Planning a trip to the historic Get-Together requires a solid strategy for handling gate fees, ride passes, and gate schedules. Regular adult admission during the run of the fair is twenty dollars for visitors ages 13 to 64. Seniors (65 and older) and kids (ages 5 to 12) pay eighteen dollars, while children 4 and under get in free every day of the event. Knowing how to secure advance discounts and navigate gate policies helps you save money before you step onto the fairgrounds.
Understanding ticketing options well in advance prevents long lines at the gates and keeps your entertainment budget under control. Advance purchases, special discount days, and midways passes offer smart ways to shave costs off a family outing.
Admission Pricing Structure
Gate prices shift depending on when and where you buy your entry passes. Buying early lowers your upfront costs.
- Pre-Fair Discount Tickets: Available online through official vendors or at participating retail outlets before the fair starts, advance adult tickets drop to seventeen dollars.
- Regular Gate Admission: Once the fair opens, adult tickets (ages 13-64) cost twenty dollars.
- Seniors and Children: Seniors (65+) and children (5-12) pay eighteen dollars at the gate during regular fair days.
- Young Children: Kids aged 4 and younger enjoy free admission at all times without needing a ticket.
Tickets purchased for general admission are valid for any single day of the event for any guest age 5 and older. They are non-refundable, so check your calendar carefully before purchasing large batches for family members or groups. More analysis by Travel + Leisure explores similar perspectives on this issue.
Where to Buy Advance Tickets
You don't have to wait until you reach the turnstiles to grab your entry passes. Multiple purchasing channels make securing admission straightforward.
- Online Platforms: Official digital ticketing is handled through authorized ticketing partners like Etix, where you can purchase print-at-home or mobile-scannable passes.
- On-Site Box Office: The official State Fair main ticket office sells advance passes directly ahead of opening day.
- Retail Outlets: Select grocery stores—notably participating Cub locations across the Twin Cities metro area and regional outlets in greater Minnesota and western Wisconsin—stock physical pre-fair tickets.
Purchasing physical tickets at local retail partners also lets you pick up other valuable savings items at the same time.
Special Discount Days and Group Savings
Targeting specific dates on the calendar can lower admission costs significantly for families and eligible groups.
Opening day typically features reduced gate pricing across all age brackets, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious visitors. Designated senior days offer reduced admission for older adults, while military appreciation days provide lower rates for active-duty service members, veterans, and their immediate families.
Families can also take advantage of specific kids' days when youth admission drops below standard rates. Reviewing the daily schedule before your visit ensures you line up your trip with a promotional window that matches your group.
Saving Money on Rides and Attractions
Midway and Kidway rides can drain a wallet quickly if you pay cash or buy individual tokens at the booths. Planning ahead for amusement passes keeps ride costs manageable.
- Fun Cards: Pre-fair Fun Cards loaded with ride credits can be purchased at a discount through local grocery partners or online platforms prior to opening day.
- Ride Specials: Several select weekdays feature all-day promotions where rides and games offer reduced ticket requirements or special pricing.
- Blue Ribbon Bargain Book: This coupon booklet provides substantial savings on food, merchandise, and non-ride attractions across the grounds. It can be bought at information booths, gift shops, and select retail outlets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A smooth fair experience depends on avoiding simple logistical errors that catch visitors off guard every year.
- Buying from Unauthorized Resellers: Stick to official channels like the Minnesota State Fair Official Site or authorized physical outlets. Third-party ticket marketplaces often inflate prices or sell invalid passes.
- Waiting Until Peak Gate Hours: Lines at physical ticket windows peak mid-morning. Buying digital tickets ahead of time lets you bypass the longest queues.
- Forgetting Transit Planning: Admission tickets do not cover parking or public transit costs. Factor parking lot fees or bus fares into your total daily budget.
- Overlooking Value Food Options: You don't have to spend a fortune on meals. The official fair food finder includes a specific filter for budget-friendly value items priced under five dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I buy tickets and cannot attend?
Fair admission tickets are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable. If your plans change, you can transfer unused standard admission tickets to another guest, as they are not tied to a specific person's name.
Are pets allowed on the fairgrounds?
Pets are not permitted on the fairgrounds, with the exception of trained service animals. Comfort animals and pets left in vehicles face strict safety restrictions.
Do I need to print my digital tickets?
Digital tickets purchased online can be scanned directly from your smartphone screen at the gates. Turning up your phone's screen brightness helps speed up the entry scanning process.
Can I leave the fairgrounds and return later the same day?
Yes, hand stamps are available at the gates if you need to exit the grounds temporarily and return later during the same operating day. Be sure to check with gate staff before stepping outside.
