The Minnesota State Fair is back in 2021! And it’s August 26th through September 6th.
They released their mask policy here.
I realize it’s a difficult year for all of us due to COVID and the new delta variant. It was difficult for the Minnesota State Fair to decide on whether to take place this year and what to do about their mask policy.
I’m not sure what our plans are, but I know many people do still plan to attend, masked and socially-distanced.
So, for those who do, here is a list of the ways you can save money at the fair this year!
First, get your tickets in advance to save on admission!
TICKETS
Pre-Fair Tickets are available through Aug. 25
• Pre-fair discount admission tickets: $13 (valid for any age, any day of the fair)
• Pre-fair Mighty Midway and Kidway discount ride & game tickets: $15 for a 20-ticket sheet
• Blue Ribbon Bargain Books: $5
Pre-fair discount admission tickets, Mighty Midway and Kidway discount ride & game tickets and Blue Ribbon Bargain Books are available at mnstatefair.org, the State Fair Ticket Office, participating Cub locations and numerous locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis., through Aug. 25 (while supplies last). For a complete list of pre-fair discount ticket sales outlets, visit mnstatefair.org/tickets/admission-tickets.
Pre-fair discount admission tickets purchased online can be printed at home or scanned from mobile devices for no
additional fees.
Grandstand show tickets are available at mnstatefair.org/grandstand/ or by calling Etix at 800-514-3849. The State Fair Ticket Office on the fairgrounds also sells all Grandstand tickets prior to and during the fair.
Aug. 2 through Aug. 25, the State Fair Ticket Office is located at the Como Loop Gate (#9). Ticket office hours are:
– Aug. 2-20 Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
– Aug. 7 & 14 (Saturday): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
– Aug. 21 (Saturday): 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Aug. 22 (Sunday): 9 a.m. to noon
– Aug. 23-25 (Monday-Wednesday): 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more ticketing information, visit mnstatefair.org/tickets/.
Fair-Time/Regular Admission Tickets
Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6
• Adults (13-64): $16
• Seniors (65+): $14
• Kids (5-12): $14
• Children (4 and under): always free
During the State Fair, admission tickets may be purchased at State Fairgrounds ticket booths from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Labor Day). In addition, tickets may also be purchased via mnstatefair.org to print at home or via mobile devices to be scanned at admission gates for no additional fees.
NOTE: Gate admission tickets purchased for the canceled 2020 fair are valid for this year’s fair.
Fair-Time Mighty Midway & Kidway Tickets
Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6
• $1 for an individual ticket
• $25 for a 28-ticket sheet
• $50 for a 60-ticket sheet
Grandstand Tickets
Tickets to Grandstand shows can be purchased at mnstatefair.org/grandstand/, Etix.com or by calling 800-514-3849.
The Minnesota State Fair Ticket Office on the fairgrounds also sells all Grandstand show tickets prior to and during the fair.
Day-of-show concert tickets are available at the ticket booths on the east end of the Grandstand, which open at noon daily.
Will-call tickets may be picked up on the day of the show beginning 90 minutes prior to show time. Tickets for upcoming shows are also available for sale at these ticket booths. Gate admission is required in addition to a Grandstand ticket. Admission to Grandstand events is free for children under 2 years of age if they share a paid seat. Children under 2 who require their own seat must have a ticket.
Access to Friends of the Fair Fan Club seating for Grandstand shows is offered through the Minnesota State Fair Foundation Friends of the Fair membership program. Friends at the Red Ribbon level ($100) and above receive access to this seating and other fair benefits. Visit msffoundation.org for more details.
Re-Admission
Everyone entering the fairgrounds must present a valid ticket of admission. Guests may leave the fairgrounds through any gate and be readmitted the same day without an additional charge by requesting a hand stamp when leaving. Guests must be readmitted before 10 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day) on the day the stamp is issued. Readmission does not apply to vehicles parked in State Fair parking lots.
Refunds
Tickets for Grandstand shows and gate admission are non-refundable. Questions should be directed to Guest Relations in Visitors Plaza. Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (10 p.m. on Labor Day). Guest Relations may also be reached at
guestservices@mnstatefair.org.
SAVINGS!
Special Discount Days
OPENING DAY • THURSDAY, AUG. 26
Admission prices are reduced all day when tickets are purchased at the gate, and many merchandise and food vendors offer special Opening Day bargains for all fair guests. All-day specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games.
Gate Admission on Opening Day:
• Adults (13-64): $14
• Seniors (65+): $11
• Kids (5-12): $11
• Children (4 and under): free
SENIORS DAY • MONDAY, AUG. 30
Admission prices are reduced all day for seniors (65+) when tickets are purchased at the gate. All-day specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games. Many merchandise and food vendors offer bargains for all fair guests.
Gate Admission on Seniors Day:
• Adults (13-64): $16
• Seniors (65+): $11
• Kids (5-12): $14
• Children (4 and under): free
MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY • TUESDAY, AUG. 31
Active military, retired military and veterans receive an admission discount when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present valid documentation of military service.
• Active military, their spouses and kids: $11
• Retired military and their spouses: $11
• Military veterans and their spouses: $11
Early Bird Specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games until 1 p.m. Many merchandise and food vendors offer Military Appreciation Day bargains for all fair guests.
KIDS DAY • WEDNESDAY, SEPT 1
Kids (5-12) are admitted for $11 all day when tickets are purchased at the gate. Many merchandise and food vendors offer Kids Day bargains for all fair guests. All-day specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games.
Gate Admission on Kids Day
• Adults (13-64): $16
• Seniors (65+): $14
• Kids (5-12): $11
• Children (4 and under): free
SENIORS DAY • THURSDAY, SEPT. 2
Admission prices are reduced all day for seniors (65+) when tickets are purchased at the gate. All-day specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games. Many merchandise and food vendors offer bargains for all fair guests.
Gate Admission on Seniors Day:
• Adults (13-64): $16
• Seniors (65+): $11
• Kids (5-12): $14
• Children (4 and under): free
KIDS DAY • MONDAY, SEPT. 6
Kids (5-12) are admitted for $11 all day when tickets are purchased at the gate. Many merchandise and food vendors offer bargains for all fair guests. All-day specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games.
Gate Admission on Kids Day
• Adults (13-64): $16
• Seniors (65+): $14
• Kids (5-12): $11
• Children (4 and under): free
Blue Ribbon Bargain Book
Sponsored by Minnesota Lottery
The State Fair Blue Ribbon Bargain Book offers 100 coupons with huge savings on food, merchandise and attractions.
Each coupon offers at least 30 percent off listed items. Coupons are valid every day of the fair. Books are available at
mnstatefair.org, the State Fair Ticket Office, and at participating Cub locations and many locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis., through Aug. 25 (while supplies last). During the fair, books can be purchased at State FairWear Gift Shops and Blue Ribbon Bargain Book & State Fair Poster Carts on the fairgrounds. Books purchased during the fair support the mission of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, the fairgrounds and educational programs. For more information on the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, including a list of all coupons, visit mnstatefair.org/blue-ribbon-bargain-book/.
Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide
Sponsored by Minnesota Rusco
This free guide lists discount days, best values, free stuff, sign-up-to-win drawings and hidden bargains at the fair, including deals on food and beverages. The Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide is available during the fair at all information booths and at mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/.
Last Chance Deals
Special food and merchandise bargains are offered on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6, at many locations throughout the fairgrounds. These deals can be found on Sept. 6 in the Last Chance Day Deals flier at all information booths and at mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/.
Mighty Midway and Kidway Specials
ALL-DAY SPECIALS
Special ride & game promotions are offered all day at Mighty Midway and Kidway Thursday, Aug. 26; Monday, Aug. 30; Wednesday, Sept. 1; and Monday, Sept. 6.
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS
Early Bird hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mighty Midway and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kidway. Early Bird ride and game promotions are offered on Friday, Aug. 27; Tuesday, Aug. 31; Thursday, Sept. 2 and Friday, Sept. 3.
