Minot, ND is a city that knows how to celebrate, and the numbers tell the story. The 2025 North Dakota State Fair drew a record 356,552 attendees and generated an estimated $44 million in economic impact for the region. That kind of turnout shows just how much residents and visitors value the community’s traditions. From cultural festivals to agricultural expos, Minot offers a calendar of annual events that showcase its heritage, creativity, and hospitality. Each festival, fair, and showcase carries its own flavor, from the roar of bull riding to the artistry of handmade crafts, and together they create a rhythm that defines the city year after year. Here at Live in Minot, the city’s main hub for apartment living, we want to help you discover Minot’s epic annual events, which is why we’ve put together this list of our favorites. To experience Minot at its most vibrant, these are the events you cannot miss.
The North Dakota State Fair
Speaking of the North Dakota State Fair, the 9-day extravaganza is filled with concerts, carnival rides, agricultural showcases, and family entertainment. What makes this fair stand out is its scale. It is the largest annual event in ND, drawing thousands of visitors from across the region. The grandstand shows feature top-tier performers, while the midway offers classic fair fun. Farmers and ranchers also take pride in showcasing livestock and crops, making the fair both entertaining and educational.
The Big One Art & Craft Fair
For those who love handmade goods, The Big One Art & Craft Fair has more than 250 exhibitors and 430 booths. What sets it apart is the variety. You can find everything from jewelry and home décor to seasonal gifts and specialty foods. It is the perfect place to support local artisans while discovering one-of-a-kind treasures.
The KMOT Ag Expo
Minot is deeply connected to farming. The KMOT Ag Expo is known as the Midwest’s largest indoor farm show, featuring more than 350 exhibitors and 1,000 booths. What makes this expo unique is its focus on innovation. Farmers and ranchers can explore the latest equipment, technology, and services designed to improve efficiency and sustainability. For residents, it is a chance to see firsthand how agriculture continues to evolve and remain vital to ND’s economy.
iMagicon
Minot also embraces modern fandom with iMagicon, a convention dedicated to pop culture, gaming, and cosplay. Attendance has grown steadily, with thousands of fans gathering each spring. What sets iMagicon apart is its inclusivity. Whether you come for comics, gaming, or the artistry of cosplay, iMagicon delivers through its special guests, expert panels, and competitive tournaments, creating a dynamic environment where creativity thrives and fans connect.
Norsk Høstfest
One of the most iconic events in Minot is Norsk Høstfest, recognized as North America’s largest Scandinavian festival. The city’s deep Nordic roots are reflected in its demographics: about 10,945 Minot residents report Norwegian ancestry, and statewide, nearly 31% of North Dakota’s population claims Norwegian heritage, the highest percentage in the nation. That strong cultural presence is what makes Høstfest so special. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like lefse and lutefisk, watch artisans demonstrate old-world crafts, and listen to internationally known performers who embrace Scandinavian culture.
Y’s Men’s PBR
If you crave adrenaline, the Y’s Men’s PBR bull riding competition is the place to be. This event brings professional riders to Minot for one of the biggest bull riding showcases in the region. With crowds topping 10,000 spectators, skilled athletes face off against powerful bulls, a thrilling showcase that proves Minot knows how to host high-impact sporting events.
Motor Magic
Held at the State Fairgrounds, Motor Magic is recognized as the largest motorsports festival in the Upper Midwest. Each year it attracts thousands of racing fans and car enthusiasts, featuring drag races, dirt track competitions, and hundreds of classic and custom vehicles. With its collector car auction, Dakota Cruisers show, and bustling flea market, Motor Magic has become a signature Labor Day event.
Minot Annual Events Attract Millions
With a population of 47,922, locals are positioned to take full advantage of nationally recognized festivals, expos, and motorsports weekends hosted in the city. Minot’s role as host for premier events such as the State Fair and Norsk Høstfest ensures that residents do not have to travel far to experience attractions that draw tens of thousands of visitors from across the country.
For those living in Minot, the impact is visible in expanded dining options, new retail offerings, and performances that bring national talent to local venues. These events highlight how Minot’s traditions enrich daily life for residents, offering cultural access and community pride alongside the influx of visitors.
Living Close to the Action
Minot’s calendar of celebrations underscores its role as a cultural and economic center in North Dakota. For residents, the advantage is clear: living here represents direct access to nationally recognized festivals, premier expos, and high-impact sporting events that draw tens of thousands of visitors each year. Choosing an apartment in Minot places you within reach of the unique cultural experiences that distinguish the city from others in the region. Here at Live at Minot, we want to help you find your next home in The Magic City. Choose from our five beautiful communities: The Wyatt at Northern Lights, Commons & Landing at Southgate, South Pointe Apartment Homes, The Chateau, and The Plaza Apartment Homes. You’ll find the home you’ve been dreaming of and give yourself easy access to all of Minot’s wonderful annual events.
