Plan your visit to the Minnesota State Fair (August 27-September 7)

The 2026 Great Minnesota Get-Together begins just two weeks from today, running 12 days, August 27- Labor Day, September 7. The fair’s website (mnstatefair.org) features helpful tools to plan your visit plus information on a variety of deals and discounts. Media: The 2026 Minnesota State Fair Media Kit is available to view or print at: mnstatefair.org/about/media/

Plan Your Visit

Getting to the Fair
The State Fair is one of the largest, best-attended events in the region, and nearly half of its 1.9 million guests use some form of public transportation to get to and from the event. The fair partners with several transportation organizations – Lorenz Bus Service, Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) and SouthWest Transit – to provide free or low-cost bus options to bring guests from locations throughout the Twin Cities directly to the fair’s gates.

• Park & Ride service offers free parking and free shuttle bus service to and from the fair, and is available at 32 locations within a short distance of the fairgrounds. Visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/free-park-and-ride/ for a full list of Park & Ride locations.

• State Fair Express Bus service offers free parking and bus rides directly to the fairgrounds for a small fee. This service is provided by Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) and SouthWest Transit from 14 sites throughout the Twin Cities area. Visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/metro-transit-mvta-swtfor more information and a list of Express Bus service locations.

• Metro Transit regular route buses are great options for getting to the fairgrounds. 
  Visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/metro-transit-mvta-swt for more information on regular Metro Transit routes.

• App-based ride services, such as Lyft and Uber, have two designated drop-off and pick-up points located on the northeast and south ends of the fairgrounds. In addition, during the State Fair, taxi drop-off and pick-up is located at Gate 9 – Loop Gate, on Como Avenue on the south end of the fairgrounds.

Visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/taxi-and-rideshare/ for more information.

• Three free secured and monitored bicycle parking areas are available on the north, west and south ends of the fairgrounds with space for nearly 1,000 bikes. Visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/bicycle/ for more information on biking to the State Fair.

• Parking in State Fairgrounds lots is $25. Motorcycle parking is available for $15 in the Motorcycle Parking Lot (sponsored by Midwest Motorcycle Lawyers çNicolet Law), a secured lot on the south side of Como Avenue between Gate 7 and the Gate 9 – Loop Gate. Visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/vehicle/ for a map of State Fairgrounds parking lot locations. There is no guaranteed parking as space is limited, and all lots are filled on a first-come basis.

Official MN State Fair App
The free Official MN State Fair App offers an interactive map and searchable daily schedules. It also includes an integrated Food Finder and Shopping Finder that are searchable by vendor names, items and location. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Daily Schedule
Fair guests can search online for the most up-to-date live music, exhibitions, competitions and more by day, location or keywords. These daily schedules can be found at mnstatefair.org/schedule/

State Fair Finders for Food, Shopping and More

The online finders allow fair guests to search for new foods, any kind of merchandise, specialty sips, vendors offering special deals and more. The finder can be found at mnstatefair.org/fair-finder/

Accessibility
The fair offers a variety of services for guests to make the most of their visit. In 2026 the fair has added new accessibility features, including two new adult-size changing tables in Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum companion restrooms; pre-scheduled ASL interpretation now available at select evening live music shows; human guides to provide short-term navigational assistance for guests who are blind or have low vision, available upon request; more pre-recorded audio descriptions; braille exhibit signage at Ultimate Dinosaurs in the North End Event Center; and a second Prayer & Meditation Tent located at the West End on the north side of the Skyride. Check out the Accessibility Guide (sponsored by Momentum Refresh) at mnstatefair.org/guides/accessibility/ to learn about: the Momentum Refresh Universally Designed Changing Restroom with Hoist and added breastfeeding and sensory-friendly space; KaiBi Family Care Center; Aira app with on-demand visual assistance; electric mobility scooter, stroller, wagon and wheelchair rentals; free Park & Ride lot and bus service exclusively for people with disabilities; ASL interpreting, captioning and audio description services; sensory-friendly spaces and the sensory-friendly morning at Mighty Midway and Kidway (Aug. 31); service animals; dining guide; ride and attraction access; bariatric seating; adjustable-height adult changing tables; large-print daily schedules and maps; and more.

Fair Hours
Check admission times, hours of operation and barn and exhibit closings to maximize a visit to the fair.

• Fairgrounds Admission: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Labor Day
• Fairgrounds Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Labor Day
• Online Ticket Sales Fair Time*: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Labor Day
• Gate Ticket Sales Fair Time: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Labor Day
• Please note that barn hours vary, with some barns closing early for the safety of guests, animals and exhibitors. This happens on select days when animals are leaving the fair and we are preparing for the arrival of new animals. The horse barn will be closed all day on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Visit mnstatefair.org/about/hours/ for more hours information including the new Labor Day closing time of 8 p.m.

*Fair-Time Online Gate Admission Tickets are sponsored by Starlink

Ways to Save

Before-the-Fair Savings
Pre-fair discount admission tickets are $17 (a $3 discount off the regular adult admission price and a $1
discount off the regular seniors and kids admission prices) and are valid any one day of the 2026 fair for any age (children 4 & under are always free). Also prior to the fair, Mighty Midway and Kidway ride & game tickets are $20 for a 25-ticket Fun Card, $40 for a 50-ticket Fun Card, $80 for a 100-ticket Fun Card and $160 for a 200-ticket Fun Card.

Discount State Fair admission tickets, discount Mighty Midway and Kidway ride & game tickets on a Fun Card, and regular-price Blue Ribbon Bargain Books (sponsored by Minnesota Lottery) are available through Aug. 26 at the State Fair Ticket Office located at 1640 Como Ave., participating Cub stores and numerous locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis. (while supplies last). Discount admission tickets may also be purchased through Aug. 26 online at mnstatefair.org and by phone through Etix at 1-800-514-3849. Note: The deadline for mail delivery has passed.

During the fair, the regular admission price is $20 for adults (13-64); $18 for seniors (65+); and $18 for kids (5-12). Children 4 and under are always admitted free. Mighty Midway and Kidway tickets purchased during the fair are $1 per ticket, $40 for 44 tickets, and $70 for 80 tickets. Throughout the fair, Blue Ribbon Bargain Books are $5 and available at State FairWear Gift Shops and Bargain Book Carts (while supplies last).

Visit mnstatefair.org/tickets/admission-tickets/ for more information.

Special Deal Days
The State Fair kicks off with savings on Opening Day, Aug. 27. Discounted admission is $18 for adults (13-64) and $15 for seniors (65+) and kids (5-12) when purchased at the gate.

Monday, Aug. 31, and Thursday, Sept. 3, are Seniors Days. Seniors (65+) are admitted for $15 when tickets are purchased at the gate.

Military Appreciation Day is Tuesday, Sept. 1, when active military and their families, as well as retired and veteran military and their spouses, are admitted for $15 when they purchase admission at the gate and provide documentation of U.S. military service.

Wednesday Sept. 2, and Labor Day, Sept. 7, are Kids Days. Kids (5-12) are admitted for $15 when tickets are purchased at the gate.

In addition, many vendors feature special day deals for all State Fair guests on Opening Day, Aug. 27; Seniors Days Aug. 31 & Sept. 3; Military Appreciation Day, Sept. 1; and Kids Days, Sept. 2 & 7. Participating vendors will display a special day deal sign and are listed in the Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide (sponsored by Human Touch) available at all information booths and at mnstatefair.org/guides/discounts. Select vendors also feature last chance deals on Labor Day, Sept. 7.

More Fun for Less at Mighty Midway & Kidway
All-day specials are offered on rides and games at Mighty Midway and Kidway on Thursday, Aug. 27; Monday, Aug. 31; Tuesday, Sept. 1; Wednesday, Sept. 2; and Monday, Sept. 7.

Blue Ribbon Bargain Book
The 2026 Blue Ribbon Bargain Book (sponsored by Minnesota Lottery) offers 112 coupons with savings on food, merchandise and attractions throughout the fairgrounds. Coupons are valid all 12 days of the fair, and a preview of the bargains is available at mnstatefair.org/blue-ribbon-bargain-book/. Bargain Books are $5 and available at the State Fair ticket office, participating Cub stores and at many locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis. (while supplies last), and during the fair at State FairWear Gift Shops and Bargain Book Carts on the fairgrounds (while supplies last). Books purchased during the fair support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation’s mission to preserve and improve fair buildings, the fairgrounds and educational programs.

Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide
Available to view and print at mnstatefair.org/discounts/ or for pick up at any information booth, the Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide (sponsored by Human Touch) details special day deals, freebies and places to sign up for the chance to win prizes.

Exhibits, Attractions and Free Entertainment Options

• Ultimate Dinosaurs, a new free exhibit in the North End Event Center all 12 days, features life-size skeleton casts, real fossils, augmented reality interactives and cutting-edge science and is presented by the Science Museum of Minnesota. Fair guests can see real Minnesota fossils and find out just how massive our new official State Fossil, the giant beaver, actually was. Dig deeper with Science Museum of Minnesota paleontologists at Fossil Corner during select hours Aug. 27-29 and Sept. 2-4 only; both are free with fair admission. Additional information: mnstatefair.org/new/at-the-fair/ultimate-dinosaurs
• Eat Together (sponsored by Graza) is the newest foodie destination with nine food vendors, a shaded seating area, ambient lighting, free condiment samples from Graza and more. It is located at the North End on the northeast corner of Lee Avenue & Underwood Street, next to Giant Sing Along
• Live music and entertainment lineup features more than 900 shows throughout the fairgrounds, including the Cosgrove Stage (sponsored by Allina Health | Aetna) where community groups perform; The Timberworks Lumberjack and All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash shows at The North Woods (sponsored by Good Health Saunas); family-friendly entertainment at the Family Fair Stage (sponsored by Green Mill Restaurant) at Baldwin Park; Pryes Stage at Schilling Amphitheater at the West End (sponsored by Pryes Brewing Company); Summit Stage at the Bazaar (sponsored by Summit Brewing Co.); MSF Amateur Talent Contest (sponsored by Chase) at Luther Auto Bandshell (sponsored by Luther Automotive Group); and more. Additional information: mnstatefair.org/free-live-music-and-shows/
• Nightly fireworks spectacular (sponsored by Mazda)
• The daily parade at 2 p.m. features the high school marching band competition and is ASL interpreted
• Dog agility demonstrations outside the Pet Pavilions
• Learn more and get inspired at free exhibits such as Eco Experience which is celebrating 20 years (sponsored by Xcel Energy), DNR, THE DIRT Demo Stage (sponsored by Mad City Windows) and Moo Booth
• Many free things to do with young fair fans at exhibits such as Alphabet Forest (sponsored by AmazeWorks and Minnesota Historical Society Press), Math On-A-Stick and more. Additional information:mnstatefair.org/guides/kids/
• Blue Ribbon BINGO includes five games per session and lasts about 30 minutes. Proceeds support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3) and is located at Ramberg Center (sponsored by Cal Spas)
• The America Wheel honoring America250 is a brand-new Ferris wheel rising 230 feet above the fairgrounds. Two other rides that offer a special view of the fairgrounds include Skyride (sponsored by e.l.f. Cosmetics) and SkyGlider (sponsored by Google)
• FAN Central (sponsored by Xfinity) features local sports teams and merchandise
• A wide variety of horse breeds, from miniature to draft horses, can be seen daily throughout the fair in the Horse Barn; competing as part of the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show; and at two horse education exhibits (Aisle of Breeds and EquiMania!^TM), free with fair admission (Horse Barn is closed Sept. 1)
• One of the largest livestock exhibitions in the Midwest with poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep, llamas & alpacas, swine, cattle and more, including FFA, 4-H and open class
• The finest needlework, handcrafts, baking and canning that Minnesota has to offer presented in the Creative Activities Building, along with the Cambria Kitchen, home to daily demonstrations
• The state’s largest juried art exhibition in the Fine Arts Center; and hundreds of ribbon winners in K-12 competitions, plus dozens of nonprofits and the Your Health Your Way area in the Education Building
• Fruit, wine, Christmas tree, crop art, flower, vegetable, potato, bee & honey contests along with the Giant Pumpkin Contest in the Agriculture Horticulture Building (sponsored by Old National Bank)
• Shopping, specialty merchants and unique artisans are plentiful on the fairgrounds at: the Grandstand Exhibit Building (sponsored by Sleep Number), which has two levels of more than 160 vendors; Family Fair at Baldwin Park; International Bazaar; Home Improvement Building (sponsored by LeafFilter); Merch Market; West End Market; and more. More information: mnstatefair.org/guides/shopping/
• In total, 1,600 menu items are available at nearly 300 different concession locations throughout the fairgrounds including many options in the Food Building (sponsored by Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery)
• The Dairy Building (sponsored by Paddle North), which is home to the famed Princess Kay butter sculptures and malts and sundaes, as well as several vendors selling outdoor gear, home improvement merchandise, wool products and more
• Thank a Farmer Magic Show on the Christensen Farms Stage (sponsored by T-Mobile), where children of all ages learn about the role agriculture plays in our daily lives
• The Kemps Little Farm Hands (sponsored by Kemps, Cub, Cargill and Minnesota Corn Growers Association), a mock farm agricultural education experience for ages 3-10  
• Karaoke and music in The Garden (sponsored by Treasure Island Resort & Casino)
• Seven iconic fairgrounds spots for taking great photos are marked with a Selfie Spot badge (sponsored by State Farm). Find a map of the seven locations at mnstatefair.org/faq/amenities/

Sponsors for a Day
Day sponsors will be at the corner of Wright Avenue and Underwood Street with activities and information about their organization. They include: Mall of America (Aug. 27); Thrivent (Aug. 28 & 29); Minnesota Aging Pathways (Aug. 31); Minnesota Kids Rise (Sept. 2); Treasure Island Resort & Casino (Sept. 3); TGK Automotive (Sept. 4); and Minnesota Manufactured (Sept. 5).

Free Guest Services & Information
The Great Minnesota Get-Together offers many free services and amenities for guests’ convenience, including: free trolley rides (sponsored by Erie Home) on the north end of the fairgrounds; information booths (sponsored by AAA) stocked with free Official Minnesota State Fair Maps (sponsored by The Minnesota Star Tribune); daily schedules; free ID wristbands to help reunite lost children and vulnerable adults with their families or guardians; a free Wi-Fi hotspot at Grandstand Plaza West (sponsored by DragNFly Wireless Inc.); First Aid Stations (sponsored by Regions Hospital) located on the east and west ends of the fairgrounds; and more.

Safety & Security at the State Fair
Safety and security over the 12 days of the fair is a top priority. The fair’s comprehensive public safety plan is developed and implemented in partnership with multiple agencies and experts at local, state and federal levels, and every part of the fair’s operation is continually evaluated and enhanced. To learn more, please visit: mnstatefair.org/faq/health-and-safety/.

For more information about planning your day at the fair, special discount days, bargains and up-to-date information on the Minnesota State Fair, visit mnstatefair.org.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world. Showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is 12 Days of Fun Ending Labor Day. The Minnesota State Fair is financially self-supporting and does not receive government funding. Revenue from ticket sales, percentages and fees paid by vendors, facility rental, sponsorships and other sources brings the fair to life – powering memorable experiences, world-class year-round operations, and exceptional care of the historic fairgrounds. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @mnstatefair for updates. The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 7. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information.

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