The 2024 Minnesota State Fair starts on Thursday, Aug. 22 and runs through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 2.
Here’s what you need to know:
Hours
• Fairground hours are from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. except for Labor Day, when hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Other hours of operations within the Fairgrounds: Find specific hours for different events, barns and activities at mnstatefair.org/general-info/hours-of-operation/.
Tickets
Pre-Fair discount gate admission tickets cost $15 through Wednesday; starting Thursday, general admission prices are $18 for ages 13-64; $16 for seniors ages 65+ as well as kids ages 5-12; children four and under get in free.
Discounts
On Thursday — opening day of the 2024 Minnesota State Fair — there are discounted admission prices at the entrance gates: $16 for ages 13-64 and $13 for seniors (65+) and kids (5-12).
Other discounts:
• Seniors Day: Discounted admission ($13 for 65+) at the Fair entrance and deals on merchandise and food for all Fair guests on Monday, Aug. 26 and Thursday, Aug. 29.
• Military Appreciation Day: Discounted admission ($13) on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the entrance gates for active military, their spouses and kids; retired military and their spouses; and military veterans and their spouses (requires valid documentation of service). Also, deals on merchandise and food for all Fair guests.
• Kids Day: Discounted admission ($13) for kids ages five to 12 at the entrance gates on Wednesday, Aug. 28 and Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day).
• Mighty Midway and Kidway: There are also special ride and game promotions throughout the Fair for both the Midway and Kidway, including early-bird pricing. Get the dates and hours at mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/.
From Jared Kaufman, here’s more about free stuff.
Getting there
The Minnesota State Fair operates a free Park & Ride bus service from approximately 30 locations around the Twin Cities, including sites in St. Paul, Roseville and at the University of Minnesota. Find all locations and hours at mnstatefair.org/get-here/free-park-and-ride/.
From Imani Cruzen, here’s more about transit and parking options.
Weather
It looks like the rain will hold off for opening day on Thursday. Here’s the 12-day forecast, including air quality and weather history.
Grandstand
Last summer, the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand offered one of its most star-studded lineups in recent memory. While this year’s offerings aren’t quite as spectacular, ticket prices are more reasonable than 2023.
Here’s a preview of the acts from Ross Raihala.
Food
Earlier, the Fair announced 33 official new foods for 2024 including Buffalo cheese curd and chicken tacos, deep-fried ranch dressing and banh mi eclairs.
Six new vendors include St. Paul’s El Burrito Mercado, Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine and Midtown Market’s Indigenous Food Lab.
From Jess Fleming, here’s the list of 33 items.
Beverages
There are 63 new beverages to choose from at the Fair. As usual, there’s a heavy emphasis on sweet stuff and fruited beers, including lingonberry options.
From Jess Fleming, here’s the list of 63 new drinks, grouped by location and including some non-alcoholic options.
What’s new
From a redesigned crop art exhibition hall to deep-fried ranch dressing to a temporary no-go on live cow births at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, Jared Kaufman has the highlights of what’s changing, what’s new, and what’s gone at this year’s Fair.
First aid
Regions Hospital Emergency Medical Services will be the official first aid provider for the 16th year in a row. From Angeline Patrick Pachec, here’s a list of safety tips and reminders from Regions to help visitors avoid needing medical care while at the Fair.
