Minnesota State Fair Vendors Not Returning In 2026

We have been hearing so much about which foods and drinks are being added to the Minnesota State Fair linup. So many new foods and drinks and some of them are very unique. Especially to Minnesota. For example, let's think about that ranch beer with the ranch dressing dust on the rim of the cup. That would be a hard pass for me - but I'm sure there will be a ton of people trying that. I'd be interested to hear what that actually tastes like, and if you would try it again.

There are many staples or favorites for food and drink vendors around the fair that have been there for years. And to make room for new foods and drinks, what are the food and drink vendors that will NOT be making a comeback this year?

SOME OF THE VENDORS GOING AWAY MIGHT BE VERY NOTICEABLE

The biggest, no pun intended, one that I noticed was the fact that the Big Green Pepper will not be back this year. That one, at least for us, was always a good spot to meet up. The pepper was located basically in between the animal barns and the midway. That one is gone.

LIST OF FOOD VENDORS THAT WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO THE STATE FAIR

Some of the others, according to the Minnesota State Fair and Bring Me the News:

Thelma’s Handmade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Vegie Fries
The Big Pepper
Churros & Aguas Fresca
Original Corn Fritters & Fried Green Tomatoes
Scenic 61 by New Scenic Café
Harry Singh’s Caribbean
Island Noodles Surf Shack
OOf-da Tacos
Spring Grove Soda
St. Martin’s Olives

The other one that reall ysticks out to me is the OOF-da Tacos. They see like they are a staple at every fair. Although I haven't heard of them leaving any of the county fairs and festivals around the area any time soon.

CHANGE IS THE NORMAL PROCESS OF THINGS - MAKE ROOM FOR NEW

The Thelma's Ice Cream Sandwiches are available in grocery stores in the area, so you can still get your fix of those if you would like. I'm wondering if the others weren't as popular as some of the ones that are staying, or just making room for some new vendors. There is only so much space, so I guess that is the way things go - transitions from some of the older, maybe less popular vendors to make room for new ones.