Don't Miss the 2026 Minnesota State Fair : It's Back Aug 27

Minnesotans, it is almost time for the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday, Aug. 27 through Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 : Labor Day. That is 12 full days of food, music, rides, animals, exhibits, shopping, and plenty of walking.

If you have been saying, “We should go to the fair this year,” this is your reminder to stop talking about it and make a plan.

Late August is one of the best times to enjoy Minnesota. We usually still have warm days, cooler evenings, and just enough of a seasonal change in the air to remind us that fall is right around the corner. Of course, Minnesota weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before you head out and dress for the day.

Why the State Fair Is a Minnesota Tradition

The Minnesota State Fair is more than a place to grab fried food and ride the Ferris wheel. It is one of those traditions that brings together longtime residents, new neighbors, families, friends, farmers, artists, musicians, and visitors from all over the state.

You can spend the day seeing things you do not normally see in the city:

• Livestock and horse shows

• Agriculture exhibits

• 4-H and FFA projects

• Crop art and fine art

• Local vendors and handmade goods

• Educational demonstrations

• Live music and performances

• Carnival rides and classic fair attractions

It is also a great way to enjoy the Twin Cities before summer winds down. Once the fair is over, many families start thinking about school, fall sports, football, cooler nights, and getting the property ready for the next season.

That makes the State Fair a perfect late-summer tradition. You get one more big Minnesota outing before the calendar turns toward fall.

Come Hungry: The Food Is Half the Fun

Let’s be honest: most people go to the State Fair with a food plan, even if they pretend they do not.

The fair has classic favorites that people look forward to every year, including cheese curds, mini donuts, Pronto Pups, fresh-cut fries, corn on the cob, turkey legs, and Sweet Martha’s cookies.

The 2026 fair also brings plenty of new foods for anyone who likes trying something different. A few examples from the official new-food list include:

• Pickle Pie from LuLu’s Public House

• Hmong Corndog from Union Hmong Kitchen

• Korean BBQ Bao Buns from Rooted & Wild by Snack House

• Apple Donut Ham Grinder from the Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop

• Honey Brisket Battered Potatoes

• Mango Sticky Rice Refresher

• Strawberry Crunch Mini Donuts

• Pumpkin Bar Funnel Cake

You can view the official 2026 new foods list before you go. That is a smart move if your group wants to build a food route instead of wandering around hungry and trying to remember where everything is.

Our practical advice: share a few items with your group. That way, you can try more foods without being completely full after your first stop.

Rides, Games, and Family Attractions

The State Fair has something for nearly every age.

Younger kids can enjoy the rides and games at Kidway, while bigger kids and adults can head to the Mighty Midway for larger rides, games, and the usual fairground competition.

There are also classic attractions spread throughout the grounds, such as:

• The Giant Slide

• SkyGlider

• Skyride

• Ye Old Mill

• The Great Big Wheel

• Space Tower

• Adventure Park

• Games where you try to win a prize that is much larger than the car you drove there

If you are bringing children, give everyone a chance to choose one attraction. It keeps the day more enjoyable and prevents the youngest members of the group from spending the entire afternoon being pulled from one place to another.

Free Music and Entertainment

One of the best parts of the Minnesota State Fair is that many shows and performances are included with fair admission.

The official fair entertainment lineup includes approximately 900 shows, more than 100 acts, and performances across multiple stages. You can find music, comedy, dance, demonstrations, contests, cultural performances, and family entertainment.

The fair’s free live music and shows page is a good place to start planning. You can also use the official daily schedule to find activities based on the date you plan to attend.

If you want a larger concert experience, check the Grandstand lineup for ticketed performances and special events.

A good strategy is to choose one or two shows ahead of time, then leave the rest of the day open. The fair is much more fun when you have a basic plan without turning your visit into a strict schedule.

Team Will Tips for a Better Fair Day

Here are a few simple tips from Team Williams:

1. Wear comfortable shoes

You will walk more than you think. The fairgrounds cover a large area, and standing in food lines adds up. Comfortable shoes are not optional.

2. Bring water

You may be able to bring your own food and nonalcoholic beverages. Check the official fair policies and FAQ before you go, especially if you have dietary needs or are visiting with young children.

3. Check the weather

Late August can be warm, sunny, humid, rainy, or all four in the same day. Check the forecast before leaving, bring sunscreen, and consider a light layer for the evening.

4. Plan transportation early

Driving and parking near the fair can be busy. The fair offers free Park & Ride options, bus transportation, rideshare information, bike parking, and limited on-site parking.

The official address is:

Minnesota State Fairgrounds 1265 Snelling Ave. N. St. Paul, MN 55108

Review the official maps and transportation information before your visit. A little planning can save you time and frustration.

5. Use the fair app

The official Minnesota State Fair app includes an interactive map, Food Finder, Shops and Booths Finder, daily schedules, hours, transportation information, and updates. It is useful when your group is hungry and nobody remembers where the food stand is located.

Fair Dates, Hours, and Tickets

The 2026 fair runs from Aug. 27 through Sept. 7.

Opening Day admission is discounted at the gates, with adult admission listed at $18 and senior and child admission listed at $15 for that day. Regular admission prices and ticket information should be checked through the official State Fair ticket page.

The fair’s FAQ states that pre-fair discount admission tickets are available through Aug. 26. Children age four and under are admitted free.

On Labor Day, Sept. 7, the fair has shorter hours. The fairgrounds are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with admission to the fairgrounds until 6 p.m. Check the official hours page before visiting on the final day.

Enjoy the Fair, Then Get Ready for Fall

The State Fair is one of Minnesota’s best ways to enjoy the last stretch of summer. Go for the food, stay for the music, walk through the animal barns, check out the exhibits, ride something that makes you question your decision, and enjoy time with the people you care about.

Then, when the fair is over, fall will be waiting.

Leaves will start changing. Lawns will slow down. Properties will need cleanup before winter. If your yard needs attention after a busy summer, Team Williams Lawn & Snow Services LLC is here to help with fall leaf cleanup, debris removal, lawn care, and seasonal property maintenance.

We also provide snow removal services when Minnesota winter arrives. If you would like to plan ahead, you can book service with Team Williams.

For now, mark your calendar: Aug. 27 through Sept. 7, 2026.

Get out there, enjoy the Great Minnesota Get-Together, and make the most of the good weather while summer is still here.