A Practical Guide to the 2026 Minnesota State Fair

The Basics

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs from Thursday, August 27 through Monday, September 7. Daily hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with an early closure at 8 p.m. on Labor Day. As always, you can expect hundreds of food vendors, agriculture exhibits, livestock displays, and a massive midway.

Grandstand Entertainment

This year's headline Grandstand performers include Bonnie Raitt, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Brad Paisley, TLC with Salt-N-Pepa, and CeCe Winans. You can view the full schedule and buy passes at the Grandstand Lineup page.

Tips for a Better Fair Experience

• Buy tickets before you go. Admission tickets are a few bucks cheaper if you purchase them before the fair starts. Even if you miss the discount window, buying ahead of time lets you skip the huge ticket lines at the gates.

• Ride the Park and Ride. Do not stress yourself out trying to park at the fairgrounds. There are free Park & Ride options located around the Twin Cities, as well as options through MVTA for $6 per person for a round trip.

• Take advantage of the free entertainment. There is tons of free entertainment included with your admission. You are already spending money on tickets and food, so take advantage of the free shows and exhibits.

• Plan out your food priorities. If trying different food and drink is high on your list, make a plan before you arrive. You will be met with hundreds of vendors, get distracted, and end up too full to try everything you originally wanted. Make a list beforehand.

• Download the State Fair app. The official app is highly useful for planning your food route and helping you navigate if you get turned around. It includes a live map, a list of all vendors, and a schedule of the day's events.

• Rest at O'Gara's. If you need a break, O'Gara's is the place to be. It can get busy, but if you can find a spot, the layout is essentially a restaurant in the middle of the fair.

• Ride the Sky Glider or Skyride. Another option to kick your feet up is spending the $6 to hop on the Sky Glider or Skyride. You get to see the fair from a new perspective and get away from the crowds for a few minutes.

Whether you are new to the Twin Cities or a lifelong resident, the State Fair is a staple of late summer in Minnesota. Have a great time out there.