.
Ray Smith for MPR

Sunday, August 27, 2023

3 – 4 p.m.; 5 – 6 p.m. – Siama’s Congo Roots
Siama's Congo Roots (Dallas Johnson, singer/percussionist; Siama Matuzungidi, guitar, voice, balafon, mbira)
Nik Linde

Monday, August 28, 2023

5 – 6 p.m. – The Current presents Faith Boblett
Faith Boblett at Mid West Music Fest 2023 in Winona, Minn.
Laura Buhman for MPR

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

5 – 6 p.m. – The Current presents Pit Stop
Pit Stop performing at Mid West Music Fest 2023 in Winona, Minn.
Laura Buhman for MPR

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

5 – 6 p.m. – The Current presents Dad Bod
Dad Bod performing on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Ed's No Name Bar during Mid West Music Fest in Winona, Minnesota.
Darin Kamnetz for MPR

Thursday, August 31, 2023

5 – 6 p.m. – The Current presents LAAMAR
Laamar
Holy Mountain

MPR DAY Friday, September 1, 2023

All performances at Dan Patch Park

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Radio Heartland presents The Cactus Blossoms
The Cactus Blossoms performing on the Dan Patch Park stage at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, as part of MPR Day.
Evan Clark | MPR
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. – The Current presents Kiss the Tiger
Kiss the Tiger performing onstage at First Avenue in Minneapolis during The Current's 17th Anniversary Party on Saturday, January 22, 2022.
Darin Kamnetz for MPR
4 – 5 p.m. – Carbon Sound presents BLU BONE
BLU BONE is an interdisciplinary artist from Minneapolis.
courtesy the artist

Saturday, September 2, 2023

11 a.m. – noon; 1 – 2 p.m. – The Current presents Colin Bracewell
Colin Bracewell performing on Day Two of Red Wing's Big Turn Music Fest, Saturday, February 18, 2023.
Darin Kamnetz for MPR
3 – 4 p.m.; 5 – 6 p.m. – The Current presents Sophia Eris w/ MAKR
Sophia Eris with MAKR performing at The Grand Stage Powered by The Current during Grand Old Day on Sunday, June 4, 2023, in St. Paul, Minn.
Bump Opera for MPR
7:00 p.m. at the Grandstand - The Current's Music On-A-Stick featuring The Hold Steady with special guests Bob Mould Band and Dillinger Four
Music on a Stick 2023 with the Hold Steady, Bob Mould Band, and Dillinger Four
courtesy Minnesota State Fair

Sunday, September 3, 2023

11 a.m. – noon – Pat Donohue, Richard Kriehn, & Dan Newton
1 – 2 p.m. – Pat Donohue, Richard Kriehn, & Dan Newton
Pat Donohue
Tom Campbell | MPR
3 – 4 p.m.; 5 – 6 p.m. – The Current presents Davina and the Vagabonds
Davina and the Vagabonds perform at the MPR booth during a live broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019.
James Napoli | MPR

Monday, September 4, 2023

11 a.m. – noon; 1 – 2 p.m. – Heliopsis
Heliopsis are cellist Mikaela Marget and percussionist/multi-instrumentalist Nyttu Chongo
Ellen Schmidt/Honeydew Mellen Photography
3 – 4 p.m.; 5 – 6 p.m. – Radio Heartland presents Good Morning Bedlam
Camp MPR / Minnesota State Fair artwork
Provided, artwork created by Natalia Toledo | MPR