- Attraction: The Fair on 4
- Location: 402 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
- Industry: Entertainment Venue
- Website: https://thefairon4.com
Welcome to Minnesota’s wildest indoor carnival experience that never closes! The Fair on 4 transforms the fourth floor of Mall of America into a year-round state fair adventure, complete with screaming go-kart engines, flying axes, and the kind of indulgent fair food that makes your taste buds do backflips.
This 35,000-square-foot entertainment playground opened in March 2021 as a bold response to bring people together again after the pandemic, and it’s been delivering non-stop thrills ever since.
You’ll discover one of North America’s only indoor multi-level go-kart tracks alongside Minnesota’s premier axe throwing arena, all while noshing on elevated fair classics that would make any county fair jealous.
Whether you’re planning a wild night out with friends, celebrating a birthday, or just need an escape from mall madness, this place serves up pure adrenaline with a side of crispy cheese curds.
High-Octane Thrills & Activities
The Two-Story Go-Kart Track: Buckle up for Minnesota’s most unique racing experience on this quarter-mile indoor track that spirals through two levels. These aren’t your typical bumper cars – the state-of-the-art electric Sodi karts from France pack serious punch while staying surprisingly quiet.
Related
More in Minnesota
This Battle Lake Museum Houses Bullet-Riddled Uniforms From A Real Civil War Soldier
Keep Exploring →Each 12-minute session includes a safety briefing followed by 7 minutes of pure racing glory where you’ll average 8-10 laps of corner-drifting excitement. The straightaways feel like zooming through a blue vortex, and mastering those multi-level turns becomes an addictive challenge.
Axe Throwing Arena: Channel your inner lumberjack at 11 different targets in their spacious throwing arena. You don’t need any experience – their expert instructors walk you through proper technique, safety protocols, and throwing demonstrations before you start hurling sharp objects at wooden targets.
The arena accommodates both traditional axe throwing and virtual throwing stations, making it perfect for beginners who want to build confidence before going full Viking.
Arcade & Games: The arcade spans a decent chunk of the venue with classic pinball machines, modern arcade games, and carnival-style challenges. Families report kids staying entertained for solid 1.5-hour stretches, which translates to quality parent relaxation time at the bar.
You’ll also find hammerschlagen (the German nail-pounding game) for those who want to test their precision with a hammer instead of an axe.
More in Minnesota
Experience Nickelodeon Fun With SpongeBob And PAW Patrol At Bloomington’s Epic Indoor Park
Discover MoreLive Entertainment: A dedicated stage hosts live music performances, adding an authentic county fair vibe to the space. The large exterior patio area expands the party beyond the main floor, creating multiple zones for different moods and activities.
Elevated Fair Food & Blue Horse Pizza
Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs: These aren’t frozen carnival rejects – each corn dog gets hand-dipped in fresh batter and features locally-made artisan sausage that elevates this classic to gourmet status. The crispy exterior gives way to juicy, flavorful sausage that actually tastes like real meat.
Mill City Cheese Curds: House-battered using Minneapolis-made curds, these golden nuggets arrive piping hot with that perfect cheese pull. They’re served with homemade marinara sauce that complements rather than masks the fresh cheese flavor. Multiple reviewers specifically call out these curds as exceptional, which says something in Wisconsin’s backyard.
Blue Horse Pizza: This made-from-scratch pizza kitchen creates authentic Neapolitan pizzas using locally-sourced ingredients. The dough comes from a collaboration with Food Buildings Baker’s Field Flour, while artisan sausage comes from Red Table Meats.
Ten different hand-made pizzas emerge from their state-of-the-art oven with authentic flavors that surprise visitors expecting typical mall food court fare.
Related
More in Minnesota
Big Lake’s Hidden Gem Has 2-for-1 Beers, Cheesy Pizza, And A Patio Where Dogs Are Always Welcome
Keep Exploring →Specialty Menu Items: The Leadfoot Cubano sandwich earns rave reviews as one of the better Cuban sandwiches around, while their mac and cheese gets described as amazing comfort food. Mini donuts provide the sweet finish, and signature cocktail floats blend adult beverages with nostalgic ice cream treats.
Craft Beer Selection: They boast the largest beer selection at Mall of America with over 40 taps featuring local and regional craft breweries. The bar program extends beyond beer with creative cocktails and wine options that pair surprisingly well with fair food indulgence.
Atmosphere & Carnival Vibes
Fair-Themed Design: The entire space captures authentic county fair energy with checkered patterns, carnival colors, and nostalgic decorative elements that transport you from sterile mall environment into a lively fairground. The design successfully balances whimsy with sophistication, avoiding cheesy theme restaurant territory.
Spacious Layout: Despite being indoors, the 35,000-square-foot space never feels cramped or congested. Multiple seating areas surround the go-kart track and axe throwing zones, allowing spectators to watch the action while enjoying food and drinks. The food hall concept means you can grab meals and snacks whenever hunger strikes between activities.
Sound Management: One pleasant surprise is how well they manage noise levels. The electric go-karts run much quieter than expected, and acoustic design keeps conversations possible even during busy periods. You can actually hold a conversation at your table without shouting over engine noise.
More in Minnesota
This Minneapolis Hot Dog Joint Serves Chicago-Style Dogs With A Punk Rock Twist In Cedar-Riverside
Discover MoreFlexible Entertainment Zones: The layout encourages wandering and exploring, with different activity zones flowing naturally into each other. You can seamlessly transition from racing to axe throwing to arcade games without feeling like you’re switching venues entirely.
Other Considerations
Pricing Structure: Go-kart races run $23-28 per session with discounts during Monday-Friday happy hours (3-6 PM), making it reasonably competitive with other entertainment venues.
Food pricing falls into the mid-tier range – expect to spend $20-30 per person for a meal, which aligns with quality sit-down restaurant pricing rather than typical food court costs. Most visitors feel the pricing reflects the quality and experience value.
Reservation Strategy: Walk-ins work for most activities Sunday through Friday, but go-kart sessions fill up quickly on weekends. Weekday visits offer shorter wait times and discounted racing rates. Axe throwing typically doesn’t require reservations and rarely has significant waits.
Family-Friendly Appeal: The venue successfully balances adult entertainment with family activities. Junior go-karts accommodate ages 11-13, while the arcade and food options appeal to all ages. Parents appreciate being able to enjoy craft cocktails while kids stay entertained with legitimate activities rather than just babysitting.
Related
More in Minnesota
Experience The Evolution Of Mexican Cuisine At This Shakopee Restaurant Praised By Minnesota Monthly
Keep Exploring →Group Event Potential: Private event space accommodates up to 750 people with custom catering options, making it a unique venue for corporate parties, birthday celebrations, and team building events. The combination of activities creates natural ice-breakers and shared experiences.
Parking Convenience: Located within Mall of America means ample parking availability, though weekend mall traffic can create longer walks from distant parking areas. The fourth-floor location provides a nice escape from main mall crowds while remaining easily accessible.
The Fair on 4
📍 402 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
