Aug. 26 – Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2021
29 Days 5 Hours 52 Mins
General Info
2020 Cancellation
The 2020 Minnesota State Fair was canceled on May 22, 2020. A message from Minnesota State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer: “Dear Friends, We’ve been working hard and doing our very best with preparations for the 2020 State Fair. The picture was cloudy in March, but things have cleared up considerably since then. Right now […]
Accessibility Guide
Please note: This information has not yet been updated for 2021. Please check back in the spring and summer! The Minnesota State Fair is committed to providing equal access and a pleasant experience for all its guests. Services provided include electric mobility scooters, strollers, wagon and wheelchair rentals, accessible parking, a wheelchair accessible park & […]
Avoiding Construction
For the most current traffic and weather-related driving conditions on state highways, visit www.511mn.org. You can also visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation website for information on traffic detours, maps and other details about construction projects currently underway.
Contact Us
Mailing & Physical Address Minnesota State Fair 1265 Snelling Avenue North St. Paul, MN 55108-3003 Maps & Directions Phone Number 651-288-4400 Email Contact Us! More Information (Click each link for more department information) Accessible Services 651-288-4448 Advertising Amateur Talent Contest 651-288-4395 Becoming a Vendor 651-288-4456 Competition Department 651-288-4417 Concessions & Exhibits 651-288-4456 Daily Parade Donations […]
Daily Schedules
Daily schedules can also be picked up at any information booth during the State Fair (see State Fair map for locations) or viewed here! Thursday, Aug. 26 Friday, Aug. 27 Saturday, Aug. 28 Sunday, Aug. 29 Monday, Aug. 30 Tuesday, Aug. 31 Wednesday, Sept. 1 Thursday, Sept. 2 Friday, Sept. 3 Saturday, Sept. 4 Sunday, […]
Facility Rental
Where Minnesota Gets Together Year-Round! Creating memories and bringing traditions to life… 365 days a year! Learn more about facility rental at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in 2021! Events & Facility Rental Looking for the perfect venue for your next get-together? Consider renting one of our many versatile State Fair buildings (subject to seasonal availability). […]
Grandstand Info Guide
Accessible Seating Guests using wheelchairs may enter by way of the ramp at the west end of the Grandstand, the Grandstand Ramp from Carnes Avenue or the elevators at the east and west ends of the Grandstand. For further information, call 651-288-4427. Admission to the Fair Everyone entering the fairgrounds must present a valid ticket […]
Groups
Party Together! Get your group together at Heffron Park’s Horton Pavilions during the State Fair! Located just east of the Grandstand, this by-reservation-only picnic area welcomes groups, rain or shine. A great place for company picnics, appreciation dinners, class reunions, anniversary parties or family celebrations! Private, covered pavilion event space available between 8 a.m. and […]
History: Historic Buildings & Landmarks
History Pin Explore 12 of the Minnesota State Fair’s most historically significant spots in this virtual walking tour we’ve posted on History Pin. Get interesting “Then” and “Now” insight and see historical photos. If you see a white line with a pink dot at the top of a photo, drag the pink dot along the […]
History: Historical Photo Gallery
1903 The (Main) Agriculture Building 1906 Crowd at the Grandstand and Infield 1907 View of the Hippodrome from the Grandstand 1909 Construction of the current Grandstand 1912 Streetcar Loop south of the Grandstand 1913 Cattle judging in the Hippodrome 1922 Lillian Boyer ascending a rope in a car-to-plane stunt 1927 Aircraft Show on Machinery Hill […]
History: Overview
After three years of territorial fairs, the first Minnesota State Fair was held in 1859 near what became downtown Minneapolis. This was a year after Minnesota was granted statehood. During the fair’s early years, the site of the exposition changed annually with stops in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Red Wing, Winona and Owatonna. In the […]
History: Trivia
What is the oldest food concession on the fairgrounds? Hamline Church Dining Hall, which began operating in 1897 When did the All You Can Drink Milk tradition begin? 1955 Fresh French Fries made its debut at the fair in what year? 1973 When was the Pronto Pup introduced at the State Fair? 1947 In what […]
Hours
General Fairgrounds 6 a.m. to midnight 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Labor Day Fairgrounds Gates (ticket booths) 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Labor Day Guest Services Bargain Book & State Fair Poster Carts 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Care & Assistance 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 8 a.m. […]
Inclement Weather
In the event of severe weather at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, the State Fair Police Department and staff will work closely to ensure the safety of all. If you are on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds when severe weather becomes imminent: The National Weather Service notifies State Fair Police ahead of time, as soon as severe […]
Kids Guide
Visiting with Young Children As we continue to plan the 2021 Minnesota State Fair, this information is subject to change and will be updated throughout the summer. Ways to Save Admission Children 4 and under are always free – every day! Admission for kids ages 5-12 is discounted on these days when you purchase tickets […]
Maps
Driving Directions Coming from the north: Take I-35W south. Merge onto Highway 36 East via Exit 23B on the left. Exit onto Snelling Avenue South. Coming from the south: Take I-35W north to I-94 East. Exit on Snelling Avenue, then turn left and head north. Or take I-35E north to I-94 west. Exit on Snelling […]
Minnesota State Fair Campground
Campground The campground application is now closed for 2021. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please call the campground office at 651-642-2379. After June 22, we will start taking applications for the waiting list via email and over the phone. If you are a vendor, entertainer or employee looking to […]
Minnesota State Fair Foundation
The Minnesota State Fair Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that preserves and improves the historic Minnesota State Fairgrounds, and supports State Fair agricultural, scientific and educational programs. To learn more about the Foundation, its impact and how to contribute, visit msffoundation.org. Bricks, Benches & Tables Placing a personalized brick, bench or table on the […]
Other Shopping Opportunities
Looking for ways to get your State Fair shopping fix? Want to have a small piece of the Minnesota State Fair in your home? Check out these options! StateFairWear.com T-shirts and sweatshirts and buttons and drinkware and face coverings, oh my! There’s something for everyone at StateFairWear.com. Visit this site to get your hands on […]
Our Commitment to Privacy
Your privacy is important to the Minnesota State Fair. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage. The Information We […]
Shopping Destinations
Visitors headed to the Minnesota State Fair certainly won’t find a shortage of shopping, specialty merchants and unique artisans. From goods, gadgets and gear to crafts, collectibles and confections, the hundreds of vendors on the fairgrounds offer exceptional merchandise and stellar savings. In addition to the great shopping in the locations listed below, while you’re […]
Specialty Brews & Beverages
We’re working on compiling the latest and greatest – and tastiest! – in specialty brews and beverages found only during or debuting at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Check back this summer for the full list!
Take the Fair with You!
Please note: This information has not yet been updated for 2021. Check back soon! State Fair App Search the iPhone App Store or Android Market to download the Minnesota State Fair App. It’s absolutely free and features our famous Food Finder, Fun Finder and Merch Search tools to help you find your favorites at The […]
Website Accessibility Statement
Goal of Accessibility for All The Minnesota State Fair strives to provide a positive and inclusive customer experience by enabling all of our customers to gather information and transact business through our website. Whether you are using assistive technologies such as a screen reader, magnifier, voice recognition software or captions for videos, our goal is […]
Winter Storage Information
Minnesota State Fair Storage Information The Minnesota State Fair stores automobiles, trucks, boats, motor homes, travel trailers, etc., in exhibit and livestock buildings from late October until late March/early April of each year. Storage space and drop-off appointments for the 2021-2022 storage season will be allocated on a first-come basis beginning with forms received on […]
History: Timeline
1850-1859 1854: Minnesota Territorial Agricultural Society founded (governing body of the fair) 1855: First territorial fair, held in Minneapolis 1857: Territorial fair moves to St. Paul 1858: Minnesota admitted to the Union (no fair due to lack of funds) 1859: First State Fair, held in Minneapolis 1860-1869 1860: State Fair held at Fort Snelling 1861: […]
History: 2020 Anniversaries
Anniversaries 160 Years 1860: State Fair held at Fort Snelling 145 Years 1875: Known as “the grasshopper year,” the grasshopper plague was the worst in history ★ Percheron and Norman draft horses made their first appearance 135 Years 1885: The first year on the permanent fairgrounds 130 Years 1890: Named the “Farmer’s Fair” after the […]