New Attraction: 50th Annual Amateur Talent Contest

50th Annual Amateur Talent Contest

More than 17,000 singers, dancers, jugglers, acrobats, instrumentalists and others have auditioned over the past five decades for this popular showcase of Minnesota’s most talented. Catch this year’s semifinals Aug. 24-Sept. 2 at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell and the finals Sept. 3 at the Grandstand – a free event!

Details

From auditions held in July, semifinalists in preteen, teen and open divisions move on to compete at 6 p.m. at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell for a chance to perform on the big stage – literally – in the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals at the Grandstand on Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Come cheer on the performers competing for a share of more than $20,000 in cash prizes.

Fun Fact
- Past winners include Nashville-based country music singer-songwriter Caitlyn Smith, Minneapolis’ first family of soul The Steeles, local theater actor Max Wojtanowicz, beat box artist DJ Snuggles, and pianist Aurora Wang.
Fun Fact
- Of the 17,000 who have auditioned over the past 50 years, 5,500 have qualified for fair-time semifinal competition. More than $250,000 in prize money has been awarded to top finishers.
Fun Fact
- Did we mention that the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals at the Grandstand is FREE to attend, no ticket required?! A total of 26 acts in preteen, teen and open divisions take the stage on Sunday, Sept. 3.

Amateur Talent Contest Semifinals are Aug. 24-Sept. 2, at 6 p.m., at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. The Finals are Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m., at the Grandstand (a free event!)

Additional Resources

Directions

Located at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell Aug. 24-Sept. 2 (6 p.m.) and at the Grandstand Sept. 3 (7:30 p.m.)

The Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest is part of the Grandstand Concert Series, sponsored by Sleep Number. Nightly fireworks spectacular sponsored by Mazda. Photos: Amateur Talent Contest parade float, ca. 1990; Danny L. and the Brewerettes (gospel group), 1976.