The 2019 Minnesota State Fair kicks off Aug, 22 for a 12-day run that concludes on Labor Day, Sept. 2.
Normal admission prices range from $13 to $15 per person with discounts available on special days.
But once inside the gates, there will be plenty of free entertainment and attractions. Here is a list of some of what is available:
• Nightly fireworks spectacular
• Live music and entertainment all day and night at stages throughout the fairgrounds, including the Cosgrove Stage where community groups perform.
• The daily parade at 2 p.m., featuring the High School Marching Band Competition
• The Giant Sing Along, which is located north of Lee Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets
• Music and fun just for kids at Family Fair
• 3rd Lair SkatePark BMX and skateboarding demos now located at Adventure Park, east of Mighty Midway
• Dog agility and police K-9 demonstrations outside the Pet Pavilions
• ANGRY BIRDS UNIVERSE: THE EXHIBITION is the exhibit in the North End Event Center giving fair fans of all ages the chance to explore art and science concepts through unique, hands-on interactives.
• FAN Central, which features local sports teams and merchandise
• The CHS Miracle of Birth Center, where nearly 200 newborn calves, lambs and piglets will be born during the fair’s 12-day run
• A wide variety of horses that can be seen daily throughout the fair in the Horse Barn but also competing as part of the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show, free with fair admission.
• The finest needlework, handcrafts, baking and canning that Minnesota has to offer presented in the Creative Activities Building, along with the Cambria Kitchen, home to an area with demonstrations daily
• Fruit, wine, Christmas tree, crop art, flower, vegetable, potato, bee & honey contests along with the Giant Pumpkin Contest in the Agriculture Horticulture Building
• The Dairy Building which is home to the famed Princess Kay butter sculptures and malts and sundaes, as well as several vendors selling outdoor gear, home improvement merchandise, wool products and more.
• Family-friendly entertainment at the Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park
• Thank a Farmer Magic Show (presented by Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association and the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation) on the Christensen Farms Stage, where children of all ages learn about the role agriculture plays in our daily lives
• The Timberworks Lumberjack and All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash shows at The North Woods
• The Kemps Little Farm Hands agricultural education experience
• Karaoke and music in The Garden
• And much, much more. Use the Fair Finder or daily schedules at mnstatefair.org or printed daily schedules available at any information booth for a complete list of activities.
Meanwhile, here is the Fair’s list of special deal days:
Thrifty Thursday, Aug. 22.
Discounted admission is $13 for adults (13-64) and $10 for seniors (65+) and kids (5-12) when purchased at the gate.
Monday, Aug. 26 Seniors & Kids Day.
Seniors (65+) and kids (5-12) are admitted for $10 when tickets are purchased at the gate.
Military Appreciation Day, Tuesday, Aug. 27,
is when active military and their families, as well as retired and veteran military and their spouses, are admitted for $10 when they purchase admission at the gate with documentation of U.S. military service.
Wednesday, Aug. 28, Read & Ride Day.
Guests presenting valid public library cards when purchasing admission at the gate are admitted for the following discounted prices: Adults (13-64) $13; seniors (65+) $10; and kids (5-12) $10. (One discount per card)
Seniors Day, Thursday, Aug. 29
Seniors (65+) are admitted for $10 when purchasing tickets at the gate.
Labor Day, Sept. 2, Kids & Last Chance Day
Kids (5-12) are admitted for $10 when purchasing tickets at the gate.
—Source: Minnesota State Fair
