Minnesota State Fair Guide: Food, Parking, Tips & More

The Minnesota State Fair is hands-down my favorite time of year. I’ve attended the Great Minnesota Get-Together every year since 1990 and have worked at the Fair for more than 20 years. Along the way, I’ve picked up plenty of tips about what to eat, when to go, how to get there and the spots most people overlook.

This guide brings together my best Minnesota State Fair advice, including food recommendations, parking and transportation tips, hidden gems, things to do and plenty of ways to make your day at the Fair easier.

2027 Minnesota State Fair

The 2027 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 26-Sept. 6, 2027, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, which is between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

More 2027 information, including hours, admission prices, transportation options, Grandstand concerts and new foods, will be added as details are announced.

Visit the official Minnesota State Fair website
Map of the fairgrounds
Accessibility information (scooter and wheelchair rental)
How to get to the fair (park-and-ride, express bus, parking)
Midway/Kidway pricing

About this guide: I’ve attended the Minnesota State Fair every year since 1990 and have worked at the Fair for more than 20 years. I update these guides based on first-hand visits, conversations with State Fair staff and information from the Minnesota State Fair.

Start Here: Planning Your Minnesota State Fair Visit

10 tips for planning a trip to the Minnesota State Fair

Make your day at the Fair easier with tips on timing, transportation, food and navigating the Fairgrounds.

9 foods every first-time Minnesota State Fair visitor must eat

New to the Fair? Start with these classic Minnesota State Fair foods.

Planning Your Visit

3 best days to attend the Minnesota State Fair

Some days are better than others for crowds, deals and special events. Here are three days worth considering.

The 5 most-asked questions at Minnesota State Fair information booths

Get answers to some of the questions Fair visitors ask most often.

Put this app on your phone before going to the Minnesota State Fair

A useful tool to download before arriving at the Fairgrounds.

3 Minnesota State Fair brochures you need to get

These free resources can help you find food, attractions, events and more.

The phone app to help split purchases with friends

Heading to the Fair with a group? This app can make sharing expenses easier.

Getting to the Minnesota State Fair

7 ways to avoid paying $25 to park at the Minnesota State Fair

Skip expensive parking with park-and-ride lots, transit, biking and other transportation options.

Minnesota State Fair Food and Drinks

A checklist of 35 foods worth eating at the Minnesota State Fair

Use this checklist to find longtime favorites, underrated dishes and classic State Fair foods.

The most underrated foods at the Minnesota State Fair

These foods may not get as much attention as the biggest Fair favorites, but they’re worth seeking out.

The hidden gem foods Minnesota State Fair staff eat

Fair employees spend plenty of time on the Fairgrounds. Here are some of their favorite places to eat.

The best breakfast spots at the Minnesota State Fair

Start your Fair day with breakfast from these popular vendors.

The cheapest beer at the Minnesota State Fair

Find some of the most affordable beer options available at the Fair.

The best non-alcoholic beverages at the Minnesota State Fair

From lemonade to specialty drinks, here are refreshing options without alcohol, including where to find inexpensive pop.

What celebrity chefs eat at the Minnesota State Fair

See which Minnesota State Fair foods chefs seek out when they visit.

Where to get coffee at the Minnesota State Fair

Find coffee around the Fairgrounds for an early-morning or afternoon caffeine boost.

You can eat new and classic State Fair foods before the Fair even starts

You don’t always have to wait until opening day to get a taste of the Minnesota State Fair.

Hidden Gems and Things to Do at the Minnesota State Fair

The hidden grocery store at the Minnesota State Fair

Yes, there’s a grocery store hiding inside the Fairgrounds.

Play Minnesota State Fair bingo with this free template

Turn your visit into a game with a free Minnesota State Fair bingo card.

The secret passages in the Minnesota State Fair’s Food Building

Avoid some of the Food Building congestion by learning about its lesser-known entrances, exits and shortcuts.

6 quiet places at the Minnesota State Fair

Need a break from the crowds? These spots offer a quieter place to recharge.

4 things every person must see at the Minnesota State Fair

Add these classic Fair experiences to your itinerary.

3 perfect spots to take a photo at the Minnesota State Fair

Capture your visit at some of the best photo locations around the Fairgrounds.

The can’t-miss building worth visiting at the Minnesota State Fair

This building is worth adding to your Fair itinerary.

A guided tour of the Minnesota State Fair’s Creative Activities Building

Take a closer look at one of the Fair’s most interesting buildings and what you’ll find inside.

A free show Minnesota State Fair officials call “a hidden gem”

Add this lesser-known free entertainment option to your Fair schedule.

Minnesota State Fair FAQs

When is the 2027 Minnesota State Fair?

The 2027 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 26-Sept. 6, 2027.

Where is the Minnesota State Fair?

The Minnesota State Fair is held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

How long does the Minnesota State Fair last?

The Minnesota State Fair runs for 12 days, ending on Labor Day.

What are the best days to go to the Minnesota State Fair?

The best day depends on whether you’re looking for smaller crowds, discounted admission or specific entertainment. Check out my guide to the best days to attend the Minnesota State Fair.

What foods should first-time Minnesota State Fair visitors try?

Start with some of the Fair’s longtime classics, then make room for a few newer foods. My first-time visitor food guide highlights nine foods worth trying.

Where should I park for the Minnesota State Fair?

Parking is available around the Fairgrounds, but free park-and-ride lots and public transportation can often be easier and less expensive. See my guide to getting to the Minnesota State Fair without paying to park.

Are there free park-and-ride lots for the Minnesota State Fair?

Yes. The Minnesota State Fair typically offers free park-and-ride service from numerous locations around the Twin Cities during the Fair.

What time should I arrive at the Minnesota State Fair?

Arriving early is one of the easiest ways to experience the Fair with smaller crowds, cooler temperatures and shorter food lines.

Can you bring food and drinks into the Minnesota State Fair?

Visitors can generally bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the Fairgrounds, subject to Minnesota State Fair rules.

What happens if it rains at the Minnesota State Fair?

The Minnesota State Fair continues rain or shine. Many buildings and attractions offer indoor options if the weather turns wet.

Past Minnesota State Fair Coverage

Looking for highlights from previous years? Browse past guides, food reviews, new food rankings, freebies and other Minnesota State Fair coverage below.