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Minnesota State Fair · Independent Visitor Guide

Minnesota State Fair: Food, Tickets, Concerts, History & Transportation

Plan a visit to the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Explore historic State Fair traditions, famous Minnesota fair foods, agricultural exhibits, Grandstand entertainment, family attractions, tickets, parking and regional transportation.

This independent guide helps visitors research the Fair and discover specific attractions, vendors, restaurants and nearby businesses. If a business is not listed here, use the Google Maps search feature below to look for it directly.

Aug. 26–Sept. 6 2027 Minnesota State Fair dates
1,923,325 2026 attendance
12 Days Annual late-summer celebration
Falcon Heights State Fairgrounds location
The Great Minnesota Get-Together

Why Is the Minnesota State Fair So Famous?

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the country's most prominent annual state fairs. Held over 12 days ending on Labor Day, it combines agriculture, food, entertainment, competition, education and Minnesota culture.

Visitors travel from across Minnesota and from other states to explore hundreds of food offerings, carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, crop art, local businesses, historic fairground buildings, demonstrations and concerts.

Many visitors plan their trip around a specific attraction or vendor. Some search for the newest fair food, a particular restaurant, Grandstand performer, parking area, exhibit building or hotel.

Independent fair research and visitor information

Taxi Minnesota is not the Minnesota State Fair. We do not operate the fairgrounds or sell Fair admission. Check the official Fair website for current rules, ticket prices, opening hours and schedules.

Plan Your Visit

Minnesota State Fair 2027 Dates, Admission Tickets and Hours

The Minnesota State Fair runs for 12 days and concludes on Labor Day. Visitors should check admission information before purchasing tickets or traveling.

Official Dates

August 26 – September 6, 2027

The next scheduled Fair begins Thursday, August 26, and concludes on Labor Day, Monday, September 6, 2027.

Tickets

Admission and Discounts

Advance admission, gate admission, discount programs and special-day promotions are determined by the Fair. Check the current official pricing before making purchases.

Daily Hours

Fairgrounds and Gate Hours

The Fair publishes separate schedules for gate admission, the fairgrounds, rides, food vendors and other activities. The 2027 hours were not yet finalized at the time this guide was prepared.

Food and Minnesota Traditions

Minnesota State Fair Food: Cheese Curds, Cookies, Corn Dogs and New Foods

Food is one of the most recognizable parts of the Minnesota State Fair experience. Visitors frequently research favorite vendors, new food announcements, unusual combinations and traditional fair snacks before arriving.

The selection changes over time, making the annual food announcements an important source for visitors.

Classic Fair Food

Deep-Fried Cheese Curds

A popular Minnesota State Fair favorite. Visitors often search for cheese-curd vendors, stand locations and food recommendations.

Sweet Treats

Sweet Martha's Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are closely associated with State Fair food traditions. Confirm current vendor locations with the official Fair Food Finder.

Traditional Food

Corn Dogs and Pronto Pups

Classic fair food on a stick remains a major part of the visitor experience, with different batters, toppings and vendors across the grounds.

New Food Announcements

What's New at the Fair?

Each year brings new food introductions. The Fair's official announcements identify current offerings and participating vendors.

Minnesota Agriculture

Milk, Dairy and Local Food Traditions

Dairy, agriculture and Minnesota food producers have long been central to the Fair's identity.

Finding a Vendor

Searching for a Specific Food Stand

Search by vendor name or food type in the official Food Finder, or use our Google Maps search if you are looking for a nearby business.

Food vendors change from year to year.

This guide does not claim that every historically popular vendor will attend the 2027 Fair. Verify the official annual Food Finder and new-food announcements.

Official Fair Food Information
Fair Entertainment

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Concerts, Free Music and Daily Events

Concerts and entertainment are major reasons visitors plan a specific State Fair date. Some visitors come primarily to see a performer, while others spend a full day exploring the fairgrounds.

Major Concerts

The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Large concerts and special entertainment performances are held at the Grandstand. Tickets and schedules vary by artist and event.

Included Entertainment

Free Stages and Music

The Fair traditionally offers entertainment at multiple stages, with different performances throughout its run.

Family Activities

Daily Shows and Exhibitions

Visitors can explore demonstrations, educational exhibits, competitions, performances and special activities.

Planning transportation for a concert?

Visitors from eligible locations outside Minneapolis and Saint Paul may request a prearranged ride to the Fair. A continuous, advance-approved hourly wait-and-return reservation may be considered for the original passengers.

Official Entertainment Schedule
Explore the Fairgrounds

What Can You See at the Minnesota State Fair?

The State Fair is more than concerts and food. Its agricultural roots remain visible in livestock competitions, educational programs and traditional exhibits.

Agricultural Heritage

Livestock Barns

Cattle, sheep, swine, poultry and other animal exhibits help explain Minnesota's longstanding agricultural traditions.

Family Education

Miracle of Birth Center

An educational attraction associated with animal births, veterinary care and agricultural awareness.

Minnesota Tradition

Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Minnesota dairy promotion and the well-known butter sculptures connect the Fair with the state's agricultural identity.

Craftsmanship

Creative Activities

Baking, sewing, handicrafts, crop art and other competitions demonstrate the creativity of Minnesota residents.

Art and History

Fine Arts Exhibits

Art and creative competitions have become an important part of the Fair's cultural identity.

Carnival Entertainment

Mighty Midway and Kidway

Games, carnival rides and family entertainment provide a different side of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Historic Minnesota

The History of the Minnesota State Fair and Its Traditions

Minnesota's State Fair has roots in nineteenth-century agricultural exhibitions. The Fair developed as a place where farmers, businesses, communities and families could showcase products, livestock and new technologies.

1859

The First Minnesota State Fair

The first Minnesota State Fair took place in 1859, shortly after Minnesota achieved statehood in 1858. Agricultural fairs helped communities exchange ideas and display achievements.

1885

The Permanent Fairgrounds

In 1885, the Fair began using the permanent site between Minneapolis and Saint Paul, now associated with Falcon Heights.

Agriculture

Livestock and Farm Innovation

Livestock judging, agricultural equipment, crop displays and farm education helped establish the Fair's early importance.

Entertainment

From Exhibitions to Major Concerts

The Fair expanded from its agricultural foundation to include large-scale music, entertainment, food and visitor attractions.

Architecture

Historic Fairgrounds Buildings

The Fairgrounds include structures connected with different periods of Minnesota history. Visitors interested in architecture can explore the evolution of the grounds over time.

Minnesota Culture

The Great Minnesota Get-Together

The Fair's enduring identity is built around agriculture, shared traditions, education, entertainment and the gathering of Minnesotans from across the state.

Historic Attendance

Minnesota State Fair Attendance Records and Crowds

Fair attendance is an important part of its history. Visitors researching busy days, annual records and crowd patterns should distinguish between official attendance figures and predictions for future years.

2026 Attendance

1,923,325

The Minnesota State Fair's officially reported total attendance for its 2026 twelve-day run.

2019 Record Year

2,126,551

The Fair's published annual attendance record was established in 2019.

2018 Daily Record

270,426

The Fair's all-time single-day attendance record, established on a Saturday in 2018.

What attendance means for transportation

Major attendance days may produce significant traffic, congestion, delays and changes to designated passenger drop-off areas. Advance planning is important, especially for long-distance travel.

Official Daily Attendance Records
Getting to the Fair

Minnesota State Fair Parking, Park-and-Ride, Buses and Passenger Drop-Off

The Fairgrounds are located at 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN 55108, within Falcon Heights.

Traffic and parking availability can vary throughout the event. Visitors should choose a transportation plan before departure.

Driving

On-Site Vehicle Parking

Fairgrounds parking is generally first-come, first-served, and parking lots can fill. Confirm the current year’s fees, entrances and availability.

Bus Connections

Free Park-and-Ride

The Fair traditionally offers free park-and-ride services from designated off-site locations. The exact lots and schedules are published by the Fair.

Public Transit

Express Bus Service

Transit providers may operate direct Fair services during the annual event. Route details, fares and schedules require confirmation.

Taxi Arrival

Designated Taxi Locations

The Fair's published accessibility and transportation information identifies taxi access near Loop Gate 9 on Como Avenue. Confirm updated arrangements for the year of travel.

Maps

Fairgrounds Entrances and Maps

Gates, exhibit areas, transit hubs and walking routes can affect where passengers should arrive and how far they must walk.

Traffic

Highway Conditions and Closures

Use Minnesota 511 and local event traffic information before traveling, particularly if coming from another county.

Visitor Accommodations

Minnesota State Fair Hotels, Restaurants and Nearby Businesses

Visitors traveling from distant cities may need a hotel before or after attending the Fair. Nearby accommodations and restaurants may fill quickly during popular event dates.

Hotel Search

Hotels Near the State Fairgrounds

Search Falcon Heights, Roseville and nearby Saint Paul for accommodations that meet your travel needs.

Restaurant Search

Restaurants Near the Fair

Visitors may want a restaurant outside the grounds for a meal, family gathering or business meeting.

Convenience

Pharmacies, Stores and Essential Services

Travelers may need groceries, medication, travel supplies or other nearby businesses during a multi-day visit.

Search for a specific hotel or business

This independent guide does not list every accommodation or restaurant. Google Maps can help visitors locate additional businesses by name or category.

Taxi Minnesota

Long-Distance Passenger Transportation to the Minnesota State Fair

Travelers from eligible Minnesota communities may request prearranged passenger transportation to the Fairgrounds.

Long-distance reservations can be useful for visitors who do not want to drive, cannot arrange local rideshare service, or prefer to plan a return trip in advance.

Long-Distance Trips

Regional Transportation to the Fair

Requests may be considered from eligible Minnesota towns and rural communities, subject to driver availability and trip approval.

Continuous Reservation

Wait During the Fair and Return Home

An advance-approved hourly reservation may allow the assigned driver to wait and transport the original passengers back to their eligible origin.

Rural Transportation

When Rideshare Availability Is Limited

Visitors coming from a rural town may have limited access to on-demand transportation. An accepted prearranged reservation can provide an alternative.

Airport Connection

Fair Visitors Arriving by Air

Eligible airport pickups may be requested separately, with the destination and complete travel details provided in advance.

Family and Event Travel

Groups, Families and Special Occasions

Submit passenger count, destination, luggage needs and timing when requesting transportation. Vehicle size and availability must be confirmed.

Drop-Off Planning

Safe Designated Meeting Points

Driver access depends on permitted roads, event traffic and designated passenger locations. No unauthorized roadway stopping or gate access is promised.

Minneapolis and Saint Paul Pickup Restrictions

Taxi Minnesota does not accept new standalone passenger pickups originating within Minneapolis or Saint Paul city limits.

Eligible trips beginning outside these cities may include drop-offs within them. A continuous, advance-approved hourly reservation may include waiting and returning the same original passengers to their out-of-city origin.

The State Fairgrounds are located in Falcon Heights, not within Saint Paul city limits, despite their Saint Paul postal address. Pickup eligibility still depends on the specific location and accepted reservation.

24-Hour Service Requests and Electronic Prepayment

Taxi Minnesota accepts prearranged service requests 24 hours a day, subject to driver availability, trip acceptance, eligible pickup locations, traffic and road conditions.

Electronic prepayment is required before dispatch. Cash does not confirm a reservation. Minimum purchase requirements and travel-to-pickup charges may apply.

Submit the online reservation before any callback or dispatch coordination.

Request State Fair Transportation
Minnesota State Fair Questions

Answers About the Fair, Tickets, Food, Parking and Transportation

When is the 2027 Minnesota State Fair?

The Fair is scheduled for August 26 through Labor Day, September 6, 2027.

Where is the Minnesota State Fair?

The fairgrounds are located in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. The published postal address is 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN 55108.

Where can I purchase State Fair tickets?

Use the official Minnesota State Fair website for authorized ticket information, current prices and admission rules.

What are the most famous Minnesota State Fair foods?

Famous favorites include cheese curds, chocolate chip cookies, corn dogs, Pronto Pups, mini donuts and many foods served on sticks.

Where can I find new Minnesota State Fair foods?

The Fair publishes annual new-food announcements and food-vendor information on its official website and app.

How do I find a particular food vendor?

Search the official Fair Food Finder. For surrounding businesses, use the Google Maps search tool included in this guide.

What if the restaurant or hotel I want is not listed?

Enter its name in our search field and click Search Google Maps. Google Maps opens in a new tab, preserving this Taxi Minnesota page.

Is parking available at the Minnesota State Fair?

The Fair traditionally offers on-site parking and other transportation arrangements, including park-and-ride options. Check the current year's official details.

How many people attended the 2026 Fair?

Official attendance for 2026 was 1,923,325 visitors.

Can Taxi Minnesota provide long-distance transportation to the Fair?

Eligible prearranged trips may be requested from Minnesota communities, subject to driver availability, trip acceptance and payment requirements.

Can I reserve a taxi to wait while I visit?

An approved continuous hourly reservation may include an assigned driver waiting and returning the original passengers to their eligible origin. This arrangement must be accepted in advance.

Is Taxi Minnesota affiliated with the State Fair?

No. Taxi Minnesota is an independent passenger transportation business and does not represent or operate the Minnesota State Fair.

Official Sources

Minnesota State Fair Maps, Tickets, Food and Visitor Resources

Use these links to verify current information before traveling or purchasing tickets.

Independent visitor guide

Taxi Minnesota is not affiliated with the Minnesota State Fair, its organizers, concession operators or entertainment providers. Event details may change without notice.

Visiting Minnesota?

Plan your State Fair transportation in advance.

Explore Fair food, music, history and attractions, then submit your complete travel details for Taxi Minnesota reservation review.