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Aug. 21 – Labor Day, Sept. 1, 2025

33 Days 13 Hours 34 Mins

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair

Thanks for Joining Us!

The fifth annual Kickoff to Summer at the Fair was May 22-25, 2025! This slice-of-the-fair event featured more food than ever, including the ultra-popular hit from the 2024 Minnesota State Fair – Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing – and new-to-Kickoff vendors LuLu’s Public House, Minneapple Pie, El Burrito Mercado and Jersey Jo’s.

A brand-new challenge arrives at the State Fairgrounds! A one-of-kind puzzle hunt tests your wit and sense of adventure as you explore the grounds in a most unique and immersive quest. Can you solve the Kickoff Conundrum?

Check out the entertainment schedule featuring ABBASolutely Fab – Tribute Band on Thursday night and GB Leighton on Friday night – and the fun doesn’t stop there!

On Thursday and Friday only, try your luck at a free spin-to-win prize wheel for a chance at fair admission tickets and entries into grand prize drawings for tickets to a 2025 Grandstand concert of your choice, on-site State Fair parking passes and more!

Plus, enjoy food and brews at nearly 40 vendors, music and entertainment free with admission, shopping at 30+ specialty Minnesota merchants, Giant Slide rides, yard games, history tours, free parking, and so much more! The fair-fan-favorite Milk Run 5K Race takes place Saturday, May 24, at 9 a.m. The race is sold out (!), so registration is now closed.

New this year! We’re offering a Weekday Ticket Bundle! Buy four Kickoff to Summer at the Fair tickets at the advance price of $13 each for either Thursday, May 22 or Friday, May 23, and receive one free 2025 State Fair admission ticket!

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair is getting more popular every year, but we’re still limiting attendance each day to make this an extra-special experience and keep that laid-back patio vibe we all love about Minnesota summers.

  • Thursday, May 22: 4-9 p.m.
  • Friday, May 23: 4-9 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 24: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Sold Out!
  • Sunday, May 25: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Sold Out!

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Ticket

Save $3 when you buy in advance online! Tickets are $13 each online (fees and tax included) and $16 each at the gate via a QR code (credit/debit only; fees and tax included). Children 4 and under are free and do not require a ticket. Each ticket is valid for a specific day. You will choose your day when you purchase tickets. Attendance is limited per day. This event is rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable.

Get a free 2025 State Fair admission ticket when you buy the Weekday Ticket Bundle – four Kickoff to Summer advance tickets for either Thursday or Friday!

Tickets are no longer on sale.

Note that tickets for this event are limited for each day, and some days may sell out.

Questions about tickets: Contact the Minnesota State Fair Ticket Office at tickets@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4427.

Is it safe to buy tickets from a source other than Etix? Unfortunately, as with any event ticket, you run the risk that a ticket bought from an unauthorized third party will not be valid when we scan it at the entrance. If your ticket is not valid, you will not be permitted to enter.

Food & Brews

Fair food faves and refreshing summer beers! Visit our Menu & Vendor Offerings page and view our downloadable program and detailed event map for additional details.

  • Al’s Subs & Malt Shop
  • Andy’s Grille
  • Auntie M’s Gluten Free
  • Baba’s
  • Ball Park Cafe
  • Bayou Bob’s
  • Beverages by Giggles’ (two locations) 
  • Big Fat Bacon
  • Cafe Caribe
  • Cheese On-A-Stick and Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
  • Chimborazo
  • Coasters
  • Dino’s Gyros
  • Duke’s Poutine
  • El Burrito Mercado – new this year!
  • El Sol Mexican Foods
  • Fresh French Fries
  • Hansen’s Foot Long Hot Dogs & Corn Dogs
  • Jersey Jo’s – new this year!
  • LuLu’s Public House – new this year! 
  • Minneapple Pie – new this year!
  • Minnesnowii Shave Ice
  • Mouth Trap Cheese Curds
  • Nelson’s Foot Long Hot Dogs & Corn Dogs
  • The Perfect Pickle
  • Pronto Pups (two locations)
  • Que Viet Concessions
  • RC’s BBQ
  • Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos
  • Rick’s Pizza
  • Sambusa Express
  • Summer Lakes Beverage
  • Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar
  • Sweets & Treats
  • Tiny Tim Donuts
  • Tot Boss
  • Trickster Tacos
  • West Indies Soul Food

Kickoff Happenings

Music & Entertainment

Spring into summer with live entertainment and plenty of fun activities! View our downloadable program and detailed event map for additional details. ASL services will be provided on request – contact accessibility@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4448 by May 8.

Jam out to Free Entertainment!

  • DNR Stage (DNR) sponsored by Cal Spas: At DNR Park
  • Visitors Plaza Arts Pop-Up (VP): At Dan Patch Ave. & Underwood St.
  • Christensen Farms Stage (CF): On Judson Ave. near CHS Miracle of Birth Center
  • Independent Stages*: Located throughout the fairgrounds, grab a bite or a brew and enjoy some live entertainment brought to you by our food vendors!
    • Andy’s Grille (AG)
    • Cafe Caribe (CC)
    • Dino’s Gyros (DG)
    • RC’s BBQ (RC)

Thursday, May 22

Friday, May 23

Saturday, May 24

Sunday, May 25

*Please note: Entertainers on Independent Stages are booked and compensated by the concessionaires that host them at these privately owned venues. The Minnesota State Fair is not responsible for scheduling entertainers at Independent Stages (schedules are posted as information becomes available and are subject to change).

Fun Around the Fairgrounds

New! – Kickoff Conundrum Puzzle Hunt Challenge

A brand-new, one-of-kind puzzle hunt tests your wit and sense of adventure as you explore the fairgrounds in a unique and immersive quest!

Your mission: An interdimensional rift has opened right at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair’s Kickoff to Summer! It’s a wacky, weird window into the UNfair Universe, and some anomalies from their twisted version of the Great Minnesota Get-Together have fallen through! To save the fair, you’ll need to explore the fairgrounds, discover clues, solve puzzles, and close the rift! Can you crack this Kickoff Conundrum?!

Puzzle guidebooks – the key to the adventure – are available for purchase at the Kickoff Conundrum tent south of the Grandstand. $10 per player. Fun for all ages, especially those 10+. Complete the puzzle at your own pace – cookies and Pronto Pup in hand, in between catching some live music, or power through if you’re on a roll. The whole challenge is a 1-to-2-hour experience.

Created by The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe and Trapped Puzzle Rooms, the Twin Cities’ premier escape rooms since 2015. They’ll have a selection of escape room-style portable puzzle games for sale at the Kickoff to Summer event.

New! – Weekday Spin-to-Win

Everyone loves a prize wheel! On Thursday and Friday only, this is your chance to try your luck at winning fair admission tickets, State Fair swag, vendor coupons, vintage fair giveaways and entries into grand prize drawings for tickets to a 2025 Grandstand concert of your choice, Family Fun Pack (four admission tickets, Fun Card with 40 ride & game tickets and a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book), a personalized tile installed on the Welcome Wall, or an on-site parking pass for the State Fair day of your choice. Stop by the tent at Grandstand Plaza West. Rules apply. Free to spin!

New! – Safer Pools, Safer Kid

Drowning is the leading cause of injury and death for children under the age of five. Abbey’s Hope Charitable Foundation is on-site to teach water safety through activities and games, show examples of unsafe swimsuits, and demonstrate how to properly fit a life jacket. A limited number of child life jackets will be given away each day (a total of 350 during the Kickoff to Summer event). Stop by the tent on Carnes Avenue east of the Grandstand Ramp. This is a Minnesota State Fair Community Gives Together initiative.

Say Hello to our Furry Friends Fairborne & Fairchild

Watch for our beloved furry State Fair mascots sponsored by Mattress Firm – they’re done hibernating and ready to help us spring into summer! Find them in various locations around the fairgrounds throughout each day of the event.

Giant Slide

A chance to ride the slide in May! Tickets are $4; cash only. The slide is open weather permitting; if it rains, the slide will reopen when it dries.

Play at The Arcade! 

Stop by The Arcade, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets (see map) for dozens of coin-operated arcade games – fun for all ages!

Early Footprints: A Guided Walking Tour of the Fair

Take a 45-minute stroll through the southeast corner of the fairgrounds and learn about the area’s interesting and ever-evolving history. Brought to you by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. It’s free!

  • Thursday, May 22, 6 p.m.
  • Friday, May 23, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 24, 1 & 4 p.m. (ASL for both tours)
  • Sunday, May 25, 1 & 4 p.m.

Plus, stop by to learn about the Minnesota State Fair Foundation’s Friends of the Fair program. Donations help fund a wide range of fair projects, AND our Friends get some fair-time benefits too. Find it all south of Judson Avenue.

DJ Entertainment

Dance, sing and tap your toes to summertime tunes sponsored by Adagio Djay Entertainment. Don’t miss an endless string of fun, favorite hits – the perfect way to kick off summer!

Roving Entertainment

ROCK-IT The Robot (Thursday-Sunday) and The Bubbler (Saturday & Sunday) will make their way throughout the fairgrounds each day. Keep an eye out for these interactive, engaging entertainers!

Skateboard Lessons

Pick up some sweet skateboard skills with lessons from 3rd Lair. 30-minute group lessons will cost $20 per rider, up to five riders per lesson. Equipment provided. Find them south of Judson Avenue.

Learn Life-Saving Skills

Just a few minutes is all it takes to learn the two steps of Hands-Only CPR. If performed immediately, this can double or triple a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest.

Stop by and gain the knowledge and skill to take action in an emergency. The Hands-Only CPR tent is located on Carnes Avenue, east of the Grandstand Ramp. National CPR and AED Awareness Week is June 1-7. This is a Minnesota State Fair Community Gives Together initiative.

Trivia Mafia

Put your thinking caps on and play live trivia challenges led by the folks of Trivia Mafia, known for their popular games at local pubs, breweries and special events. Yes, there are prizes! Trivia Mafia is located in the Grandstand Building, sponsored by T-Mobile, lower level. Each session is approximately 45 minutes. It’s free to play!

  • Thursday & Friday: Games starting at 5, 6:30 & 8 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday: Games starting at 11:30 a.m., 1, 2:30, 4:30 & 6 p.m.

Family Fun Zone

From beanbag toss to giant chess, sidewalk chalk and board games, we’ll have a wide assortment of things to try with your friends and family at the Family Fun Zone, proudly sponsored by Renewal by Andersen. Free to play!

Snap Selfies at Photo Ops

Capture your Kickoff to Summer at the Fair memories at four selfie spots, brought to you by Human Touch – the historic Streetcar Arch, the stunning Welcome Wall near Gate 9, the iconic Grandstand Ramp, and the famous Giant Slide. Don’t forget to tag @mnstatefair!

MathHappens and More

Visit DNR Park for a math play space for all ages brought to you by MathHappens!

Win Door Prizes!

Winners from each day will be randomly drawn from all who purchased Kickoff to Summer at the Fair tickets through Etix and opted in to enter. Winners of fabulous prizes will be notified the week of June 2, sponsored by Minnesota Rusco!

Cheer on Milk Runners

The annual Milk Run 5K Race takes place Saturday, May 24, at 9 a.m. Come support our 2,000 runners as they race through the fairgrounds. A valid admission ticket must be presented to enter the fairgrounds as a runner or spectator. This race sold out, and registration closed March 21. Rain or shine.

Guest Services

Family & Baby Care, formerly known as Care & Assistance, will be open with nursing stations, an adult-size changing table, a sensory-friendly space and wheelchair charging. Located on West Dan Patch Avenue.

ASL services will be provided on request subject to availability – contact accessibility@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4448. (ASL interpreters will be available for the Early Footprints guided history walking tours on Saturday, no reservations needed; see above for details.)

Phone charging stations are sponsored by Treasure Island. Check out an event map for locations.

Event Programs and detailed event maps are available online, or pick up a copy at a fairgrounds information booth, all sponsored by Re-Bath.

Specialty Shopping and Exhibit Booths

Unique finds from artisans and merchants! Visit our Menu & Vendor Offerings page and view our downloadable program and detailed event map for additional details.

  • 3rd Lair SkatePark & SkateShop
  • Airbrushed Caricatures
  • Always Northern Permanent Jewelry
  • Angry Minnow Vintage
  • Crystal Visions
  • Cultural Destinations Boutique – new this year!
  • Every Third Saturday
  • Gifts Made by Hand
  • Glitter Glamper
  • Good Things
  • Gotta Go Gotta Throw
  • Hagen and Oats
  • Human Touch
  • Invisible Wounds Project
  • Kelly’s Candles – new this year!
  • Linh T Vo Art and Illustration – new this year!
  • Mattress Firm
  • Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans
  • Minnesota Rusco
  • Minnesota Star Tribune
  • Must be Ruff
  • Namaste Boutique – new this year!
  • Nikkolette’s Macarons – new this year!
  • Northern Pine Co. Boutique
  • Origami by Kannika – new this year!
  • Paddle North
  • Plow World Power Equipment – new this year!
  • Rainbow Midwest
  • Re-Bath
  • Renewal by Andersen
  • Roots, Shoots & Leaves
  • Ruby’s Pebble Art – new this year!
  • Set Adrift Art – new this year!
  • Sota Clothing
  • State FairWear
  • T-Mobile

Day Sponsor

  • JonnyPops, Saturday, May 24: For one day only, visit the JonnyPops exhibit booth for a delicious, refreshing free sample to kick off summer!

Know Before You Go

Need tickets? Buy in advance online and save $3. For an even bigger deal, buy the Weekday Bundle (four advance Kickoff to Summer tickets for Thursday or Friday) and get 1 free 2025 State Fair admission ticket! Below is the information you need to know before you go:

  • Tickets: Tickets must be printed with the barcode visible, or they may be scanned off your mobile device via the link included in your purchase confirmation email. This email with your tickets was sent from Etix shortly after you completed your online purchase. If you need your confirmation email resent, please contact Etix at 1-800-514-3849.
  • Your day: Check your ticket and arrive anytime during the day you purchased. Only those with tickets for the designated day will be admitted during that time.
  • Entrances: There will be two public entrances: At Snelling and Hoyt avenues, north of the water tower (parking available in the West Blue Lot off Randall Avenue); and at Como Avenue just east of the CHS Miracle of Birth Center (with a large amount of parking available in the South Red Lot). Whether arriving by car, pick-up or drop-off, bike, bus or on foot, all guests will need to make their way to one of these gates to enter the event. Free parking (space is limited)! (Parking & Entrance Map.)
  • Health & safety: The Minnesota State Fair’s security program includes walk-through metal detectors at entry gates. Bags, purses, coolers and packages will be subject to search at each of the event entrances. Prohibited items include:
      • Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to: firearms, knives, objects that appear to be weapons, pepper spray, mace, tasers or other self-defense items
      • Fireworks or other explosive and flammable objects
      • Outside alcoholic beverages or any illegal substance
      • Drones or any remote-controlled toys
      • Bikes, skateboards, skates, hoverboards
      • Pets, including emotional support animals
        • Service animals allowed
      • Face coverings intended to conceal wearer’s identity
        • Religious and health reasons permitted
      • Outside food and drink with the exception of sealed plastic water bottles or an empty reusable water bottle
      • Other items may be refused at the discretion of State Fair management or law enforcement
  • Rain or shine! In case of inclement weather, please bring umbrellas, ponchos or other rain gear.
  • What to bring: Your ticket; board games or a deck of cards if you’d like to kick back and play with friends and family while you’re at the event; cash and credit card if you plan to buy food or merch or participate in ticketed activities. Plus, we’re pretty sure you’ll want to take home fair food to share or save for later, so bring an empty cooler, storage containers and maybe even some foil or plastic wrap!
  • Entertainment and happenings: See the downloadable event program. Printed copies will also be available at the on-site information booths.
  • Pets: Fido and friends, including emotional support animals, will need to stay home. Service dogs that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability are permitted.
  • Designated smoking areas: For the comfort and safety of all, two designated smoking areas are available. Smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens) is permitted only in these areas. See the detailed event map.
  • Wi-Fi: Event hotspot sponsored by DragNFly Wireless. Check out the location in our detailed event map.
  • Cash or credit: For a list of which food vendors accept cash and/or credit, please check out the menus. Merchandise vendors accept cash or credit. The Giant Slide accepts cash only. ATMs are available on-site. Check out the detailed event map.
  • Lost & found: The on-site information booths will house lost & found during the event. Questions: 651-288-4555; lostandfound@mnstatefair.org
  • Souvenir drink bottles: Vendors are not able to refill State Fair souvenir drink bottles at this event.

Electric Mobility Scooters, Strollers, Wagons and Wheelchairs

HomeTown Mobility is accepting reservations for wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters. Reserve online (select “Kickoff to Summer on the MNSF grounds” from the list) or call HomeTown Mobility at 712-938-2029 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time. (Note: Reservations made by phone are subject to a $5 call-in fee.) Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Cancellation must be made 48 hours in advance to receive a refund, less a $5 cancellation fee per rental unit. A valid driver’s license or state ID is required when picking up your rental.

Fees

  • Electric mobility scooter: $75
  • Wheelchair: $30
  • Double stroller: $25
  • Single stroller or wagon: $20

If rented on-site (without a reservation), all equipment is available on a first-come basis with no guarantee of availability.

At the Kickoff event, HomeTown Mobility will have two locations (see Parking & Entrance Map), one inside Gate 16 on the north, and one inside Gate 9/10 on the south by Como Avenue. Cash or credit accepted. Battery charging for personal scooters is not available at the HomeTown Mobility site.

 

All information subject to change.

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Kickoff to Summer at the Fair
is proudly sponsored by

Mattress Firm

Adiago Djay Entertainment

Minnesota Rusco

ReBath

Human Touch

jonny pops logo

cal spas logo

T Mobile logo

renewal by anderson logo

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

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