The Minnesota State Fair
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Minnesota State Fair
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Event Description
Welcome to the ultimate end-of-summer tradition! Officially recognized as The Great Minnesota Get-Together, the Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest, oldest, and best-attended expositions in the world. Spanning 12 magical days right up through Labor Day, this historic 322-acre exposition in Falcon Heights, Minnesota—nestled seamlessly between Minneapolis and St. Paul—draws millions of visitors each year for an unmissable celebration of agriculture, entertainment, art, industry, and culture. Whether you are a lifelong local looking to relive cherished childhood memories or a first-time visitor eager to experience what all the hype is about, here is your comprehensive, fully optimized guide to navigating every single highlight of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs from Thursday, August 27 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. Located at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds at 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108, the gates open daily at 6:00 a.m. with closing times varying by building and attraction. Consistently ranking among North America’s premier events, the fair draws upwards of 2 million guests across its 12-day run. Advance discount tickets are available online and at select partner outlets prior to the fair opening for a discounted rate. Standard daily admission tickets can be purchased at the gates, where adults ages 13 to 64 are $20, seniors ages 65 and older and kids ages 5 to 12 are $18, and children ages 4 and under are completely free and do not require a ticket. For extra savings, pick up a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book at information booths or merchandise hubs to score deep discounts on food, shopping, and attractions throughout the grounds.
No trip to the Minnesota State Fair is complete without a deep dive into its world-famous food scene. With hundreds of food vendors scattered across the fairgrounds, calories truly don’t count during these 12 days. Start your morning with a piping hot bucket of Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar chocolate chip cookies washed down with all-you-can-drink fresh cold milk from the Midwest Dairy Association Booth. From foot-long hot dogs and cheese curds to roasted corn on the cob drenched in butter, the classics never go out of style. Every year, brilliant culinary creators roll out dozens of brand-new, wacky, and mouth-watering concoctions. Whether it’s a savory twist wrapped in bacon, a spicy fusion creation on a stick, or an unexpectedly decadent dessert featuring local ingredients, check the official MN State Fair app for the exact map locations of all official 2026 New Foods.
The fairgrounds are alive with music, laughter, and dazzling performances from morning until night. The massive outdoor Grandstand arena hosts some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry. The 2026 concert series features a star-studded lineup crossing genres from classic rock, country, and pop to R&B, hip-hop, and indie-folk. Grandstand concert tickets include fair admission, though separate advance purchase is required. You don’t need a special ticket to catch world-class performances, as the fair features nearly 30 separate stages offering free shows with your gate admission. Check out local favorites and touring acts at the Leine Lodge Bandshell, the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater which is home to the hilarious History-On-A-Schtick show, the International Bazaar Stage, and the DNR Stage.
If you’re seeking adrenaline rushes or nostalgic carnival games, head straight to the Mighty Midway and Kidway. Test your limits on towering drop towers, roller coasters, high-speed spinning rides, and North America’s tallest portable spring ride, The Thunderbird. Grab a burlap sack and race your friends down the iconic Giant Slide, glide gently above the crowds on the Skyride or SkyGlider, or take a relaxing spin on the giant Ferris wheel to catch panoramic views of the Twin Cities skyline. Step back in time on Ye Old Mill, a serene, century-old water tunnel ride, or let the kids steer their own adventures at Kidway’s junior-friendly attractions.
True to its roots as an agricultural exposition dating back to 1855, the fair remains a premier showcase for farming, livestock, and rural innovation. Visit the CHS Miracle of Birth Center to witness dozens of calves, piglets, lambs, and goats being born live throughout the fair’s run, making it consistently one of the most popular and heartwarming destinations on the grounds. Step inside the Dairy Building to watch finalists for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way have their exact likenesses sculpted out of a 90-pound block of Grade-A butter inside a rotating cooler. Explore thousands of blue-ribbon entries across agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, and the famous Crop Art competition where intricate portraits are painstakingly crafted using only native seeds and grains.
With hundreds of independent vendors, artisans, and global traders, the Minnesota State Fair is a premier destination for unique retail therapy. The International Bazaar is a global marketplace featuring imports, handmade crafts, clothing, and artwork from dozens of international cultures. The West End Market is a vibrant, modern hub blending contemporary boutique shopping, local artisan goods, dining patios, and the popular Summit Stage. Spanning multiple levels, the Grandstand Marketplace and Merchandise Mart are indoor bazaars packed with home goods, clever kitchen gadgets, apparel, regional crafts, and specialty gifts.
To avoid the headache of parking directly near the fairgrounds, take advantage of the extensive Park and Ride network featuring dozens of free suburban lots that offer direct, frequent express bus service straight to the fair gates. Metro Transit offers special express routes from major Twin Cities transit hubs, and secure bike parking corrals are available free of charge for cyclists. The Minnesota State Fair is committed to providing a safe, clean, and fully accessible environment for all guests, offering stroller and wheelchair rentals, sensory-friendly spaces, and comprehensive guest services maps. Mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and get ready to experience 12 unforgettable days of fun at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair!
