The Minnesota State Fair 2025 ran from Thursday, August 21, through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. Known as the Great Minnesota Get-Together, this 12-day exposition drew hundreds of thousands of visitors to Falcon Heights for deep-fried foods on a stick, agricultural exhibits, and massive concerts. If you missed out or want to review how the 2025 season shaped up, here is the essential breakdown of ticket costs, attendance facts, and the famous Grandstand concert series.
Essential Dates and Admission Prices
The 2025 fair spanned 12 days, wrapping up on Labor Day. Advance-sale admission tickets were priced at $17 for adults and seniors. Once the gates opened on August 21, standard gate admission shifted to $20 for adults (ages 13–64) and $18 for seniors (65 and older) as well as children (ages 5–12). Children aged 4 and under entered for free.
Discount days provided budget-friendly alternatives for families:
- Opening Day (Aug. 21): Lowered rates to $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and kids.
- Seniors Days (Aug. 25 and 28): Offered reduced tickets for visitors 65 and older.
- Military Appreciation Day (Aug. 26): Extended $15 admission to active-duty personnel, veterans, and their spouses.
- Kids Days (Aug. 27 and Sept. 1): Discounted entry for children ages 5 to 12.
For more details on upcoming seasons, check the official Minnesota State Fair website.
The 2025 Grandstand Concert Lineup
The Grandstand stadium hosted a diverse roster of country pop, classic rock, hip-hop, and indie icons. Ticket prices for concerts varied by artist, typically ranging from $33 to over $160, which included fair admission.
- August 21: Old Dominion with special guest Yam Haus
- August 22: Meghan Trainor with ellis
- August 23: The Current's Music On-A-Stick featuring Atmosphere & Friends, Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde, and DJ Abilities
- August 24: Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls (Yes We Are Tour)
- August 25: Happy Together Tour 2025 with The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, and The Cowsills
- August 26: Def Leppard with Brother Cane
- August 27: Hank Williams Jr. with Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
- August 28: Daryl Hall with The Rascals (stepping in after initial schedule adjustments)
- August 29: The Avett Brothers with The Milk Carton Kids
- August 30: Nelly with Ja Rule, Mýa, and Ying Yang Twins
- August 31: Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals
- September 1: The Rock and Roll Playhouse plays the music of Taylor Swift and more for kids, featuring Bri & The Anti-Heroes
Regional coverage of these performances and local highlights can be followed through MPR News.
Getting Around, Parking, and Transit
Navigating the fairgrounds requires a bit of planning due to high traffic volume. In 2025, standard public parking in official fair lots increased to $25 per vehicle. Motorcyclists paid the flat $25 fee in standard lots, though a dedicated motorcycle lot on Como Avenue offered a reduced rate of $15. Free bike corrals were maintained at multiple gates, including Loop Gate #9, North End Gate #2, and Randle Avenue-Buford Gate #16.
Many visitors opted for express park-and-ride shuttle lots or regional transit options like Metro Transit, which ran dedicated bus routes to reduce congestion around Falcon Heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring outside food and drinks into the fairgrounds?
Yes, visitors are permitted to bring coolers and backpacks containing food and non-alcoholic beverages. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited at the gates.
Are pets allowed on the fairgrounds?
Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals and animals participating in official fair exhibitions or competitions.
How do Grandstand concert tickets work?
Purchasing a ticket for a Grandstand show grants you admission to the fairgrounds for that specific day, meaning you don't need to buy a separate general admission ticket just to attend the concert.
Where can I find official ride and food guides?
The fair updates its official mobile application and website annually in August to include interactive maps, calorie counts for new foods, and daily schedules for minor stages like the Bandshell and West End Market.
