Planning Your 2025 Fair Visit: Tickets and Transportation
The Minnesota State Fair is the "Great Minnesota Get-Together," an annual celebration marking the end of summer. For 12 days, from August 21 to September 1, 2025, the fairgrounds come alive. Millions of guests gather for a showcase of food, agriculture, music, and community traditions. This event offers a unique experience filled with memorable sights, sounds, and flavors for everyone who attends.
Planning Your 2025 Fair Visit: Tickets and Transportation
A successful trip to the fair starts with good planning. Understanding how to purchase tickets and how to get to the fairgrounds can save you both time and money. The fair's approach to ticketing and transport is designed to improve the experience for its millions of visitors.
Securing Your Admission Tickets
Purchasing tickets before the fair opens is the most economical choice. Pre-fair discount tickets are available for $17 through August 20. These can be bought online through the fair's official website or Etix, at the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office, or at participating Cub stores and other retail locations throughout Minnesota and in Hudson, Wisconsin.
For those who purchase tickets during the fair, regular gate admission is $20 for adults (ages 13-64) and $18 for seniors (65 and over) and kids (5-12). Children 4 and under are admitted for free.
The fair also offers special discount days with a reduced admission price of $15 at the gate for specific groups. These days are scheduled on weekdays to help distribute crowds more evenly. The promotional days for 2025 include Opening Day (August 21), Seniors Days (August 25 and 28), Military Appreciation Day (August 26), and Kids Days (August 27 and September 1).
Ticket Pricing at a Glance
| Ticket Type | Price | Eligibility/Notes |
| Pre-Fair Discount | $17 | Available for all ages (5+) until Aug. 20 |
| Adult Gate Price | $20 | Ages 13-64 |
| Senior Gate Price | $18 | Ages 65+ |
| Kid Gate Price | $18 | Ages 5-12 |
| Child Admission | Free | Ages 4 and under |
| Discount Day Gate Price | $15 | Varies; see schedule for Seniors, Military, Kids |
Getting to the Fairgrounds
While the fairgrounds have an address, driving directly to the site can be a challenge. On-site parking is available for $25 per vehicle, but the lots are limited and often fill up very early in the morning.
The most recommended method of arrival is the Free Park & Ride system. Visitors can park for free at one of 34 lots located throughout the Twin Cities and take a complimentary shuttle bus directly to the fair gates. Buses operate from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on most days. This system is designed to reduce traffic congestion around the fairgrounds.
Another excellent option is the State Fair Express Bus service. For a small round-trip fee of about $5 or $6, fairgoers can park for free at several suburban locations, such as Blaine, Minnetonka, Eagan, and Eden Prairie, and take a direct bus to the fair.
For those who prefer two wheels, the fair provides three free corrals for parking bicycles and non-licensed scooters. A paid lot is also available for motorcycles near the International Institute on Como Avenue.
The Culinary Scene: New Foods and Fair Classics
Food is at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair experience. Each year, vendors introduce dozens of new creations while also serving the timeless classics that people have loved for generations. This combination of novelty and tradition is a key part of the fair's appeal.
A Taste of 2025: The New Food Lineup
The 2025 fair introduces a host of new and inventive foods. These items often become a major topic of conversation and a fun challenge for visitors to find and try.
For those seeking savory options, the Fawaffle is a notable addition. It features falafel batter pressed in a waffle iron and topped with tahini butter and fresh vegetables. Another new item is the Bison Meatball Sub, which uses bison and bacon from Minnesota farms, topped with gravy and pickled cucumbers. Cheese lovers can try Caprese Curds, which are mozzarella cheese curds breaded with Italian seasoning and served over a tomato-basil blend.
On the sweet side, the Croffle Cloud is a visually impressive treat. It is a croissant pressed in a waffle iron, then topped with sweet cream, fruit puree, and a cloud of cotton candy. Other new desserts include the Birthday Cake Cookie Dough On-A-Stick and Cannoli Gelato Nachos.
Even beverages get a creative twist. This year features the Dill Pickle Iced Tea, a brewed black tea infused with pickle flavor. For something refreshing, there is the Cherry Bigfoot Limeade Float. Many new items also cater to specific dietary needs, with vegan and gluten-free options like the savory Afro Bean Pops and the spicy Deep-Fried Tofuego Bites.
Timeless Fair Favorites
While new foods generate excitement, many visitors come for the classic fair staples. These iconic foods are a tradition for countless families.
No fair visit is complete without a stop at Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar. Served warm in a cone or a signature pail, these chocolate chip cookies are the highest-grossing food item at the fair. A helpful tip is to visit the location on the north end of the fairgrounds, which often has shorter lines than the one near the Grandstand.
Another classic is the roasted corn from the Corn Roast stand. Freshly picked sweet corn is roasted in the husk, dipped in butter, and served hot. The Pronto Pup is also a must-have. Its savory cornmeal batter distinguishes it from a typical sweet corn dog, and it has been a fair staple since 1947.
Other beloved classics include the golden fried cheese curds from the Mouth Trap in the Food Building, the salty Fresh French Fries served in their iconic striped cones, and the Giant Juicy Turkey Sandwich from Turkey to Go. For a hearty meal, the Gizmo is a popular Italian-style loose meat sandwich.
Entertainment for Everyone: Music, Shows, and Parades
The Minnesota State Fair offers a huge variety of entertainment, with something for every taste and age group. The fair's strategy includes both big-name ticketed concerts and hundreds of free performances that create a lively atmosphere across the grounds.
The Grandstand Concert Series
The Grandstand is the fair's premier venue for evening concerts, featuring major artists from a wide range of genres. These shows require a separate ticket in addition to fair admission. The 2025 lineup is diverse, with country, pop, rock, and hip-hop acts scheduled throughout the fair's 12-day run.
2025 Grandstand Lineup
| Date | Performer(s) | Time | Ticket Price Range |
| Aug. 21 | Old Dominion with Yam Haus | 7:00 p.m. | $67 - $149.25 |
| Aug. 22 | Meghan Trainor with ellis | 7:00 p.m. | $56 - $125.75 |
| Aug. 23 | Atmosphere & Friends, Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco | 5:00 p.m. | $51.50 - $86.75 |
| Aug. 24 | Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls | 7:00 p.m. | $56 - $123.75 |
| Aug. 25 | Happy Together Tour 2025 | 7:00 p.m. | $33 - $76.75 |
| Aug. 26 | Def Leppard with Brother Cane | 7:00 p.m. | $77 - $292 |
| Aug. 27 | Hank Williams Jr. with Marty Stuart | 7:00 p.m. | $56 - $125.75 |
| Aug. 28 | Daryl Hall with The Rascals | 7:00 p.m. | $44 - $100.25 |
| Aug. 29 | The Avett Brothers with The Milk Carton Kids | 7:00 p.m. | $54 - $121.75 |
| Aug. 30 | Nelly with Ja Rule, Mýa, Ying Yang Twins | 7:00 p.m. | $54 - $121.75 |
| Sept. 1 | The Rock and Roll Playhouse (Kids Show) | 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. | $10 - $19.25 |
Hundreds of Free Performances
Beyond the Grandstand, the fair offers over 900 free shows from more than 100 acts. This entertainment is included with the price of admission and is a huge part of the fair's value.
Featured national acts performing on free stages in 2025 include Arrested Development, Los Lobos, and Rachel Platten. These performances take place at several venues, including the Bandshell, Cosgrove Stage, Family Fair Stage, and the West End Market Stage.
In addition to music, there are many free variety shows. Popular returning acts include the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash, where dogs perform amazing aquatic feats, and the Timberworks Lumberjack Show. A daily parade at 2 p.m. is a cherished tradition, featuring high school marching bands, colorful floats, and visiting royalty.
Thrills and Sights: Rides and Attractions for 2025
The fair is also about thrilling rides, unique attractions, and educational exhibits. For 2025, the fair has invested in several new rides and experiences while also maintaining its classic attractions and renovating key facilities like the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum.
New Rides and Experiences for 2025
The most prominent new attraction is The Thunderbird, North America's tallest portable swing ride. It lifts riders 180 feet into the air, offering incredible panoramic views of the fairgrounds and the surrounding cities.
The Mighty Midway, the area for thrill rides, adds two new attractions: Overdrive, a fast-action spinning ride, and The Scorpion, a three-armed ride that tilts and swings riders high in the air. For younger visitors, the Kidway area introduces two new rides: Jumbo, a flying elephant ride, and Hampton Space Age, a gentle spaceship-themed adventure.
A major new educational exhibit for 2025 is Journey to Space. This free, hands-on exhibit, supported by NASA, gives visitors a glimpse into life aboard the International Space Station.
Iconic Fair Attractions
Many attractions are beloved traditions. The Giant Slide has been a family favorite for over half a century. The Ye Old Mill, a gentle boat ride through a dark tunnel, is the oldest attraction on the fairgrounds. For a relaxing view from above, visitors can take a trip on the Great Big Wheel or the gondola-style Skyride.
Key sights include the famous butter sculptures in the Dairy Building, where Princess Kay of the Milky Way and her court have their likenesses carved from 90-pound blocks of butter. The Fine Arts Center showcases works from Minnesota artists, and the Agriculture Horticulture Building displays the state's best produce and flowers.
The fair's amusement rides are organized into three distinct areas: the Mighty Midway for teens and adults, the Kidway for young children, and Adventure Park for the most extreme thrill rides.
Pro Tips for a Great Fair Day
The Minnesota State Fair is a massive event, and its scale can be overwhelming. A little preparation can help you have a more enjoyable and less stressful day. A good plan helps you navigate the crowds, see your top attractions, and stay comfortable.
- Plan Ahead. Before you leave home, use the Fair Finder tool on the official website to look up foods, vendors, and showtimes. Create a loose list of your must-do activities for the day.
- Arrive Early. The fairgrounds open at 7 a.m. Getting to your Park & Ride lot or the on-site parking lots before 9 a.m. helps you avoid the heaviest traffic and the largest crowds.
- Navigate Wisely. Download the official MN State Fair App to your phone for its interactive map and daily schedule. As a backup, grab a free paper map from any information booth when you enter the grounds.
- Stay Powered. A long day of using your phone for navigation, photos, and checking schedules can drain its battery. Consider bringing a fully charged portable power station, such as the EcoFlow RIVER 3. With its 245Wh capacity, 300W output (X-Boost up to 600W), and the ability to fast-charge in just 1 hour, it’s compact enough for a backpack yet powerful enough to keep multiple devices running all day. Its whisper-quiet <30dB operation and IP54-rated water resistance make it a reliable companion from morning until the fireworks.
Pace Yourself. The fair is a marathon. Wear comfortable shoes and take breaks. If you need to leave the grounds, get your hand stamped at the gate. This allows you to re-enter later the same day without paying again.
Save Money. For just $5, you can purchase a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book. It contains 100 coupons for savings on food, merchandise, and attractions throughout the fairgrounds.
The Minnesota State Fair is more than just an event; it is a cultural touchstone and a beloved tradition. It is a place where friends and families gather to celebrate the end of summer, enjoy unique foods, and create lasting memories. With its mix of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit, the Great Minnesota Get-Together offers something for everyone. Go and create your own perfect fair day.