The Minnesota State Fair is one of my favorite places. I’ve attended every year since 1990 and have worked at the fair for over 20 years. Whether it’s your first time or your 50th, here’s what you need to know before going to the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
When is the 2026 Minnesota State Fair?
- The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is daily between August 27-September 7.
Where is the Fair located?
- The fairgrounds are located between Minneapolis and Saint Paul in the city of Falcon Heights. It’s south of Highway 36 and north of Interstate 94. It runs alongside Snelling Avenue.
- Address: 1265 Snelling Avenue N, Saint Paul, MN 55108
What are hours for the Minnesota State Fair?
- Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. (7 a.m.-8 p.m. Labor Day)
- Gates: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. (7 a.m.-6 p.m. Labor Day)
- Most building are open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
What are the best days to attend the Minnesota State Fair?
- Historically, the only Tuesday and Wednesday are the least crowded days of the fair. Going the first day is also recommended as the fairgrounds are clean and crowds are lower than Labor Day weekend.
- Click here to learn more about what day you should go to the fair.
How much is parking?
- Parking on the fairgrounds is $25. They accept cash or credit cards. Parking ticket sales are from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. (6 p.m. Labor Day).
- State Fair parking lots open at 6 a.m. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Is it cheaper to drive my motorcylce to the fairgrounds?
- Yes it is, but you have to park in the designated motorcycle lot off of Como Ave. That lot is $15. If you park a motorcycle in any other State Fair lot, you’ll pay $25.
- Click here to learn about motorcycle parking on the fairgrounds.
What about taking a bus to the fairgrounds?
- Metro Transit offers free park-and-ride lots at more than 30 locations around the fairgrounds. Click here for my favorite lots.
- You can also take express buses from suburbs around the Twin Cities for $6 round trip.
- Click here to learn about the best ways to get to the fairgrounds.
Is park-and-ride the same as Uber/Lyft?
- No! The fair’s free park-and-ride program takes you by bus to the fairgrounds from designated parking lots.
- Rideshare programs, like Uber and Lyft, have two designated pickup/dropoff locations. Learn more here.
Can I take my bicycle to the fairgrounds?
- Yes, and the fair offers free bicycle parking in three lots. You can also store bicycle helmets there.
- Click here to learn more about bicycle parking.
How much are admission tickets?
- $20 adults 13-64
- $18 kids 5-12 and seniors 65+
- Children 4 and under free
- Ticket information here
Are there any discounts on admission tickets?
- You can buy tickets online before the fair for $17.
- There are specific days where certain groups get in for a discount.
- Thursday, Aug. 27 — discount for all fairgoers
- Monday, Aug. 31 and Thursday, Sept. 3 — discount for seniors 65+
- Tuesday, Sept. 1 — discount for active and retired members of the military and their families
- Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 7 — discount for kids 5-12
- Click here to learn more about admission discounts.
Can I bring in a backpack, bag or cooler?
- Yes! All bags are subject to search. Coolers are not allowed at Grandstand shows.
- Click here to see what is and isn’t allowed on the fairgrounds.
Can I bring in outside beverages?
- Yes! You can bring in your own food and drink.
- Pack a water bottle or bring a bottle of Gatorade with you.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed through the gates.
Can I rent a wheelchair or scooter?
- Yes, the fair offers wheelchair, electric scooter and wagon rentals. You can book your reservation in advance or rent upon arrival.
- Click here to see rental prices.
Do most places take credit cards?
- Not all fair vendors take credit cards, but every year, more and more do. You can use a credit card to pay for admission and buy tickets for the Midway and Kidway.
- There are ATMs throughout the fairgrounds, however, they come with a hefty transaction fee.
What new foods are at the fair this year?
- Click here to see the list of official new foods.
- Vendors will introduce foods that aren’t officially on the fair’s new foods list. These can be even more fun to find.
- Click here to get a list of my favorite fair foods.
What are the most classic State Fair foods?
Can I reenter the fairgrounds the same day?
- Yes you can. You’ll want to get your hand stamped before leaving the fairgrounds.
I need a map of the fairgrounds.
How much are tickets for the Midway and Kidway?
- A majority of attractions on the Minnesota State Fair Midway and Kidway cost 6-7 tickets.
- Instead of physical tickets, you will load money onto a plastic card.
- Midway/Kidway pricing:
- $1 for individual ticket
- $40 for 44 tickets
- $70 for 80 tickets
- Major credit cards are accepted to purchase tickets. You cannot purchase tickets at an individual ride.
Who is performing in the Grandstand this year?
- Thursday, Aug. 27 — Bonnie Raitt: Live 2026 with special guest Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
- Friday, Aug. 28 — “Weird Al” Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour with special guest Puddles Pity Party
- Saturday, Aug. 29 — Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound
- Sunday, Aug. 30 — Sierra Ferrell: Heavy Petal Tour with special guest Tanya Tucker – The Current’s Music On-A-Stick Show 2026
- Monday, Aug. 31 —Tommy James & The Shondells and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
- Tuesday, Sept. 1 —Hairball with special guest Slave Raider
- Wednesday, Sept. 2 —AJR with special guests Quinn XCII and Avery Cochrane
- Thursday, Sept. 3 — Brad Paisley with special guests Jake Worthington and Laci Kaye Booth
- Friday, Sept. 4 — HARDY with special guest McCoy Moore
- Saturday, Sept. 5 — TLC and Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue – IT’S ICONIC
- Sunday, Sept. 6 — Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals (free)
- Monday, Sept. 7 — CeCe Winans – More Than This World Tour
- Grandstand tickets are a separate purchase from your admission ticket with the exception of the Sept. 6 Amateur Talent Contest. Click here for 2026 Grandstand ticket prices.
When do fireworks happen?
- State Fair fireworks shows take place between 10-11 p.m. at the conclusion of the Grandstand show. On Labor Day, they start at 8 p.m. They’re shot off behind the Grandstand.
Can I smoke on the fairgrounds?
- Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens, is only allowed in certain areas of the fairgrounds. They are marked on State Fair maps. Marijuana is prohibited on the fairgrounds.
If you’re looking for more suggestions on navigating the Minnesota State Fair, check out Give Me The Mike’s entire Minnesota State Fair guide here.
While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.
