Guide to attending both fairs in Fargo this summer
In July, the Downtown Street Fair and the Red River Valley Fair overlaps for a FULL WEEKEND. We put together an itinerary to help you navigate the busy weekend so you can get to all of the fun entertainment.
Information on the Fargo fairs
Fargo Street Fair 2023
Hundreds of artists, crafters, and food vendors will be lining the streets of Downtown Fargo.
July 13 – 15, 2023 | Downtown Fargo
Red River Valley Fair 2023
Exhibitions, concerts, carnival rides, and nearly 200 food stands at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds.
July 7 – 16, 2023 | Red River Valley Fairgrounds
Three-day itinerary to both fairs
Thursday, July 13
Morning
The Downtown Street Fair kicks off at 10 a.m. So, head down there and get the first pick of the vendors’ wares to kick off the weekend. Wander in and out of the tents and get the lay of the land.
Afternoon
Many food vendors will be at the Downtown Street Fair this year. Find an old favorite or try something new for lunch.
After your meal, escape the heat for a bit and wander through some of Downtown Fargo’s storefronts like Zandbroz for gifts, Proper for trendy clothing, and STABO for one-of-a-kind Scandinavian pieces.
Evening
After your big shopping day, grab a beer from one of the local breweries like Drekker Brewing, Fargo Brewing, and Cottonwood Cider House, which will be setting up shop along the main drag of the fair.
Friday, July 14
Morning
Since the Red River Valley Fair gates do not open until 11, we recommend grabbing some breakfast before your big day at the fair. Deaner’s Diner in West Fargo is a fantastic diner in the perfect location to swing by before heading to the Red River Valley Fair.
Once you are all fueled up for the day, make your way to the fun at the fairgrounds. If you’re in it for the long haul, grab one of the Mega Passes for a whole 10 days of fun for $120.
Afternoon
The Midway opens at noon, so after you’re all settled in, find some of your favorite rides and get to it. This whole afternoon should be filled with corn dogs, funnel cakes, cheese curds, and a whole lotta carnival rides.
Evening
The grandstand entertainment for July 14 is Shinedown; you will not want to miss this exciting show! Other grandstand artists include Dan and Shay, Tyler Hubbard, Flo Rida, and more. There’s even a Disney Princess Concert the Tuesday before the big weekend. Get tickets for all these concerts on the Red River Valley Fair website.
Saturday, July 15
Morning
To wrap up your weekend full of fun, fair entertainment, you’ll probably need to perk up after the concert the night before.
Head to Downtown Fargo and stop by one of the many local coffee shops to kick off your morning. Some of our favorites include Young Blood Coffee and Atomic Coffee; both are right in the thick of the action.
Spend the morning perusing any of the artists/makers’ tents and picking up anything you might have missed on Thursday.
Afternoon
On the way to the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, we recommend grabbing lunch from a local restaurant, a lighter option (to save room for fried foods later) would be a BYO salad from The Tavern.
After lunch, head to the RRVF to enjoy more carnival rides and check out the farm animal exhibits and each of the competitive exhibits, like the competition for best homemade brews, canned products, and ceramics.
Evening
The evening is meant for one last sunset Ferris Wheel ride and the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert. Grab another corn dog and an ice-cold beer, and enjoy the music.
This jam-packed weekend will be the perfect time to visit Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo and enjoy all the fun. If this itinerary doesn’t do it for you, feel free to mix and match it with other things to do in the area as well as visit other local restaurants.