Guide to attending both fairs in Fargo this summer
In 2022, we’re lucky enough to have an overlap of both the Downtown Street Fair as well as the Red River Valley Fair over ONE 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
Downtown Fargo Street Fair
Hundreds of artists, crafters, and food vendors on the streets of Downtown Fargo.
July 14 – 16, 2022 | Downtown Fargo
Red River Valley Fair
Exhibitions, concerts, carnival rides, and nearly 200 food stands at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds.
July 8 – 17, 2022 | Red River Valley Fairgrounds
Three-day itinerary to both fairs
Thursday, July 14
Morning
The Downtown Street Fair kicks off at 10 a.m. so to kick off the weekend, head down there and get the first pick of the vendors’ wares. Wander in and out of the tents and get the lay of the land.
Afternoon
There are going to be tons food vendors 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 Unglued 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 who will be setting up shop along the main drag of the fair and head to the stage to enjoy some local bands at 5:30 p.m. and then the Chase & Ovation (a salute to the music of Prince) at 7 p.m.
Friday, July 15
Morning
Since gates to the Red River Valley Fair 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 and in the perfect location to swing by before you head 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 12 p.m. 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 15 is pop star Jason Derulo you will not want to miss this exciting show! Other grandstand artists include 3 Doors Down Tim McGraw, Walker Hayes, Monster Truck Tour, and more. Get your tickets for all of these concerts on the Red River Valley Fair website.
Saturday, July 16
Morning
To wrap up your weekend full of fun, fair entertainment, you’re probably going to 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 and 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 your lunch, head to the RRVF to enjoy some more carnival rides and also check out the farm animal exhibits as well as 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 Parmalee and Maddie & Tae concert. Grab another corn dog and an ice-cold beer and enjoy the country music.
This jam-packed weekend will be the perfect time to visit Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo and enjoy all of the fun. If this itinerary doesn’t do it for you, feel free to mix and match with other things to do in the area as well as visit other local restaurants.