{"id":5854,"date":"2026-09-13T06:27:34","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T06:27:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/5854\/"},"modified":"2026-09-13T06:27:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T06:27:34","slug":"minnesota-state-fair-2026-guide-what-to-know-before-you-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/5854\/","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota State Fair 2026 guide: What to know before you go"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re chasing the latest fair food craze, catching a show at the Grandstand or making your annual trip for the classics, the Minnesota State Fair has something for everyone. Here\u2019s what to know before you go, from tickets and transportation to deals and can\u2019t-miss attractions.<\/p>\n

When is the Minnesota State Fair?<\/p>\n

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs from Thursday, Aug. 27, through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7. The fairgrounds are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day except Labor Day when they close at 8 p.m. <\/p>\n

Guests can enter the fairgrounds until 9 p.m. daily and until 6 p.m. on Labor Day. Hours for specific buildings, attractions and services vary and are available on the State Fair\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

State Fair tickets<\/p>\n

You can purchase pre-fair discount admission tickets for $17 online through Wednesday, Aug. 26. Tickets are also available by phone through Etix by calling 800-514-3849, at the Minnesota State Fair Ticket Office and at select Cub Foods locations and participating ticket outlets in Greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis. <\/p>\n

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. <\/p>\n

Tickets can be downloaded to your phone or printed at home for free. If you\u2019d like tickets mailed to you, select regular mail delivery for an additional fee. Regular fair-time admission is $20 for adults ages 13-64, $18 for seniors ages 65 and older and $18 for kids ages 5-12. Children 4 and under are always free.<\/p>\n

\"People<\/p>\n

Music fans interact with Minnesota State Fair mascot Fairchild at the State Fair Grandstand ahead of a concert by The Avett Brothers with The Milk Carton Kids.<\/p>\n

Bump Opera for MPR | 2025<\/p>\n

Grandstand tickets <\/p>\n

To see acts like \u201cWeird Al\u201d Yankovic, Brad Paisley and TLC with Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, you\u2019ll need a Grandstand ticket in addition to your general admission ticket to the fair.<\/p>\n

Show listings and tickets are available through the Minnesota State Fair Ticket Office, online through Etix or by calling 1-800-514-3849. Admission to the fair is not included with a Grandstand ticket.<\/p>\n

Ride and attraction tickets <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a way to work off some of those new foods, the midway has plenty of rides ready to send you spinning, swinging and soaring.<\/p>\n

The Mighty Midway has two new attractions this year: Thor and Juke Box Funhouse. Thor sends riders through a high-flying thrill ride, while Juke Box Funhouse puts a musical spin on the traditional funhouse.<\/p>\n

Kidway also has two new additions for 2026: Pirate Jet and Ghost Pirate Dark Ride, giving younger fairgoers a couple of new attractions to check out.<\/p>\n

Rides and games at the Mighty Midway and Kidway use Fun Cards, which store the tickets needed for each attraction. Individual tickets cost $1, while 44 tickets cost $40 and 80 tickets cost $70.<\/p>\n

The Thunderbird is also back for another year. At 180 feet tall, the fair bills it as North America’s tallest portable swing. The ride operates separately from the Fun Card system and costs $8 per rider.<\/p>\n

Getting to the State Fair Driving <\/p>\n

Driving to the State Fair? On-site parking is available in limited fairgrounds lots on a first-come, first-served basis for $25. The lots open at 6 a.m. and can fill quickly, particularly in the morning. Parking can be paid for with cash or a credit\/debit card.<\/p>\n

Overnight parking is not allowed in the fairgrounds lots. If you leave the fair and want to drive back later in the day, you’ll have to pay the $25 parking fee again.<\/p>\n

If the fairgrounds lots are full, there are also privately operated parking lots and neighborhood parking options around the fairgrounds. Be sure to check posted signs and parking restrictions before leaving your vehicle.<\/p>\n

Biking<\/p>\n

Biking to the State Fair is an option, with three free bike corrals available around the fairgrounds. The fenced-in corrals have bike racks and are monitored by State Fair staff. The locations are:<\/p>\n

South Bike Lot: Loop Gate No. 9 on Como Avenue<\/p>\n

North Bike Lot: North End Gate No. 2<\/p>\n

West Bike Lot: Randall Avenue-Buford Gate No. 16<\/p>\n

The bike corrals are open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. each day of the fair, except Labor Day, when they close at 9 p.m. Bike riders can also store their helmets at the fair\u2019s bike lots.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re riding a motorcycle or another motorized bike or scooter with a license plate, you can park in the motorcycle lot on Como Avenue near the International Institute for $15. Motorcycles can also park in the fairgrounds’ general parking lots for $25. The motorcycle lot opens at 6 a.m., and overnight parking is not allowed.<\/p>\n

\"Crowd<\/p>\n

Crowds at the Minnesota State Fair.<\/p>\n

Bump Opera for MPR | 2025<\/p>\n

Public transportation Express buses <\/p>\n

If you want to avoid driving to the State Fair, Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) and SouthWest Transit all offer express bus service from locations around the Twin Cities. The buses provide free parking and direct service to the fairgrounds, with drop-offs and pickups at the State Fair Transit Hub at Gate No. 16.<\/p>\n

Metro Transit offers express service from six locations Blaine, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Bloomington and Cottage Grove every day of the fair, with service from Maple Grove available on weekends and Labor Day. Round-trip tickets cost $5 when purchased in advance through the Metro Transit app or $6 when paying cash at the boarding location.<\/p>\n

MVTA provides express service from four south metro locations: Eagan Transit Station, Southbridge Crossing Park and Ride in Shakopee, Burnsville Transit Station and Blackhawk Park and Ride in Eagan, which is new for 2026. Service runs every day of the fair from all four locations, beginning at 7 a.m. Round-trip tickets cost $6 and can be purchased through the RideMVTA app or at the station with exact cash or a credit card.<\/p>\n

SouthWest Transit offers express service from Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska and Carver. Buses run every day of the fair, including Labor Day. Round-trip fares are $6, with tickets available in advance through the Token Transit app or at the station with exact cash or a credit card.<\/p>\n

Regular Metro Transit bus routes and Metro Mobility also provide service to the fairgrounds. Check the State Fair website for schedules, routes and additional transportation information.<\/p>\n

Taxis, rideshare appsRideshare<\/p>\n

Planning to take an Uber, Lyft or another app-based ride service to the State Fair? There are two designated drop-off and pick-up locations near the fairgrounds. One is on the northeast side near Snelling and Hoyt avenues, outside North End Gate No. 2. The other is on the south side of the fairgrounds in the parking lot south of Como Avenue, across from Gate No. 7 and the Dairy Building.<\/p>\n

Taxis<\/p>\n

If you prefer a traditional taxi, the designated drop-off and pick-up location is Loop Gate No. 9 on Como Avenue on the south side of the fairgrounds.<\/p>\n

Park and ride<\/p>\n

If you want to avoid driving to the fairgrounds, the State Fair offers free Park and Ride service from approximately 30 locations around the Twin Cities. Most are located relatively close to the fairgrounds, and buses provide free rides to and from the fair. <\/p>\n

Buses begin running from the lots at 8 a.m., with the last bus to the fair leaving at 8 p.m. on regular fair days and 6 p.m. on Labor Day. The last buses from the fair to the Park and Ride lots leave at 11:30 p.m. on regular days and 9:30 p.m. on Labor Day.<\/p>\n

Find more information on Park and Ride locations and service on the State Fair website.<\/p>\n

\"Crowd<\/p>\n

Crowds at the Minnesota State Fair.<\/p>\n

Bump Opera for MPR | 2025<\/p>\n

10 things you should bring to the fair<\/p>\n

1) Comfortable shoes<\/p>\n

The fairgrounds are huge and you can easily walk several miles while checking out food, exhibits, rides and entertainment. Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in for hours.<\/p>\n

2) Water<\/p>\n

Save money and stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle. Drinking fountains and water bottle refill stations are located throughout the fairgrounds. You can also bring your own food and nonalcoholic beverages.<\/p>\n

3) Portable charger<\/p>\n

There are several places around the fairgrounds where you can charge your phone, but if you’re planning to spend the entire day at the fair, bringing your own portable charger is still a good idea.<\/p>\n

4) A map<\/p>\n

Whether you prefer a paper map or a digital one on your phone, having a map handy can save you time when you’re trying to find a food stand, exhibit, restroom or stage. The official Minnesota State Fair app has an interactive map with locations for things such as drinking fountains, restrooms and ATMs.<\/p>\n

5) Summer gear<\/p>\n

Minnesota weather can change quickly, so come prepared for the elements. Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are good items to have, especially if you’ll be outside for most of the day.<\/p>\n

6) Cash<\/p>\n

Many fair vendors accept credit and debit cards, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash in case you need it. ATMs are available at numerous locations throughout the fairgrounds.<\/p>\n

7) Hand sanitizer<\/p>\n

You’ll be touching plenty of things throughout the day \u2014 and then eating fair food with those hands. Bring some hand sanitizer for a quick cleanup between stops.<\/p>\n

8) Napkins or cleaning wipes<\/p>\n

Fair food can be messy, especially when you’re eating things on the go. A small pack of wipes or extra napkins can come in handy when you inevitably get something on your hands or clothes.<\/p>\n

9) A bag<\/p>\n

Bring a backpack, purse or other bag to carry your phone, wallet, keys, water bottle and anything you pick up along the way. Bags, backpacks and coolers are permitted on the fairgrounds but are subject to search. There are no lockers or bag check at the State Fair.<\/p>\n

10) A plan<\/p>\n

There is a lot to see at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, so having an idea of what you want to do can help you make the most of your day. The official Minnesota State Fair app includes an interactive map, Food Finder, Shops & Booths Finder and real-time daily schedules. It is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.<\/p>\n

\"Kids<\/p>\n

Crowds at the Minnesota State Fair.<\/p>\n

Bump Opera for MPR | 2025<\/p>\n

5 things you cannot bring into the fairgrounds<\/p>\n

The fair\u2019s security program includes walk-through metal detectors at all entry gates. Bags, purses, coolers and packages will be subject to search. Find a full list of prohibited items on the fair website.<\/p>\n

1) Pets<\/p>\n

Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds during the 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair, with the exception of service animals or animals approved as part of an exhibition. Emotional-support animals are also not allowed.<\/p>\n

2) Alcohol or illegal substances<\/p>\n

You cannot bring outside alcoholic beverages or illegal substances onto the fairgrounds. Marijuana smoking is not permitted anywhere on the fairgrounds.<\/p>\n

3) Selfie sticks, drones and recording of performances<\/p>\n

The use of selfie sticks and camera poles is prohibited in the Grandstand concert venue, free entertainment stage seating areas and on rides at Mighty Midway, Kidway, Adventure Park and ticketed attractions.<\/p>\n

The State Fair also prohibits unauthorized operation or use of any unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as a drone, on or above the fairgrounds. Drones and remote-controlled toys are prohibited.<\/p>\n

You can bring cameras and other handheld devices to the fair, but photography and video of free entertainment and Grandstand shows without prior permission is prohibited. Unauthorized use of photo, video and sound equipment also is prohibited on rides and ticketed attractions.<\/p>\n

4) Weapons<\/p>\n

Weapons and objects that appear to be weapons are not allowed. This includes firearms, knives and self-defense items such as pepper spray, mace and Tasers. Fireworks and other explosive or flammable objects also are prohibited.<\/p>\n

5) Bikes, skateboards, hoverboards and skates<\/p>\n

Two-wheeled devices, including bikes and hoverboards, are not permitted. Electric scooters and wheelchairs also are available to rent on the fairgrounds.<\/p>\n

You can bring personal mobility devices such as strollers, wagons, wheelchairs or electric mobility scooters. Power-operated mobility devices brought to the fair must have three or four wheels, be less than 48 inches long and 32 inches wide, and be operated at a reasonable walking pace or slower.<\/p>\n

\"Ag-Hort-Bee:<\/p>\n

Jamie Jensen, right, demonstrates beeswax candle making during the \u201cBeeswax Candle Making\u201devent at the Minnesota State Fair.<\/p>\n

Kerem Y\u00fccel | MPR News 2025<\/p>\n

Minnesota State Fair on a budget<\/p>\n

Here are our top tips to save money at the fair.<\/p>\n

1) Buy tickets in advance<\/p>\n

You can save on admission, rides and games by buying your tickets before the fair opens.<\/p>\n

Pre-fair admission tickets are $17 and are available through Aug. 26. Regular admission at the gate is $20 for adults ages 13-64 and $18 for seniors 65+ and kids ages 5-12. Children 4 and under are always free.<\/p>\n

You can also buy Mighty Midway and Kidway ride and game tickets at a discount before the fair. The fair has switched from paper ride tickets to Fun Cards, which can be loaded with ride and game tickets. During the fair, tickets cost $1 each, or $40 for 44 tickets or $70 for 80 tickets.<\/p>\n

2) Volunteer for free admission<\/p>\n

The fair offers a free admission ticket to anyone who volunteers. Most volunteer shifts are two to three hours, and no experience is required. You can sign up individually or with a group.<\/p>\n

Volunteer opportunities include helping with photo opportunities, games and crafts at Alphabet Forest, guiding visitors through EquiMania! and helping children experience the agricultural process at Kemps Little Farm Hands.<\/p>\n

3) Get the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book<\/p>\n

For just $5, the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book features 112 coupons for food, merchandise and attractions. The book is valid throughout all 12 days of the fair, and you may only need to use one or two coupons to make back the $5 cost.<\/p>\n

Before the fair, the books are available online, at the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office and at participating Cub Foods and other ticket outlets through Aug. 26, while supplies last. During the fair, you can buy them at State FairWear Gift Shops and Blue Ribbon Bargain Book carts.<\/p>\n

4) Bring your own food and drinks<\/p>\n

Fair food can add up quickly, especially for families. One easy way to save is to bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks.<\/p>\n

The fair allows outside food and beverages, including coolers, although coolers are subject to search and aren’t allowed inside the Grandstand. <\/p>\n

5) Take advantage of discount days<\/p>\n

The fair has special admission prices for seniors, kids and military families, along with additional deals on food, merchandise and rides. Here are the 2026 discount days:<\/p>\n

Opening Day, Thursday, Aug. 27: Admission is $18 for adults ages 13-64 and $15 for kids ages 5-12 and seniors 65 and older. There also are deals on food and merchandise and all-day ride and game discounts.<\/p>\n

Seniors Day, Monday, Aug. 31: Admission is $15 for seniors 65 and older. There also are deals on food and merchandise, plus all-day ride and game discounts.<\/p>\n

Military Appreciation Day, Tuesday, Sept. 1: Admission is $15 for active military members, their spouses and kids; veterans and their spouses; and retired military members and their spouses with valid military service documentation. There also are deals on food and merchandise and all-day ride and game discounts.<\/p>\n

Kids Day, Wednesday, Sept. 2: Admission is $15 for kids ages 5-12. There also are deals on food and merchandise and all-day ride and game discounts.<\/p>\n

Seniors Day, Thursday, Sept. 3: Admission is $15 for seniors 65+. There also are deals on food and merchandise.<\/p>\n

Kids Day, Monday, Sept. 7: Admission is $15 for kids ages 5-12. There also are deals on food and merchandise and all-day ride and game discounts.<\/p>\n

\"family<\/p>\n

The Yates family of St. Paul squeezes into a vintage photo booth in The Arcade at the Minnesota State Fair.<\/p>\n

Liam James Doyle for MPR News | 2025<\/p>\n

6) Focus on free entertainment<\/p>\n

You don’t have to spend extra money to have a full day at the fair. There are hundreds of free activities, performances, demonstrations and exhibits throughout the fairgrounds.<\/p>\n

The fair has more than 900 free shows featuring more than 100 acts over the 12 days of the fair. There are also free activities in the exhibit buildings, livestock and horse shows, daily parades, educational exhibits and performances at stages throughout the fairgrounds.<\/p>\n

7) Go on the last day<\/p>\n

Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, is a good day to look for end-of-fair bargains. Vendors offer special deals on food and merchandise, and the fair publishes a Last Chance Deals flier with many of those offers.<\/p>\n

You can pick up the flier at any information booth or find it online on Labor Day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re chasing the latest fair food craze, catching a show at the Grandstand or making your annual trip for the classics, the Minnesota State Fair has something for everyone. Here\u2019s what to know before you go, from tickets and transportation to deals and can\u2019t-miss attractions. When is the Minnesota State Fair? The 2026 Minnesota<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5855,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[4075,4073,4071,4074,4072],"class_list":["post-5854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-minnesota","tag-minnesota","tag-minnesota-dining","tag-minnesota-food","tag-minnesota-grocery-stores","tag-minnesota-restaurant"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/vive.im\/@dc\/117262316159349510","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5854\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}