The MN Woodworkers Guild is proud to sponsor the woodworkers Expo 2026 to be held October 16 and 17 at the Progress Center of the MN State Fairgrounds. Once again, we will have tool vendors, makers, and related nonprofits, with an emphasis on demonstration and education. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. And REGISTER HERE to participate with a exhibitor’s table at the Expo!
Friday, Oct 16. 2 – 8:30 pm: This year we are adding a second day to the Expo. Enjoy a preview from 2 – 5 pm. And then, from 5 – 8:30 we’ll be hosting the first Guild Gala: Past Present and Future. A celebration of our members with speakers, a cash bar and catered dinner.
Saturday, Oct 17, 9 am – 4 – pm: The EXPO! Meet vendors, watch demonstrations, and talk with colleagues all day long!
The 2025 Woodworkers Expo was better than ever. Over 80 local and national woodworking retailers, tool manufacturers, lumber sellers, schools, organizations, and makers came to the Expo to show off products, share information, answer questions, and share their knowledge of and passion for woodworking and making.
We could never have made this happen without our sponsors. Want to be involved? Become a sponsor!
BRAND NEW! BELT SANDER RACING:
We’re proud to announce a new Thrills and Skills section at the expo. This area will feature “Try It Yourself” hand tools and 2 competitions: belt sander races, and the longest/thinnest hand plane shaving.
What is a belt sander race? Check out our video as we test the track.
For the longest/thinnest shaving; the committee will provide a 12 foot or longer softwood board mounted on edge. You must provide your own plane. Judges will determine winner by length and thinness.
Register to participate HERE.
TOOL SWAP:
The Guild will once again host a tool swap outside the Woodworkers Expo. The location of the swap will be a designated parking lot that will be managed by a tool swap host. This year we will be charging $40 for tool swap participation. You can pay the tool swap host cash at the day of the show, or you can pay via pre registration.
The tool swap registration link is HERE.
KIDS WORKSHOP:
Woodworkers Guild members and partner organizations helped kids and their accompanying adults with a free woodworking project that introduced them to the craft and gave them a fun and useful object that they made themselves.
MEET THE MAKERS:
There were numerous informal ongoing demonstrations of various woodworking and related arts by guild members and area makers. It was a great day of learning and sharing!
EXHIBITORS:
Plan now to join the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild for the 7th Annual Woodworkers Expo in the fall of 2026. The 2026 Expo will be held at the 26,000 square foot Progress Center Building at the MN State Fairgrounds. More than 75 Exhibitors — local and national woodworking retailers, tool manufacturers, lumber sellers, schools, organizations, and makers — attended the 2025 Expo.
Exhibitor Registration: Provides a display table or area at the Expo to promote your organization, craft, or business. Our standard display area is a 10 foot x 10 foot square, (10×10). Larger spaces can be rented by combining multiple areas.
2026 Fees:
$200 for each 10×10 space for business groups with more than 3 employees
$100 for each 10×10 space for all others
For details email: Expo@mnwwg.org
Gold
($600 & Up)
Silver
($300 – $500)
Bronze
($200)
The Expo is the Guild’s largest public outreach event, featuring over 70 vendors and attracting more than 2,000 attendees. It’s a major undertaking that requires plenty of behind-the-scenes help — and we need you to make it a success!
We’re always looking for volunteers to assist with setup, event operations, and tear down. Your support helps ensure the event runs smoothly and leaves a great impression on the community. Here’s how you can help:
Facility Setup & Teardown:
Help during the event:
