Joyful World Mural Park 2026

The Minnesota State Fair, in partnership with Forecast Public Art and the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, presents the 2026 Joyful World Mural Park. Now in its fifth year, this initiative transforms a green space on the fairgrounds into a vibrant hub for public art. Visitors are invited to watch artists work in real-time, engaging with the creative process as four new large-scale murals are produced on-site.

The 2026 featured muralists include Destiny (Dez) Noel Bilges, Discover Dope Creative, Philli Irvin, and Reggie LeFlore. These artists were selected through a competitive open call to interpret the theme of a "Joyful World," exploring concepts of connection, community, and imagination through their unique visual languages. Their new works will join a collection of murals from previous years that remain a seasonal attraction on the fairgrounds.

The Joyful World Mural Park offers fairgoers a moment of reflection and artistic immersion amidst the excitement of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The project celebrates the live art form of mural painting and highlights the diverse narratives and styles within the regional arts community.

Featured Artists:
Destiny (Dez) Noel Bilges: A queer, multidisciplinary artist and educator of indigenous and settler heritage whose work delves into vulnerability and community.

Discover Dope Creative: A multidisciplinary studio that views story as infrastructure, creating work at the intersection of culture and identity.

Philli Irvin (Philosx3): A North Minneapolis-based social practice artist focused on participatory and community-centered experiences.

Reggie LeFlore: A visual artist whose portraiture-based work captures the diverse narratives of contemporary society.

Location:
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
South of the Grandstand, east of the Grandstand Ramp, near the carousel.
St. Paul, MN 55108

Hours:
Daily during the Minnesota State Fair: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (9:00 PM on Labor Day)