Hours & Admission

2025 Minnesota State Fair Dates: August 21st to Labor Day, September 1st

Hours

Fairgrounds admission is 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (7 p.m. Labor Day)
Fairgrounds are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (9 p.m. Labor Day)
Hours for various attractions vary. You can see all those hours here.

Regular Fair-Time Admission Pricing

• Adults (13-64): $20
• Seniors (65+): $18
• Kids (5-12): $18
• Children (4 and under): Always FREE!

Purchase your 2025 Pre-Fair Discount Gate Admission Tickets through August 20th for just $17. And the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, available for $5, is your passport to savings at the Minnesota State Fair!

Best Attractions for Kids at the Minnesota State Fair

All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash

Big-air stunts, incredible dog tricks, high-jumping water challenges, and comedy antics will have your youngsters cheering.

Alphabet Forest

Take a break at this oasis of creative crafts, books, games, photo ops, and meet-the-author activities to inspire a love of letters, words, and reading.

Arts A’Fair

Vibrant performing arts groups present lively pop-up showcases featuring puppetry, music, dance, storytelling, theater, and more.

CHS Miracle of Birth Center

Experience the wonder of new life at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center—one of the Minnesota State Fair’s most beloved (and free!) attractions! Find this attraction at the south side of Judson Avenue between Clough and Nelson streets.

For all 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair, visitors can witness calves, lambs, goats, and piglets being born and cared for in this unique agricultural education exhibit. Staffed by passionate volunteers from FFA, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, it’s an unforgettable way to connect with Minnesota’s farming roots.

You’ll also learn about modern egg production systems, explore veterinary science, and dive into hands-on activities next door at the FFA Chapter House & Leadership Center, where FFA members from across the state are ready to engage young visitors in interactive fun every day.

It’s a must-visit for animal lovers, future vets, and curious minds of all ages!

Journey to Space — New in 2025!

Imagine a future when Earth is no longer the only planet we call home! Journey to Space is a free hands-on exhibit that gives a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of space exploration. Experience what it’s like to travel to and be on board the International Space Station. Try your hand at some of the engineering feats that support the astronauts who live there. You’ll be amazed at the innovation that makes life and work possible in the unforgiving vacuum of space. August 21st – 24th only: NASA adds fun components to this space exhibit!

Kemps Little Farm Hands

Fire up the imagination of young farmhands as they help with chores and bring their “food” to the farmers’ market in this mini agriculture experience specially created for ages 3-10. Big kid farm hands can earn an Ag-Vestigator ribbon by testing their knowledge in a fun trivia challenge.

The Little Mermaid JR – New in 2025!

Wednesday, August 27th, is Theater Day in Dan Patch Park at the Minnesota State Fair. ETC Productions, a locally based youth community theater company, presents The Little Mermaid JR. Join Ariel and friends “Under the Sea” with a live performance of this classic tale (run time approximately 1 hour). Catch performances at 9 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM.

Livestock Complex

Meander through the Cattle Barn, Horse Barn, Robert A. Christensen Pavilion and the Sheep & Poultry Barn for an up-close look at the largest exhibition of livestock in the Upper Midwest – hundreds of breeds of cattle, horses, swine, poultry, goats, sheep, llamas and alpacas, and rabbits.

Check the Visit the Animals webpage for details. Breeds vary by day. Please note that barns hours vary, and some barns will close early for the safety of guests, animals, and exhibitors on select days when animals are leaving and the fair is preparing for the arrival of new animals. Make sure to visit the animals early, especially on August 24th, August 28th, and September 1st. Note that the Horse Barn is closed on August 26th.

Math On-A-Stick

Play with geometric shapes, sort and count, enjoy a numbers book, search for things to count at the fair, meet a creative mathematician, and more!

Meet the Mascots

Our very own gopher good guys, Fairchild and Fairborne, greet fair fans of all ages daily at 11 AM and 4 PM at Visitors Plaza.

Parade

Marching bands, local royalty, mascots, and more make their way through the fairgrounds every day at 2 PM. Parade route.

Thank a Farmer Magic Show

Captivating magic tricks are interwoven with fun facts about the important role agriculture, farmers, and ranchers play in our daily lives.

Timberworks Lumberjack Show

Teams of lumberjacks and lumberjills show off their skills at climbing, sawing, log rolling, and more in friendly, fun competition.

Kidway, Mighty Midway, and Other Ticketed Attractions

These fun Minnesota State Fair adventures require the purchase of additional tickets:

• Kidway: Fun houses, bumper boats, swings, mini rollercoasters, and truck, train, motorcycle, whale rides, and more – dozens of rides, games, and food options for pint-sized youngsters
• Mighty Midway: Even more rides to thrill and games of skill
• More Rides and Attractions: Iconic must-dos include the Giant Slide, Great Big Wheel, SkyGlider, Space Tower, carousel, reptiles and butterflies, and more.
• Sensory-Friendly Morning at Kidway & Mighty Midway: For fair guests who would like to experience the fun of rides & games at Mighty Midway & Kidway with reduced light brightness and sound volume, on Monday, August 25th, at Kidway from 9 to 11 AM and at Mighty Midway from 10 AM to 12 PM, lights, sounds, and non-safety-related announcements will be minimized.

Use the links above to find information on height requirements, ticket prices, locations, and hours.

ROCK and ROLL PLAYHOUSE

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of Taylor Swift & More for Kids, featuring Bri & The Anti-Heroes, will perform at the Grandstand on Monday, September 1st, at 11 AM and 3 PM, as part of the Grandstand Concert Series sponsored by Sleep Number. Learn more.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (The New York Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children ages 10 and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and encourage them to explore their creativity. 

About Bri & The Anti-Heroes

Formed during Taylor Swift’s meteoric rise in popularity, Bri & The Anti-Heroes are the Midwest’s answer to the worldwide Eras Tour! Six friends (all from different musical endeavors) came together in the spring of 2023 and have performed this Rock and Roll Playhouse show to sold-out audiences at Minneapolis’ legendary First Avenue. The Anti-Heroes cover songs from Taylor’s debut album all the way to her newest releases, while including some of the most well-known costume changes for each era. Country solo artist Brianna Helbling captures Taylor’s voice perfectly. Joining her onstage are Tim Melin and Lars Hegland (Tripwire Fargo), Art Hoffman (About to Run), Joe Dretsch (Redline), and Anna Jennings (Jensen Sisters). The wild and energetic stage show, combined with The Rock and Roll Playhouse’s promotion and interactions, makes this Taylor Swift tribute one you don’t want to miss!

This concert for kids and families shares the music of Taylor Swift with a new generation of music lovers, but it is not associated with or endorsed by the artist. All children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. Because little ears are sensitive, the volume at this show is turned down. 

Buy tickets to the 11 AM show

Buy tickets to the 3 PM show

Minnesota State Fair Classics

Butter Sculptures: Because where else will you see a giant head carved out of butter?! Each year, Princess Kay of the Milky Way, along with nine finalists who competed to be this year’s goodwill ambassadors for the dairy industry, gets the honor of having their heads carved out of 90-lb. blocks of butter.

Sweet Martha’s: You can get a cone of these, but really… just go for the whole bucket. You won’t regret it. You can find Sweet Martha’s at three locations – the first on the North side of West Dan Patch Ave between Liggett St. & Chambers St, the second on the South side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson & Underwood streets, and the third at the West side of Underwood Street between Lee & Randall avenues.

Blue Ribbon Bargain Book: This tiny but mighty book has over 100 coupons to save you some cash at the Minnesota State Fair! The books are only $5 – find them at the FairWear gift shops or at the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book Carts. You’ll cover the cost of the book just by using one or two coupons! Click here for a list of coupons.

Giant Slide: This fair classic is perfect for kids and adults alike! Grab a sack, pile the whole family on, and have someone take a video as you fly down the slide!

Great Big Wheel: One of the tallest traveling giant Ferris wheels in North America is at the Minnesota State Fair! The Great Big Wheel carries riders to a height of 156 feet, offering breathtaking views of the State Fairgrounds and beyond! The 15-story-tall Great Big Wheel is equipped with 36 enclosed gondolas, each holding six people.

What to Eat

The Minnesota State Fair features 300+ food vendors offering 1600+ menu items – many of which are on a stick!

There is so much food to try here that there’s no way to hit it all – so there’s a helpful searchable guide to ALL of the food vendors on their website, and you can decide what you want to hit up and even make a list in advance.

If you want to focus on what’s new, check out the list of 33 Official New Foods and eight new food vendors for 2025. There are plenty of savory and sweet, and kid-friendly items on the list. 

For the Toddlers/Babies

Baby Changing Stations: These are available in nearly every bathroom on the fairgrounds. *Insider tip: the West End Market has great, newer restrooms that are very clean and have changing tables! You can also find baby changing facilities at Family & Baby Care on West Dan Patch Avenue and at the KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center on Underwood Street.

Coolers, Bags, & Outside Food/Drinks: While your bags will be subject to search at the gate, you can absolutely bring them into the fair. No need to worry about how you will keep your bottles or baby food cold! Coolers are not permitted in the Grandstand, however.

Handwashing Stations: Handwashing stations are located throughout the grounds in the Food Building and at many entrances to buildings in the livestock area. Please wash or sanitize hands throughout your visit and especially before and after time with the animals and prior to eating.

Nursing Facilities: Family & Baby Care has nursing areas available, located on West Dan Patch Avenue south of West End Market and north of Mighty Midway. Private rooms are available on a first-come basis. Nursing facilities are also available at myTalk 107.1 radio, TPT Twin Cities PBS television booths, KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center and Momentum Refresh.

Stroller/Wagon Rentals: Don’t feel like hauling your stroller or wagon along? Swing by one of five HomeTown Mobility booths to get one on a first-come, first-served basis.

Water: Keep your little ones hydrated by bringing in your own sippy cups and water bottles! These can be refilled at FREE water stations located throughout the fairgrounds, as noted by a water drop on the fairgrounds map. 

ID Wristbands: To help reunite lost children with their adults, pick up a free ID wristband when you arrive at the fairgrounds at any information booth or at Family & Baby Care. (see map)

Tip: Take a photo of the young ones when you arrive at the fair, so you’ll have a readily available picture showing what they look like and what they’re wearing at the fair.

Transportation

Bikes: If you live near the fair, biking is the cheapest way to park! Choose from one of three FREE bike lots on the fairgrounds.

Express Buses: State Fair Express Bus service features FREE parking and a direct bus ride to the fairgrounds for a small fee from farther-out suburbs around the Twin Cities. Visit mnstatefair.org/transportation/metro-transit for more information about Express Bus service, regular bus routes, and how to purchase bus tickets.

Park & Ride: FREE Park & Ride buses are offered near the fairgrounds. For more information, visit mnstatefair.org/transportation/free-park-and-ride

On-Site Parking: On-site parking is available for $25 cash or credit. Space is limited, and lots often fill by mid-morning. Many homeowners in the area open up parking spaces in their yards and driveways for a fee. If you don’t mind walking, these can be a great option. No overnight parking is allowed in the public parking lots.

Check out the Minnesota State Fair’s website for all the information you need to plan a visit to the fair. We hope to see you there!

All photos in the post were provided by the Minnesota State Fair

Don’t miss the Twin Cities Family Events Calendar for more family-friendly things to do!