Become A Vendor FAQ

What are the dates of the Minnesota State Fair?

The Minnesota State Fair is always 12 days of fun ending Labor Day. The 2019 fair runs Aug. 22 – Sept. 2.

How many people attend the Minnesota State Fair?

In 2018, more than 2 million people attended the Minnesota State Fair over the course of 12 days.

See daily attendance figures

How do I submit my registration?

Please email your registration to sales@mnstatefair.org or mail to:

Minnesota State Fair
Attn: Concessions & Exhibits
1265 Snelling Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55108

When are registrations due?

There is no due date for vendor registrations.

Is space still available for the upcoming fair?

Selection of new vendor space will continue until all available spaces are filled.

Is there a cost to submit a registration?

There is no cost to submit a registration.

How are vendors chosen?

The Minnesota State Fair does not maintain a waiting list. As licensing opportunities become available, vendors are selected from the pool of registrations submitted. Several criteria are considered in registration review: 1) experience at other fairs or shows; 2) booth presentation and appearance; 3) balance of similar products/services around the fairgrounds; 4) appropriateness of product, service or presentation to the available site; and 5) physical requirements.

Can I open for just a weekend or select days?

Vendors must operate all 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair. There may be opportunities available as a corporate mobile marketer.

Learn more about mobile marketing

What is included with the cost of booth rental?

Pipe and draping may be included in certain locations on the fairgrounds. Utility hook-ups, fair admission and parking are not included in the fees.

What if I need electricity?

Electricity can be provided in almost every indoor and outdoor location. Rates vary by the amount of electricity needed.

Will I need to obtain admission tickets for all of my employees?

The Minnesota State Fair has an “everyone pays” policy, so all vendors and their employees must present an admission ticket. Reduced-rate admission tickets may be purchased prior to the start of the fair.

Where can I park?

Vendors are responsible for their own parking and transportation arrangements. Parking is available in State Fair public parking lots for $14.

Learn more about transportation

Is free Wi-Fi available?

Select areas of the fairgrounds have free Wi-Fi for fair guests. Internet services must be ordered through the IT department.

What type of insurance do I need?

All vendors must provide a certificate of insurance including general liability. The policy dates must cover the dates of the fair and must note the Minnesota State Fair as additional insured.

Can I rent tables or chairs from the Minnesota State Fair?

No, but you may rent from any vendor of your choice. Brede is our designated decorating company, and they are located on site.

Is RV or camping space available?

We recommend that you inquire early about camping, as space is very limited on the fairgrounds. Please make arrangements by contacting campgrounds@mnstatefair.org.

What types of permits are required?

Vendors selling or sampling food must obtain the appropriate permits from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and/or the Minnesota Department of Health.

If chosen as a vendor, when would booth rental fees be due?

Due dates for payment depend on when the license for space is issued. Typically, the first half of the balance is due early May or two weeks after the license is offered.

Will I need to apply for space every year if I’m not chosen as a vendor?

All registrations are kept on file for three years, but we do recommend that you update your registration with current photos.

Do I need to charge sales tax?

You may search for Minnesota sales tax information at taxes.state.mn.us.

Are sponsorship opportunities available?

Please refer to our Corporate Sponsorships page.

Learn more about corporate sponsorships