Aug. 27 – Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2026
81 Days 9 Hours 40 Mins
Deals & Discounts
Planning your visit to the 2026 Minnesota State Fair on a budget? From discount admission days to food deals and ride specials, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your fair budget.
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Ways to Save!
Buy Early
One of the easiest ways to save is by purchasing your 2026 pre-fair discount gate admission tickets before the fair begins. Buying in advance helps you lock in lower prices before heading to the gates. Get yours for just $17 through Aug. 26.
Load on more savings and buy your ride & game tickets in advance at discounted prices.
Don’t Skip the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book
The Blue Ribbon Bargain Book is only $5 and packed with coupons and discounts from vendors across the fairgrounds. It’s one of the best tools for saving money on food, shopping and attractions during your visit. Buy it where pre-fair discount tickets are sold or during the State Fair at Minnesota State Fair Foundation Blue Ribbon Bargain Book Carts (located on our map) and in State FairWear Gift Shops.
Save on Rides & Games
If Mighty Midway, Kidway or Adventure Park are on your must-do list, plan your visit around special weekday ride & game promotions. Select days feature discounted ride tickets and game specials, making it easier to stretch your budget while still enjoying the fun. In 2026, all day discounts are offered on:
- Thursday, Aug. 27
- Monday, Aug. 31
- Tuesday, Sept. 1
- Wednesday, Sept. 2
- Monday, Sept. 7
Pick Up a Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide
Proudly sponsored by Human Touch! It highlights:
- Daily discounts
- Free samples and giveaways
- Budget-friendly food finds
- Hidden fair bargains
Be sure to grab this free guide at any information booth. You can also browse deals online using our Food Finder & Shops Finder.
Pick the Right Day to Visit
Discount Days
Several weekdays during the fair offer discounted admission for specific groups, plus extra deals on food, merchandise and attractions. Don’t forget – no matter the day, children 4 and under are always free.
Opening Day: Thursday, Aug. 27
Kick off the fair with reduced admission prices for everyone:
- Adults, 13-64: $18
- Seniors, 65+: $15
- Kids, 5-12: $15
Deals on merchandise and food for all fair guests, all-day ride & game discounts.
Seniors Days: Monday, Aug. 31, and Thursday, Sept. 3
Guests 65+ enjoy discounted gate admission:
- Seniors, 65+: $15
Deals on merchandise and food for all fair guests, plus all-day ride & game discounts on Monday!
Military Appreciation Day: Tuesday, Sept. 1
Special admission pricing is available with valid service documentation for active military, their spouses and kids; veterans and spouses; and retired military and spouses:
- Adults, seniors and kids: $15*
Deals on merchandise and food for all fair guests, all-day ride & game discounts.
*Requires valid documentation of service.
Kids Days: Wednesday, Sept. 2, and Monday, Sept. 7
Families can save with discounted admission for children:
- Kids, 5-12: $15
Deals on merchandise and food for all fair guests, all-day ride & game discounts.
Visit on the Last Day for Extra Deals
Labor Day is known for some of the best bargains of the fair. Vendors often offer end-of-fair specials on food and merchandise, and the Last Chance flier rounds them all up in one place. Pick one up at an information booth or find it online on Labor Day to catch the final deals before the fair wraps up.
Don’t Pay for Parking
Free transportation to the fair is widely available! Plan and take a Minnesota State Fair free Park & Ride bus from 30+ locations a short distance from the fairgrounds. Coming from a little farther out? Metro Transit, SouthWest Transit and MVTA all offer Express Bus services to the fairgrounds too! Costs vary by provider; round-trip rides are around $6 per rider.
Focus on Free
It’s easy to fill a fair day with all the activities that come free with fair admission! Check out our daily schedules for a list of detailed happenings. Some highlights include:
- Livestock & Horse Shows: There’s always something going on down in the barns! Stop by Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, Compeer Arena and any of the barns to see animals in action.
- Free Entertainment on Fair Stages: All day long, all 12 days of the State Fair! View the lineup.
- Arts A’Fair & Joyful World Mural Park: Watch a plethora of pop-up live performances, and stop by to see live mural painting right on the fairgrounds.
- Dan Patch Park: Rotating daily festivals with performances, exhibits and more.
- Exhibit Buildings: Stroll through Creative Activities, the Agriculture Horticulture Building, the North End Event Center, History & Heritage Center, Education Building, Fine Arts Center, 4-H Building and more for endless education and entertainment.
- Educational Activities: Perfect for families, educational exhibits such as Math On-A-Stick, Alphabet Forest and Little Farm Hands combine learning with fun hands-on activities.
- Pet Pavilions: Discover your new favorite breed, catch a dog agility demonstration or watch live spay & neuter surgeries by real veterinarians. Find the Pet Pavilions at the North End.
- Daily Parade: Starting at 2 p.m. each day, the parade features the high school marching band competition, floats, animals, specialty units, visiting royalty and more!
- Sponsor & Touring Promotional Exhibits: Stroll through traveling exhibits for free samples, photo ops and fun activations. Located on Wright Avenue and throughout the fairgrounds.
Taste the Savings
BYO Food & Beverage
Did you know, guests can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the fairgrounds? It's true! Pack a cooler and your reusable water bottle; there are many water refill stations located throughout the fairgrounds (located on our map).
Find Affordable Fair Foods
Many vendors offer affordable ways to get your fair food fix. Check back later this summer for a list of $5 and under fair foods in 2026!
Save on Sips
Food & beverage vendors around the fairgrounds offer discounted refills with a Minnesota State Fair Souvenir Cup. Best part? You can bring it back year after year for the same savings!
