The Minnesota State Fair 2025 ran for 12 action-packed days from Thursday, August 21, through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. Held annually at the fairgrounds in Falcon Heights between St. Paul and Minneapolis, the event welcomed millions of visitors for agriculture showcases, massive grandstand concerts, and legendary food novelties. Regular adult admission during the fair was $20, while senior and child tickets were priced at $18, with children aged 4 and under entering free.
Navigating the massive event requires planning. Knowing key dates, ticket discounts, ride updates, and food vendor debuts helps maximize time and minimize hassle.
Essential Visitor Information and Dates
The 2025 fairgrounds officially opened daily at 7 a.m., with gate hours running through the evening. Getting there early remains one of the best strategies for beating congestion on Snelling Avenue and securing parking. On-site parking cost $25, prompting many seasoned attendees to utilize park-and-ride shuttle lots scattered across the Twin Cities metro area.
Gate admission prices shifted depending on when tickets were purchased:
- Regular Adult Ticket (Ages 13–64): $20 during the fair
- Senior Ticket (Ages 65+): $18 during the fair
- Child Ticket (Ages 5–12): $18 during the fair
- Children 4 and Under: Free
Special Discount Days
Budget-conscious visitors targeted specific promotional days to save on gate fees and midway wristbands. Opening Day (August 21) featured discounted gate pricing. Seniors Days took place on Monday, August 25, and Thursday, August 28. Military Appreciation Day occurred on Tuesday, August 26, providing reduced admission for active-duty members, veterans, and their families. Kids Days ran on Wednesday, August 27, and Monday, September 1, offering special pricing and ride promotions.
New Attractions and Thrill Rides
The 2025 installment introduced several prominent ride additions and interactive exhibits across the fairgrounds. Thrill-seekers headed straight to the Mighty Midway to experience The Thunderbird, recognized as North America's tallest portable swing ride, lifting passengers 180 feet into the air.
Other notable ride additions included:
- Overdrive: A fast-action spinning thrill ride at the Mighty Midway.
- The Scorpion: A multi-armed pendulum and tilt ride.
- Jumbo and Hampton Space Age: Gentle new family-friendly additions introduced at Kidway.
Beyond the rides, educational and cultural exhibits drew heavy crowds. The NASA-supported Journey to Space exhibit gave visitors an interactive look into life aboard the International Space Station. Meanwhile, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) debuted the "Breaking Barriers" accessibility exhibit alongside an expanded native bird songs display.
Must-Try Food Highlights and New Vendors
Food culture anchors the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The 2025 roster welcomed nearly three dozen brand-new menu items alongside eight fresh permanent vendors. Notable new culinary stops included Lumpia City, serving traditional Filipino fried spring rolls with unique fair twists like ube butter banana French toast lumpia, and Beans & Beignets, offering fresh-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar.
Other crowd favorites making their debut included:
- Chocolate Strawberry Cup: Fresh fruit served with toppings like Dubai chocolate and matcha white chocolate.
- Greater Tater: Jumbo deep-fried tater kegs packed with savory fillings.
- Magdalena's Chimney Cakes: Warm pastry cones filled with ice cream, Nutella, and custom toppings.
Classic staples—such as cheese curds, the Minnesota State Fair Giant Slide, and deep-fried items on a stick—remained essential stops on every culinary itinerary.
Grandstand Concert Series and Free Entertainment
The Grandstand lineup featured a heavy dose of nostalgia and popular touring acts. Headliners ranged from country stars like Old Dominion and Hank Williams Jr. to rock and pop icons including Def Leppard, Daryl Hall, and Nelly.
For visitors prioritizing value, the fair offered more than 900 free shows included with admission. National touring acts performed across multiple free stages, including the West End Market stage and the bandshell. Traditional daily highlights—such as the 2 p.m. marching band parade, the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, and the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash—drew massive daily crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring outside food and drinks into the fair?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring coolers and backpacks containing food and non-alcoholic beverages into the fairgrounds. Bags are subject to search at the gates.
Are pets allowed on the fairgrounds?
Pets are not permitted, with the exception of service animals and animals participating in official fair competitions or exhibitions.
What is the best way to avoid traffic congestion?
Driving directly to the fairgrounds often results in heavy delays. Utilizing the free park-and-ride express bus lots located at various suburban sites around the Twin Cities significantly streamlines arrival and departure.
How many free entertainment acts are available?
Over 900 individual shows, concerts, and educational demonstrations are entirely free to attend with standard gate admission.
