The Minnesota State Fair is almost here! And it’s August 22nd through September 2nd, 2024.
I’m super bummed that summer goes so fast, but I’m happy that we have a fabulous state fair, one that was rated the #1 state fair in the nation!
Here is a list of the ways you can save money at the fair this year!
To sum it up, I personally recommend:
1) getting your ticket in advance (or going on a special deal day),
2) sharing a Blue Ribbon coupon book with someone else (there are WAY too many coupons for one family to use),
3) studying the map, the schedules of free events and entertainment, and the Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide before you go to plan out your visit,
4) parking for free and using their free bus transportation to and from the fair,
5) bringing your own water bottle and filling it up for free at water fountains throughout the fair,
6) using their free app to help you find your way around.
Unfortunately, there’s no discount for Sweet Martha’s Cookies. But they’re still ohh so worth it…
Here are all the ways you can save, gathered from my own experiences plus directly from State Fair materials.
First, get your tickets in advance to save on admission!
TICKETS
The regular price for tickets during the fair is $18 for adults (13-64), $16 for seniors (65+), and $16 for kids (5-12) and children 4 and under are always free. Mighty Midway and Kidway tickets purchased at the fair are $1 per ticket, $30 per sheet of 33 tickets, and $60 per sheet of 70 tickets. Blue Ribbon Bargain Books are $5 and available at State FairWear Gift Shops and Bargain Book Carts (while supplies last).
But you can save on tickets for everyone if you get them before the fair.
Pre-Fair Tickets are available through August 21st.
• Pre-fair discount admission tickets: $15 (valid for any age, any day of the fair – note that kids age 4 and under are always free)
• Pre-fair Mighty Midway and Kidway discount ride & game tickets: $25 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 (off Como Avenue [Loop Gate #9]), participating Cub locations and numerous locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis., through August 21st (while supplies last).
To see a list of all the places you can get pre-fair discount tickets, 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.
Discount State Fair admission tickets, discount Mighty Midway and Kidway ride & game tickets on a Fun Card, and Blue Ribbon Bargain Books are available through August 21st at the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office off Como Avenue (Loop Gate #9), participating Cub locations and numerous locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, Wis. (while supplies last). Discount admission tickets may also be purchased online at mnstatefair.org through August 21st and by phone. For more ticketing information, visit mnstatefair.org/tickets/.
The fair hours are:
• Fairgrounds Admission: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Labor Day
• Fairgrounds Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Labor Day
Free & Cheap Ways of Getting to the Fair
Parking can be expensive and a hassle, so there are many other ways to get to the fair! Every year we take the bus shuttle from a location near the fair. It’s free and the shuttles come every few minutes so we’ve never had to wait long.
Take the bus! Free parking with free shuttle bus service to and from the fair is available at 31 locations within a short distance of the fairgrounds.
Visit this website for a full list of Park & Ride locations. State Fair Express Bus service is offered by Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and SouthWest Transit from several sites throughout the Twin Cities area. There is a small fee for these busses. There are other bus routes that can get you there as well. Visit their website here for info.
Take an Uber or Lyft! They have designated drop off and pick up places for these. Get info here.
Ride your bike! They have free secured bicycle parking. Find info here.
Otherwise, parking in State Fairgrounds lots is $20 (cash or credit/debit). Spaces fill up fast so come early.
SAVINGS!
Special Discount Days
Many days during the fair offer special discounts.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22nd OPENING DAY
STEM Day at Dan Patch Park: SciMathMN brings together kids of all ages to celebrate and explore the wonders of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) through hands-on learning, interactive STEM experiences, and connections to nonprofit STEM education providers, student groups and local businesses.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23rd
Governor’s Fire Prevention Day at Dan Patch Park: This annual fun-filled, action-packed Governor’s Fire Prevention Day is the largest fire-prevention education event in the world. Opportunities for families include learning about fire-safe behavior, fire prevention, safe escape from a fire, proper use of a fire extinguisher, how to prepare for an emergency, as well as technological improvements in burn treatment and firefighting equipment. Activities take place at Dan Patch Park, the North End and DNR Park. Presented by the Governor’s Council on Fire Prevention and Control.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24th 4-H DAY
Visit the barns and animal competition areas to celebrate 4-H. See displays and performances in the 4-H Building.
Hubbard Broadcasting Day at Dan Patch Park: Hubbard Broadcasting Day features radio and podcast appearances, plus live music performances from locally owned-and-operated Hubbard Broadcasting Inc.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25th
Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Dan Patch Park: North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS) will be joined by guest chefs to present cooking demonstrations and discuss the foundations of Indigenous food systems. Indigenous music and learning activities for all ages. Activities are scheduled throughout the day at Dan Patch Park.
MONDAY, AUGUST 26th SENIORS DAY
Mental Health Awareness at Dan Patch Park: This is a day filled with interactive, engaging, educational and fun activities for people of all ages to explore mental health resources and information. More than 50 organizations from throughout Minnesota will have the most cutting-edge information on mental health and wellness. Stage performances will include children’s programming, cultural performances, youth performances, musicians, therapy animals, and more. There will also be a collaborative art project anyone can help with as they walk through the park.
Minnesota State Patrol Day at the North End: Troopers will be at North Underwood Street throughout the day to answer questions from fair guests. Squads (new and vintage) will be on display, and troopers from various specialty assignments will highlight some of the unique services offered by the Minnesota State Patrol.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27th MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
Military Appreciation Day: Honoring Military Spouses at Dan Patch Park: Guests can stop by to visit educational booths and organizations that support the military in celebration of Military Appreciation Day. Additional programs are also held throughout the fairgrounds, including at the Veterans Garden and the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. A flyover takes place in the morning!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28th KIDS DAY
Theater Day at Dan Patch Park: Shrek The Musical JR. – It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek The Musical JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. The show is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. Performances will take place at 9:00am & 11:30 aam and 1:30pm and last approximately 75 minutes.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29th SENIORS DAY
UCare – Senior Stretch & Stroll Day at Dan Patch Park: Enjoy live musical and dance performances on the outdoor stage throughout the day, plus a variety of fun fitness, health and wellness programming.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30th
MPR Day at Dan Patch Park: On the Dan Patch Park Stage, MPR News, Classical MPR and 89.3 The Current team up for live broadcasts, performances, local music and more throughout the day.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31st FFA DAY
Several FFA livestock judging events take place throughout the day.
Pan-Latino Day at Dan Patch Park: La Raza 95.7 FM and 1400/1470 AM, Minnesota’s top Latino radio stations, present Pan-Latino Day at Dan Patch Park. See artists from diverse Latino cultures perform, including acts such as the Mexica group Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, La Banda La Verdadera, Los Chinelos de Morelos, The Borinquen Cultural Center from Puerto Rico, Rumba Nueva from the Dominican Republic, and Runakuna from Ecuador. See them accompanied by local artists, organizations and leaders. Celebrate all the colorful and diverse cultures represented under the panorama of the Latin American cultures represented in Minnesota.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st FRIENDS OF THE FAIR DAY
Stop by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation tent outside the J.V. Bailey House to learn more about the Foundation and becoming a Friend of the Fair member.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd KIDS DAY
Hmong Minnesota Day at Dan Patch Park: Hmong Minnesota Day is about hope, healing and a celebration of life. Stage activities feature a collaboration of Hmong artists and organizations from throughout Minnesota, including singers, dancers, martial artists, community leaders and more for all to enjoy. This year’s event will be a tribute to community leader Tou Ger Xiong.
Blue Ribbon Bargain Book
The State Fair Blue Ribbon Bargain Book offers 100 coupons with huge savings on food, merchandise and attractions. Coupons are valid every day of the fair. For more information on the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, including a list of all coupons, visit mnstatefair.org/blue-ribbon-bargain-book/.
Is it worth it? I think it is. Get one and share it with another family because you’ll probably only use a few of the coupons. It can be worth it if you plan to shop and get a lot of food.
Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide
This free guide lists discount days, best values, free stuff, and hidden bargains at the fair. 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. 2nd, at many locations throughout the fairgrounds. These deals can be found on Sept. 2nd 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
Specials are offered every weekday on rides and games at Mighty Midway and Kidway. All-day specials run on these days:
- Thursday, August 22nd
- Tuesday, August 27th
- Wednesday, August 28th
- Monday, September 2nd
Early Bird specials are offered until 1:00pm on:
- Friday, August 23rd
- Monday, August 26th
- Thursday, August 29th
- Friday, August 30th
What’s New for 2024
Here are some new things:
- New Official Minnesota State Fair App
- Cats & Dogs: The Exhibition
- Minnesota State Fair Foundation’s Welcome Wall
- Two New Midway Rides
- State Fair History Snapshots
- New Vendors
- Universally Designed Changing Restroom with Hoist by Momentum Refresh
- Joy Mobile for sensory calming
Free Entertainment, Exhibits and Attractions
Here are some cool things to do that are included with admission!
- Nightly fireworks spectacular
- Live music and entertainment
- Daily parade at 2 p.m.
- Joyful World Mural Park
- CHS Miracle of Birth Center
- Learn more and get inspired at free exhibits such as the Eco Experience, DNR and Moo Booth.
- Free kid-focused exhibits such as Alphabet Forest, Math On-A-Stick and more.
- The Kemps Little Farm Hands agricultural education experience
MORE FREE STUFF AT THE FAIR
Free Trolley Rides
You can get free trolley rides on the north end of the fairgrounds! These were great the year it rained when we were there and we didn’t want to get soaked walking back to the bus stop!
Free Information booths
These are throughout the fair and stocked with free maps.
Free daily schedules and free ID wristbands to help reunite lost children and vulnerable adults with their families or guardians. I recommend getting the ID wristbands if you have little ones, for peace of mind!
A Free Wi-Fi hotspot at the west Grandstand Plaza
This is great if you need good internet access.
First Aid Stations
These are located at the west and east ends of the fairgrounds.