The Ultimate Guide To The Minnesota State Fair 2024: Your Must-Know Planner

As the days grow shorter and the crispness of autumn hints in the air, Minnesotans and visitors alike turn their thoughts to one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The 2024 Minnesota State Fair is gearing up to once again welcome millions, offering a vibrant tapestry of entertainment, education, and, of course, an unparalleled culinary adventure. This iconic tradition is more than just a fair; it's a celebration of community, agriculture, and innovation that brings people together from every corner of the state and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned fairgoer or planning your very first visit, preparing for the sheer scale and excitement of the Minnesota State Fair 2024 is key to maximizing your experience.

This comprehensive guide is designed to be your indispensable companion, ensuring you have all the essential information at your fingertips. From the moment you start planning your trip to the last bite of a deep-fried delight, we've got you covered. We'll delve into everything you need to know, from securing your tickets and navigating the fairgrounds to discovering the hottest new attractions, savoring the best food, and catching unforgettable live music. Don’t miss one of the most popular events of the year; find out what to see, eat, and do at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair with our ultimate guide!

Table of Contents

• Unveiling the Great Minnesota Get-Together: Dates and Hours
  • Fairground Hours and Daily Schedule
• Navigating Your Visit: Tickets, Admission, and Savings
  • Admission Details and Special Deals
• Getting There: Transportation and Parking Solutions
  • Park and Ride & New Transportation Options
• A Feast for the Senses: Food and Culinary Delights
• Thrills and Wonders: Activities and Entertainment
  • The Mighty Midway and Grandstand Concerts
• Discovering What's New at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair
• Accessibility and Fairgoer Services
• Making the Most of Your Fair Experience: Essential Tips

Unveiling the Great Minnesota Get-Together: Dates and Hours

Wondering when the Minnesota State Fair is? Mark your calendars! The 2024 Minnesota State Fair officially kicks off on **Thursday, August 22, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 2**. This beloved annual event spans 12 glorious days, offering ample opportunity for everyone to experience the magic. Over the course of these 12 days, the iconic tradition is expected to welcome more than one million ticket holders, a testament to its enduring popularity and status as a cornerstone of Minnesota's cultural calendar.

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Planning your visit around these dates is crucial, especially if you have specific events or attractions in mind. Weekends and Labor Day tend to be the busiest, so if you prefer smaller crowds, consider visiting on a weekday morning. The fairgrounds are expansive, and a full day is often needed to truly take in all the sights, sounds, and tastes that the Minnesota State Fair 2024 has to offer. Be sure to check the official schedule closer to the dates for any specific daily highlights or themed days that might influence your visit.

Fairground Hours and Daily Schedule

To ensure you make the most of your time, it's important to know the fairground hours. Fairground gates are set to open promptly at **7 a.m. daily**. This early start allows dedicated fairgoers to beat some of the crowds and enjoy the cooler morning temperatures, perfect for exploring the agricultural exhibits or grabbing a coveted breakfast item. The fairgrounds typically remain open until 11 p.m. on most nights, with some buildings and attractions closing earlier. For instance, most exhibit buildings close around 9 p.m., while the Mighty Midway and Kidway rides often operate until 10 p.m. or later, depending on crowd levels. The Minnesota State Fair 2024 schedule is packed with activities, concerts, and attractions throughout the 12 days, so having a rough plan of your desired activities is highly recommended. Details on specific building hours and show times will be available in the official fair program and through the new fair app, which we'll discuss later.

Navigating Your Visit: Tickets, Admission, and Savings

Once you know when you're going, the next crucial step is understanding admission details and how to get your tickets for the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. While the fair offers an incredible array of experiences, admission is required to enter the fairgrounds. Planning ahead can not only save you time but also potentially money, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to delicious fair food or exciting rides. Information about the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, including details about tickets and admission, is typically released well in advance to help fairgoers prepare.

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Pre-sale tickets are often available at a discounted rate leading up to the fair, providing a great opportunity for savings. These can usually be purchased online through the official fair website or at various retail locations across the state. Buying your tickets in advance also means you can bypass potentially long lines at the gate, allowing you to dive straight into the fun. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding when pre-sale tickets will become available and where to purchase them. This helpful guide shares tips on the best food, activities, music, and ways to save money at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair.

Admission Details and Special Deals

Official MN State Fair dates, admission details, and more are readily available with our ultimate guide! Standard admission prices vary for adults, seniors, and children, with free admission typically offered for infants. Specific pricing for the 2024 Minnesota State Fair will be announced by the fair organizers. Beyond general admission, fairgoers should also budget for grandstand concerts, Mighty Midway rides, food, and souvenirs. To help manage costs, look out for special discount days or promotions that the fair might offer. These can include "Thrifty Thursday" deals, discounts for specific groups, or early bird specials. Some local businesses or community organizations might also offer discounted tickets or coupon books as part of promotional campaigns, so it's always worth checking local listings and community boards.

For those planning multiple visits, the fair sometimes offers multi-day passes or season tickets, which can be a cost-effective option for true fair enthusiasts. Remember to check the official Minnesota State Fair website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on ticket prices, purchasing options, and any special deals or promotions that will be available for the 2024 fair. This year's guide will get you from your couch to eating corn, ensuring you're well-prepared for your visit.

Getting There: Transportation and Parking Solutions

One of the biggest considerations for attending the Minnesota State Fair 2024 is how to get there and where to park. With over a million visitors expected, traffic and parking near the fairgrounds can be a significant challenge. Fortunately, the fair organizers, in collaboration with various state and local entities, put considerable effort into providing diverse and efficient transportation options. Learn how to get to, get around, and save money at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, which runs from August 22 to September 2.

While some limited parking is available on-site, it fills up quickly and can be quite expensive. Many fairgoers opt for alternative transportation methods to avoid the hassle. Public transportation, ride-sharing services, and dedicated park-and-ride shuttles are popular choices. The fairgrounds are well-serviced by Metro Transit buses, offering routes that drop you directly at the gates. For those using ride-sharing apps, designated drop-off and pick-up zones are usually established to streamline the process. Find out about parking, shuttles, tickets, deals, entertainment, food, and more in this comprehensive guide.

Park and Ride & New Transportation Options

The Park & Ride system is arguably the most convenient and cost-effective way to get to the fair. Numerous Park & Ride lots are set up at various locations around the Twin Cities metropolitan area, offering free parking and direct bus service to the fairgrounds for a nominal fee. These lots are strategically located near major highways, making them easy to access. Planning on attending the 2024 Minnesota State Fair? Find out when the fair starts, how to get tickets, where to access park and ride pickups, and more with this guide.

This year, the Minnesota State Fair has announced a slew of attractions that will debut, including new rides, an app, exhibitions, transportation options, and accessibility services. This includes enhanced transportation options aimed at improving fairgoer experience. The fair is continually working to make access as smooth as possible. For example, driver and vehicle services have helped nearly every Minnesotan at some point, whether they are registering their vehicle or getting a driver’s license, and this infrastructure often plays a role in fair logistics. For those driving, it's wise to use navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates and consider routes that avoid the immediate vicinity of the fairgrounds. Always check the official fair website for a comprehensive list of Park & Ride locations and their operating hours for the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. You can also visit your local deputy registrar or email DVS at dvs.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us for information related to vehicle registration or other state services that might indirectly affect your travel planning.

A Feast for the Senses: Food and Culinary Delights

No discussion of the Minnesota State Fair 2024 would be complete without dedicating a significant portion to its legendary food scene. The fair is renowned worldwide for its incredible array of culinary creations, from classic fair staples to innovative new dishes. Every year, vendors compete to introduce the most unique and delicious new foods, drawing long lines of eager fairgoers ready to sample the latest sensations. This helpful guide shares tips on the best food, activities, music, and more, ensuring your taste buds are well-catered for.

You'll find everything from deep-fried candy bars and cheese curds to roasted corn on the cob, foot-long hot dogs, and an endless variety of foods on a stick. Beyond the indulgent fried treats, the fair also boasts a surprising number of healthier options, international cuisine, and award-winning dairy products. Discover what to see, eat, and do at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, and prepare for a gastronomic journey like no other. Many fairgoers plan their entire day around their desired food stops, using the fair map to navigate between their culinary targets. Don't forget to try the famous Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar, a fair institution that has been delighting crowds for decades.

The announcement of new foods is always a highly anticipated event, generating buzz weeks before the gates open. These new additions often reflect current food trends, local ingredients, or simply creative culinary experimentation. Be sure to grab a fair map or check the new fair app to locate all the new food vendors and plan your tasting itinerary. With hundreds of food vendors, the options can be overwhelming, so a little research beforehand can help you prioritize your must-try items. Whether you're craving something sweet, savory, or truly unique, the Minnesota State Fair 2024 promises a feast for every palate.

Thrills and Wonders: Activities and Entertainment

Beyond the food, the Minnesota State Fair 2024 is a sprawling playground of activities and entertainment for all ages. The fair's schedule is packed with diverse attractions, ensuring there's always something exciting happening. From agricultural showcases to thrilling rides, educational exhibits to captivating performances, the fair offers an immersive experience that goes far beyond what most expect. The 2024 Minnesota State Fair schedule is packed with activities, concerts, and attractions throughout the 12 days, promising non-stop fun.

Agricultural exhibits are at the heart of the fair's tradition, showcasing Minnesota's rich farming heritage. You can visit livestock barns, watch animal judging, learn about crop production, and even witness the miracle of birth at the Miracle of Birth Center. For those interested in crafts and arts, the Creative Activities building displays thousands of entries, from needlework to photography, reflecting the incredible talent of Minnesotans. The fair also features various demonstrations, competitions, and educational booths, providing insights into everything from beekeeping to butter sculpting. Don’t miss one of the most popular events of the year; find out what to see, eat, and do at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair.

The Mighty Midway and Grandstand Concerts

For adrenaline junkies and those seeking classic fair thrills, the Mighty Midway and Kidway are must-visit destinations. The Mighty Midway boasts a dizzying array of rides, from towering Ferris wheels offering panoramic views of the fairgrounds to exhilarating roller coasters and classic carnival games where you can test your skills. The Kidway provides gentler rides and games designed specifically for younger fairgoers, ensuring fun for the whole family. The Minnesota State Fair announced a slew of attractions that will debut this year, including new rides, an app, exhibitions, transportation options, and accessibility services, promising even more excitement on the Midway.

Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy at the fair's numerous stages. The Grandstand is the fair's premier concert venue, hosting nationally recognized artists throughout the fair's run. Information about the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, including schedules and grandstand concerts, is usually released months in advance, allowing fans to plan their visits around their favorite performers. Beyond the Grandstand, free stages scattered throughout the fairgrounds feature a continuous lineup of local and regional bands, cultural performances, and family-friendly entertainment. From rock to folk, country to comedy, there's a performance for every taste. Be sure to check the daily schedule to catch your favorite acts and discover new ones. Live music to the Mighty Midway – there's something for everyone!

Discovering What's New at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair

Each year, the Minnesota State Fair strives to keep the experience fresh and exciting by introducing new attractions, exhibits, and services. The 2024 Minnesota State Fair is no exception, with several exciting debuts planned to enhance the fairgoer experience. The Minnesota State Fair has announced all that is new to the 2024 fair, building anticipation for this year's Great Minnesota Get-Together. The following is a list of attractions, events, elements, and programs being celebrated or debuting this year, promising an even more memorable visit.

New additions at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair include captivating new exhibitions. One notable new exhibition is "Cats and Dogs," which promises to be a delightful showcase of our beloved canine and feline companions, likely featuring educational components, demonstrations, and perhaps even opportunities to interact with these furry friends. This adds a fresh animal attraction beyond the traditional livestock barns. Furthermore, fairgoers can look forward to two new Mighty Midway rides, injecting fresh thrills and excitement into the carnival atmosphere. These new rides are often designed with cutting-edge technology, offering unique experiences that will surely become instant favorites.

Beyond physical attractions, the fair is also embracing technology to improve navigation and overall convenience. This year the fair is launching a new app to help fairgoers navigate the Great Minnesota Get-Together. This app is expected to be a game-changer, offering features such as interactive maps, daily schedules, food finder, Grandstand concert information, and potentially even real-time updates on crowd levels or ride wait times. This digital tool will undoubtedly make planning and executing your fair visit much smoother. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, more transportation options and enhanced accessibility services are being rolled out, demonstrating the fair's commitment to inclusivity and ensuring everyone can enjoy the festivities. These new elements underscore the fair's continuous evolution while retaining its cherished traditions, making the 2024 Minnesota State Fair a must-visit event.

Accessibility and Fairgoer Services

The Minnesota State Fair is committed to making the Great Minnesota Get-Together accessible and enjoyable for all visitors. This year, the fair is placing an even greater emphasis on accessibility services, reflecting a dedication to inclusivity. This commitment is part of a broader state-wide effort to ensure public services are available to everyone, much like how Minnesota IT Services delivers technology solutions for Minnesota state agencies that transform public access, or how state officials & organizations, including the Governor's office, strive to provide comprehensive resources for consumers, healthcare, social services, and transportation. The fair's efforts mirror these initiatives to ensure a welcoming environment for every fairgoer.

For individuals with mobility challenges, the fairgrounds offer accessible pathways, ramps, and restrooms. Wheelchair and scooter rentals are typically available on-site, though it's often advisable to reserve them in advance, especially on busy days. Designated accessible parking is also available, usually requiring a state-issued disability parking permit. For those utilizing the Park & Ride system, accessible buses are provided. The new fair app, debuting this year, is also expected to incorporate features that highlight accessible routes and facilities, making navigation easier for everyone.

Beyond physical accessibility, the fair also considers other needs. Services like sign language interpreters for certain shows, sensory-friendly spaces, and information booths staffed by knowledgeable personnel are usually available. Fair staff are generally well-trained to assist visitors with various needs. It’s always a good idea to check the official Minnesota State Fair website's accessibility section prior to your visit for the most current and detailed information on available services and how to best utilize them. The fair's dedication to providing a positive experience for all highlights its role as a truly inclusive community event.

Making the Most of Your Fair Experience: Essential Tips

To truly savor every moment of the Minnesota State Fair 2024, a little strategic planning goes a long way. Here’s everything you need to know, from ticket prices to getting there, live music to the Mighty Midway, and beyond. This helpful guide shares tips on the best food, activities, music, and more to ensure your visit is seamless and memorable. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate and fully enjoy the Great Minnesota Get-Together:

• Plan Ahead: With so much to see and do, trying to wing it can lead to missed opportunities. Before you go, browse the official fair schedule and map (available online and on the new app). Prioritize your must-see exhibits, must-try foods, and desired shows or concerts.
• Dress Comfortably: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are paramount. Dress in layers, as Minnesota weather can be unpredictable, with cool mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons.
• Stay Hydrated: With all the walking and excitement, it's easy to get dehydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle; there are water refilling stations throughout the fairgrounds.
• Budget Wisely: The fair can be an expensive day out if you're not careful. Set a budget for food, rides, and souvenirs. Consider purchasing a fair coupon book for discounts on various items.
• Use the New App: The Minnesota State Fair's gates are set to open Thursday at 7 a.m., and this year the fair is launching a new app to help fairgoers navigate the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Download it before you arrive to utilize its interactive map, schedule, and other helpful features.
• Meet-Up Spot: If you're going with a group, designate a central meeting spot in case you get separated. Cell service can sometimes be spotty with so many people.
• Early Bird or Late Owl: To avoid the largest crowds, consider arriving right when the gates open at 7 a.m. or visiting later in the evening. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
• Hand Sanitizer: With all the food and animal interactions, carrying hand sanitizer is a must.
• Take Breaks: The fairgrounds are huge. Don't be afraid to find a shady spot or an air-conditioned building to sit down and rest your feet for a bit.
• Capture Memories: Bring your camera or ensure your phone is charged to capture all the fun moments.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to learn how to get to, get around, and save money at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, ensuring a fantastic and stress-free experience at one of the most beloved events in the state. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge needed for an unforgettable visit to the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

The 2024 Minnesota State Fair starts on Thursday, August 22, and runs through Labor Day on Monday, September 2. Here's what you need to know to make the most of this incredible annual tradition. Discover the official MN State Fair dates, admission details, and more with our ultimate guide!

The 2024 Minnesota State Fair (August 22 - September 2) is poised to bring people together from across the state of Minnesota to celebrate, learn, and have an unparalleled amount of fun. It’s once again the most wonderful time of the year for Minnesotans. We hope this guide helps you plan your perfect visit and enjoy every moment of this spectacular event!