State Fair

Minnesota State Fair 101: Your guide to the Great Minnesota Get-Together for 2023

A woman takes a photograph
A woman takes a photograph as people spin around on a ride in the Mighty Midway at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News | 2022

The Minnesota State Fair is nearly here. If you’re working on your game plan to fit in as many corn dogs, corn cobs and corn-themed seed art pieces as you can, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Here’s what you need to know to make the most out of your visit: 

When is the Minnesota State Fair? 

The Great Minnesota Get-Together runs Aug. 24 through Labor Day and you can get in as early as 7 a.m. to start on your fair adventure. Admission to the fairgrounds is open until 9 p.m. (7 p.m. on Labor Day) and the fairgrounds are open until 11 p.m. (9 p.m. on Labor Day). Visit the fair’s website to learn more about their hours.

State Fair tickets 

General admission

You can purchase pre-fair discount tickets for $15 now online, by calling 1-800-514-3849, at the fairgrounds ticket office and at participating Cub stores, according to availability. You will be able to store your tickets on your phone, print them and even get them mailed to your home for an additional fee.

The regular, day-of ticket price is $18 adults, $16 seniors (+65) and kids (5-12) and free for children 4 and under. You can also buy tickets online from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (limited to 12 tickets per order)

Grandstand tickets

These tickets will get you into the fair’s grandstand shows – but you will still need to purchase a general admission ticket to get into the fairgrounds.

While Brandi Carlile’s show is sold out, tickets for the rest of the shows are still available… only with an obstructed view. Buy them online or call (800) 514-3849. 

The Chicks is so far the only show you will need to call to get seats with obstructed view. Online purchases are not available.

Ride and attraction tickets

In past years, paper rides or game tickets were necessary; those have been replaced this year with a Fun Card that will hold all tickets purchased to be used at Midway and Kidway rides. The average number of tickets you will need for a ride is six tickets. Don’t forget to plan ahead. Keep in mind that some attractions such as the Skyride and Ye Old Mill do not accept Fun Card credits, only cash or debit/credit card. 

People observe ducks in the poultry building
People observe ducks in the poultry building at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News | 2022

Getting to the State Fair 

Driving

If you arrive by car (no RVs), the State Fair offers limited parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis for $20 (cash or card). These parking lots open at 6 a.m. and they fill quickly every day. Overnight parking is not allowed. If you leave the fair, you might lose your parking spot and will have to pay the parking fee again.  

Biking 

If you want to ride your bike or non-licensed scooter, you can park in bike corrals, which are fenced-in areas monitored by a staff person. This year there is a new location on Loop Gate No. 9 on Como Ave., called the South Bike Lot.

Parking hours start at 6 a.m. on Randall Ave-Buford Gate No. 16, at 6:30 a.m. on North End Gate No. 2 and at 6:45 a.m. on Loop Gate No. 9. Parking hours end at 11 p.m. except on Labor Day (ends at 9 p.m.). Bike parking is free, unless the vehicle has a license plate (like a scooter), then parking is $15.

If you have a motorcycle and want to ride it to the State Fair, you can park either in State Fair lots for $20 or in a motorcycle lot on Como Avenue near the International Institute for $15. Parking hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. except on Labor Day (ends at 9 p.m.).     

Public transportation 

A resourceful and accessible way of arriving at the State Fair is via bus. There is a special service called the State Fair Express Bus that features free parking within the Twin Cities metro area. For $6 you get a roundtrip shuttle to the fairgrounds.

Express buses are operated by Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and SouthWest Transit. Drop-offs and pick-ups will be at the Transit Hub located at Gate No. 16. Go to the State Fair’s website for more information.  

Taxis, rideshare apps 

Rideshare 

Planning to get an Uber, Lyft or other app-based ride service? The State Fair offers two designated drop-off and pick-up points near the fairgrounds: at the northeast end of the fairgrounds outside the North End Gate No. 2 and at the south end of the fairgrounds in the parking lot across from Gate No. 7 and the Dairy Building.  

Taxis 

If you prefer a regular taxi to drop you off or pick you up, the designated taxi space is located at the Loop Gate No. 9 on Como Avenue on the south side of the fairgrounds. 

Park and ride 

If you prefer to avoid parking at the fairgrounds, you can park in public spaces very close to the fairgrounds and be dropped off by State Fair buses for free. More information on pickups and drop-offs is available on their website.  

Kids spin around on a ride in the Mighty Midway
Kids spin around on a ride in the Mighty Midway at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News | 2022

10 things you should carry with you 

1) Comfortable shoes

If you want to walk around the fairgrounds and enjoy the fair all day, you need to make sure you are wearing good shoes. Soft and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Please, leave your fancy stiletto heels at home. 

2) Water

Or any other type of hydrating liquid. You can bring an empty bottle to fill at water stations. There are also drinking fountains.

3) Portable charger

There are a couple of places with charging stations (The Renewal by Andersen and KSTP TV booths), it is a good idea to have another way to charge your phone — especially if you are planning to spend all day at the fair.

4) A map

We know it sounds a little bit old school, but maps — either printed or digital — can save you time and help you navigate the fair grounds.

5) Summer gear

Minnesota weather can be pretty unpredictable, but we are still in the warm summer season. Bring your sunglasses and wear sunscreen.

6) Cash

Not all vendors or attractions accept cards. Save yourself the additional fees and long lines at the ATM and have some cash on you.  

7) Hand sanitizer

To keep your hands clean in between all that fair food you will eat. Hand wash stations are also available at some livestock buildings.  

8) Napkins or cleaning wipes

And just in case that food gets a little messy, having something on hand to clean up a mustard or ketchup spill from a corn dog is a good idea, too.

9) Bag

Have a place to carry important items like your phone, wallet, keys and all the items we mentioned above. Backpacks, bags and coolers are permitted on the fairgrounds, but are subject to search. There are no lockers or a bag check at the State Fair. Also note: Coolers are not permitted at the Grandstand.

10) A plan

With dozens of booths, concerts, food and beverages to choose from, we advise you to come up with a list of priorities, with a plan on where to go and how to get there.

People wander the Mighty Midway
People wander the Mighty Midway at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News | 2022

5 things you cannot bring to fairgrounds 

The fair’s security program includes walk-through metal detectors at all entry gates. Bags, purses, coolers and packages will be subject to search.

1) Pets

Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds, with the exception of service dogs or animals approved as part of an exhibition. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support are not allowed.

2) Drugs or alcohol

You cannot bring or consume outside alcohol, marijuana or any illegal substances. 

3) Selfie sticks, drones

Selfie sticks are prohibited in the Grandstand concert venue, free entertainment stage seating areas and on rides at Mighty Midway, Kidway, Adventure Park and ticketed attractions. But since we know you would love to snap a selfie — even without a stick — here’s a map with six selfie spots around the fair.  

The State Fair also prohibits unauthorized operation or use of any unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, on or above the fairgrounds.

You are welcome to bring cameras to the fair, but recording of performances on free entertainment stages is prohibited. For Grandstand performances, audio and video recording is not permitted, and still photography may be restricted depending on the artist.

4) Weapons

Weapons and objects that appear to be weapons are not allowed.

5) Bikes, skateboards, hoverboards, skates

You can bring your own personal conveyance vehicles such as strollers, wagons or wheelchairs, or rent them from HomeTown Mobility starting at $20 per day.

Here you will find the full list of prohibited items  

Minnesota State Fair on a budget  

For just $5 you can get the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book which features 100 coupons with great deals on classic foods (no new foods, sorry), attractions at the Mighty Midway and fun things to buy.

Also, keep an eye on special day discounts such as Opening Day (Thursday, Aug. 24), Senior Day (Monday, Aug. 28), and Kids’ Day (Wednesday, Aug. 30). You can buy a bargain book at the fairgrounds or in participating Cub stores.  

Check out of the State Fair’s daily schedule. From live entertainment to special activities and attractions, the Fair will be hosting 547 free events. Explore each of them by going to their official website and filtering the events by date, location, category and even keywords.  

From local to worldwide bands, the fair also offers 900 shows and 100+ acts for no cost. Click to see the full lineup. 

Labor Day, the last day of the State Fair, will be packed with deals on food and merchandise. Find the flyer with all the information on the website or at any information booth.

Prizes hang in a booth on the Mighty Midway
Prizes hang in a booth on the Mighty Midway at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News | 2022

Audio transcript

EMILY BRIGHT: It's Minnesota Now. I'm Emily Bright in for Cathy Wurzer. In just two days, visitors will begin to pour through the gates of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for what is usually one of the biggest events of the year.

MPR News Digital Producer Nicole Johnson is going to the state fair for the first time this year, and she has been doing a lot of research. She wrote a guide to help everyone, whether you're a newcomer, a seasoned fairgoer, or somewhere in between, make the most of the great Minnesota Get-Together. And she is here with me in studio now.

Hello, Nicole.

NICOLE JOHNSON: Hi, Emily. Thanks for having me.

EMILY BRIGHT: Yeah. Well, I'm so glad we're talking about this now because there is still time to get early tickets, right?

NICOLE JOHNSON: Yeah, right now you can buy pre-fair discount tickets online at mnstatefair.org for only $15. And if you have a Cub Foods nearby, you can check if it is a participating store, and you can purchase tickets there through Wednesday. Now, it is important to know that we're limited to 12 tickets per order. So, well, you can also buy tickets at the gate, and they cost $18 for adults this year.

EMILY BRIGHT: Now, there are separate fees for grandstand shows and attractions, right? How does that work?

NICOLE JOHNSON: Yeah, unfortunately, the grandstand show tickets are a separate deal. So if you buy tickets for, let's say, the Jonas Brothers, you'll still need to buy a general admission ticket to enjoy the state fair. And now you will need a Fun Card to enjoy most Midway and Kidway rides. And I want to highlight the word "most rides" because if you want to go to the Skyride, let's say, you'll have to pay by card or cash.

EMILY BRIGHT: Do you have any advice for how to get to the fair?

NICOLE JOHNSON: You have plenty of options. Do we have time?

EMILY BRIGHT: Go for it.

NICOLE JOHNSON: One of the most common ways is by car. Parking hours start at 6:00 AM, but they tend to fill quickly. So while you can leave fairgrounds at any point, someone else can take your spot as soon as you leave. Parking costs $20. So my personal advice is not to abandon your parking spot and save those $20 for foot-long corn dogs.

If you absolutely have to leave, a good option is to use public transportation. And this is also the cheapest option. So for $6 cash, you can get a ride to and from the fair via this State Fair Express Bus.

So the services start at 9:00 AM on weekdays, 8:00 AM on weekends and Labor Day. And the last return bus is at midnight. So these buses will drop you off at different points in the Twin Cities metro area, where you can also park for free.

Now, if you prefer to share a taxi or take an Uber or Lyft, there will be designated drop off and pick up spaces that, well, I specify in the guide. Now, if you live close enough to the fair, you could bike to the fair and park it in a bike area. It is monitored. And, well, parking hours for bikes are different, depending on which gate do you park. I also have the detailed hours in my piece. The cost for that is $15.

Now, if you're cool enough to ride a motorcycle, there will be a designated space at the main parking lots for $20. And the fair also offers a motorcycle lot on Como Avenue for $15. Parking hours also start at 6:00 AM over there.

EMILY BRIGHT: That is all super helpful. So what should people bring?

NICOLE JOHNSON: I think that it really depends on the person. But I wanted to come up with a list of ideas based on my experience from going to lots of other festivals and fairs. Well, first of all, at least a water bottle, even the plastic one, so you can refill it and save some money. You should wear comfy shoes. You should charge your phone, maybe bring a portable charger.

You should also bring a map, especially if you're not a fair pro just like me, some cash, summer gear unless it rains outside. Of course, hand sanitizer, napkins, and a little bag so you can carry all those important items. But the most important thing to me is to actually have a plan. Knowing what to do and where to go will save you hours, trust me. So, Emily, let me tell you about a little planning tip.

EMILY BRIGHT: OK.

NICOLE JOHNSON: So the Minnesota State Fair website, it offers a possibility of finding food or shop vendors through search filters. This tool is really helpful because you're able to filter hundreds of vendors by category, or you can pick a specific location, or you can just type a keyword of what you're most interested in. And, well, once you know where your favorite items are located, my advice is print out a map of the fairgrounds, and then you'll know where to go to get them.

EMILY BRIGHT: That sounds like really good planning. What should people not bring?

NICOLE JOHNSON: Oh, many things. So people should know they will have to walk through a metal detector. The forbidden items are drugs, alcohol. You also cannot smoke cannabis. But you can smoke tobacco or electronic cigarettes in designated areas.

Pets are also forbidden, even emotional support animals. No selfie sticks or drones, no weapons, or even that fun lighter that looks like a gun. No bikes or skates. You should be able to park your bike outside. Now, wheelchairs are allowed, of course. People can bring their own or rent them at the fairgrounds.

EMILY BRIGHT: The fair is super fun. But the cost can add up really fast, especially if you're coming with a family. So what do you recommend for people who are trying to get the experience but stick to a budget?

NICOLE JOHNSON: Well, from my research, they should get the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, which has more than 100 coupons for food and attractions. The state fair is selling those alongside pre-fair discount tickets. I would also like people to know that there are special day discounts on admission tickets for particular groups, such as seniors or kids.

Also, I would recommend enjoying all the free events the fair offers. There are more than 500 events that will take place in those 12 days. And believe me, they really look amazing. And again, if you have a plan ahead of time, you'll be able to create a budget and kind of know how much you will be spending that day.

EMILY BRIGHT: Well, I know, Nicole, that you've been making a plan for yourself. Is there anything in particular you're excited about?

NICOLE JOHNSON: Of course. Well, I'm Peruvian, and this might sound a little biased, but there's one event in particular that I'm really looking forward to going, which is a Pan-Latino day on September 2. It will be a Latino festival of music, dance, and art. And it is organized by La Raza radio, which is the top Latin station in Minnesota.

I also love to dance, so I'm really excited about the dance classes, the Latin dance classes. I also think that mariachi is pure art, so I would love to listen to Mariachi Son de Morelos. And also, I know that there is a group called Rumba Nueva, and I would love to hear them play tropical music.

EMILY BRIGHT: Wow. That all sounds like a lot of fun. So I love the fair, but it can be a lot, especially for people with sensory issues. Last year, we talked with Jillian Nelson from the Autism Society in Minnesota about how people who are neurodivergent and sensitive to a lot of stimulation can approach the fair. Are there options for folks who need a quieter space this year?

NICOLE JOHNSON: Sure. I know that the Fraser Sensory Building on Cosgrove, which is located near the home improvement building, is one option that will be available again this year. It is a quieter space with some activities that are designed for people with sensory sensitivities.

I know that it will be open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM each day of the fair except on Labor Day, which is, well, the last day of the fair, when it closes at 8:00 PM. And this year, there's also a special session at the Mighty Midway and the Kidway for those visitors who are sensitive to overstimulation. I know that what the fair is planning to do is to tone down the lights and sounds on the rides for a few hours on Monday, August 28.

EMILY BRIGHT: Last question. What other stories from the fair are you covering?

NICOLE JOHNSON: I am currently working on a piece about the Latino community at the fair. I've been talking to vendors, chefs, event organizers, artists, and they're all putting their hearts and souls into showcasing their cultures. Many of them have been working at the state fair for decades. And I'm really excited to give them a voice. And I am also planning to translate that particular piece into Spanish.

EMILY BRIGHT: Thank you, Nicole.

NICOLE JOHNSON: Thank you.

EMILY BRIGHT: Nicole Johnson is a digital producer for MPR News, and you can find her guide and all our state fair coverage at mprnews.org. And the Minnesota Now team is gearing up to cover the state fair as well, from meeting a blue ribbon baker to a day in the life of a draft horse, talking to kids who are bringing their animals to the state fair for the first time, even listening to tape from MPR's archives with past reporting on the fair. Cathy Wurzer will call in from a bike ride to the fairgrounds with her friend, the "Pedaling Pastor." And, of course, we'll have the weather quiz with Mark Seeley. That's it for today's Minnesota Now.

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