Square Lake Film & Music (producers of regional film events and the Square Lake Film & Music Festival 2002-present) is beyond excited to present five nights of Minnesota-made independent film & animation at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
We're gathering films from across the entire state to showcase to Minnesota at the Fair.
We'll be screening select films outdoors after sunset on a large screen situated near the Pet Pavillion in the NW corner of the fairgrounds near Machinery Hill.
We'll present a showcase of short films so that attendees can experience a few films or the entire program. We estimate that our 80 minute MN Films at the Fair shorts program will have about 20-25 films.
We'll

Awards & Prizes

Every film accepted for MN Films at the Fair is a winner and will be screened in front of the largest event in Minnesota!
Films selected for the program will be able to select 1-2 days of the fair that they can attend to participate in Q&A and spotlight introductions at the screening.
We will connect you with on-site media at the State Fair (WCCO, KARE II, MPR) to promote your film on the screening days.

Rules & Terms

Films & animation must be made by filmmakers/animators who currently reside in the state.
Films must have been made within the last three years to be considered.
Films must be family friendly.
By submitting a film, the filmmaker/animator grants the festival a non-exclusive license to exhibit the film during the MN Films at the Fair events and at any related, affiliated, or year-round programming events presented by the Square Lake Film & Music organization. The filmmaker/animator will be notified of any screenings outside the primary festival dates.