The Minnesota State Fair is almost here! And it’s Thursday, August 21st through Labor Day, September 1st, 2025.
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!
Before-the-Fair Savings
Pre-fair discount tickets are your best bet for savings:
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Admission tickets – $17 (valid any day, any age; kids 4 & under are free). That’s $3 off the adult price and $1 off seniors/kids prices.
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Mighty Midway & Kidway Fun Cards – $20 for 25 tickets, $40 for 50, $80 for 100, or $160 for 200.
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Blue Ribbon Bargain Book – $5, packed with 100 coupons for food, merchandise, and attractions.
Get them through August 20th at:
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The State Fair Ticket Office (1640 Como Ave.)
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Participating Cub stores (locations in greater Minnesota and Hudson, WI)
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Online at mnstatefair.org or by phone at 1-800-514-3849 (mail delivery deadline has passed).
Regular Fair-Time Prices
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Adults (13–64) – $20
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Seniors (65+) – $18
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Kids (5–12) – $18
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Children 4 & under – FREE
Mighty Midway & Kidway prices during the fair:
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$1 per ticket
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$40 for 44 tickets
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$70 for 80 tickets
Special Deal Days in 2025
Opening Day (Thu, Aug. 21st)
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Adults: $18, Seniors/Kids: $15 at the gate.
Seniors Days (Mon, Aug. 25th & Thu, Aug. 28th)
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Seniors (65+): $15 at the gate.
Military Appreciation Day (Tue, Aug. 26th)
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Active, retired, and veteran military + spouses: $15 with military ID.
Kids Days (Wed, Aug. 27th & Mon, Sept. 1st)
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Kids (5–12): $15 at the gate.
Many vendors also offer special day deals on these dates — look for the official sign or check the Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide.
Mighty Midway & Kidway Specials
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All-day ride & game specials – Aug. 21st, Aug. 26th, Aug. 27th, Sept. 1st.
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Early Bird specials (until 1 p.m.) – Aug. 22nd, Aug. 25th, Aug. 28th, Aug. 29th.
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 32 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 for up to 900 bikes. Find info here.
Otherwise, parking in State Fairgrounds lots is $20 (cash or credit/debit). Spaces fill up fast so come early.
SAVINGS!
Blue Ribbon Bargain Book
100 coupons, valid all 12 days. $5 at the ticket office, Cub stores, and on-site during the fair. Proceeds support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Get it at any information booth or here.
Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide
Free guide with discount info, freebies, and contests.
New & Free Attractions in 2025
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Journey to Space – Hands-on space exploration exhibit, all 12 days.
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NASA at the Fair – Aug. 21–24 only, with real NASA exhibits & activities.
- Instagram Teen Accounts – Aug. 21-24 only. Visit us at the Minnesota State Fair to discover Instagram Teen Accounts–protections for teens and peace of mind for parents–featuring an interactive photo booth, product highlights and more!
- 900+ free shows across multiple stages.
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Nightly fireworks at dusk.
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Daily parade at 2 p.m. with ASL interpretation.
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Dog agility shows, Eco Experience, Moo Booth, Alphabet Forest, and much more.
For a full list of free entertainment, check mnstatefair.org/free-live-music-and-shows.
Instagram-Worthy Spots
Find the 7 official Selfie Spots around the fairgrounds (marked with a badge) — perfect for capturing those fair memories.
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.