Minnesota State Fair 2024 in Midwest

The Minnesota State Fair is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. It takes place every year in late August-early September at the Saint Paul campus of the University of Minnesota in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, halfway between the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The fair has a traditional agricultural emphasis on livestock shows and delicious food. Moreover, the event offers live music, various performances, rides, games, and endless fun.

Schedule

Spanning 12 days, the fairgrounds come alive from 7 am to 11 pm (closing at 9 pm on Labor Day), offering a plethora of activities and attractions for all ages.

Grandstand Stage Lineup

Becky G kicks things off on August 22, followed by Chance The Rapper on August 23. Nate Bargatze brings the laughs on August 24, while Blake Shelton brings country vibes on August 25. The Happy Together Tour lights up August 26, with Ludacris & T-Pain following on August 27. Mötley Crüe rocks the stage on August 29, Matchbox Twenty on August 30, and Stephen Sanchez on August 31. Finally, Kidz Bop Live wraps up the festivities on September 2! Ticket prices range from $24 to $207 for all seats reserved, with party deck tickets priced from $48 to $154.

Carnival

Adventure Park features extreme rides, while Kidway delights younger fairgoers. Mighty Midway boasts rides, games, and delicious concessions. Enjoy endless fun from 10 am to 11 pm daily (9 pm on Labor Day). Convenient Fun Cards replace paper tickets for rides and games. Ticket pricing options include $1 for an individual ticket, $30 for 33 tickets, or $60 for 70 tickets.

Culinary Scene

The fair's culinary scene is another highlight, with a focus on new foods and beverages each year. Visitors can indulge in innovative creations like Brewzo Lager infused with a touch of licorice or deep-fried cake-flavored beer, alongside classic fair favorites.

Free Concerts

Live music and entertainment are a staple of the Minnesota State Fair experience, with over 900 shows and 100+ acts spread across various stages. From the Family Fair Stage featuring talents like Mark Hayward, the world yo-yo champion, to the International Bazaar Stage offering a vibrant array of cultural performances, there's something for every musical taste. The Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Schell's Stage at Schilling Amphitheater, and The North Woods Stage also host a lineup of diverse performances, ensuring non-stop entertainment throughout the day and night, at no extra charge(included in the cost of fair admission)!

Competitions

From 4-H showcases to the Ag-Hort-Bee contests, the Minnesota State Fair provides intense competitions. Amateur Talent Contests and Fine Arts exhibits offer opportunities for performers and artists to shine. Creative Activities highlight craftsmanship, while the Horse Show displays diverse equine talents. Students showcase creativity, and Livestock Exhibitors compete for recognition. Don't miss the Milk Run 5K Race or the vibrant high school marching band performances.

General Admission

The tickets are priced at $18 for adults (ages 13-64), $16 for seniors (65+), and $16 for kids (ages 5-12). Children age four and under get in for free. Pre-fair discount tickets are $15. These discounted tickets, valid for any day of the fair from August 22 to September 2, are available online or by phone through Etix.

Butter Sculpture

Since 1898, the iconic butter sculpture has been a longstanding tradition at the fair. Each year, a new Princess Kay of the Milky Way is selected to represent the dairy industry of the state. She has to pose for several hours in a glass-walled refrigerator as a 41 kg block of butter is carved into a sculpture.

History

In 2015, The Minnesota State Fair was voted the best state fair in the US by the USA Today readership. With its rich history dating back to 1859, the Minnesota State Fair continues to attract nearly 2 million people annually with its thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious eats.