The Minnesota State Fair, held in the Twin Cities, runs from August 21 through September 1, Labor Day, in 2008. The fair celebrates the agricultural heritage of Minnesota, with exhibits and shows that entertain the entire family. The state fair is a terrific way to celebrate a summer of fun, as the winners of the county fairs come together to compete and exhibit the best the state has to offer. The Minnesota State Fair recognizes the agricultural roots of the state, with 4-H competitions, Horse shows, livestock, animals, entertainment and local and festival food.
State fairs are great family oriented fun, with lively entertainment, competitions, exhibits, arts and crafts, foods, midway rides and more. There is something for everyone at the fair.
State Fair Mall Parade Daily
The State Fair Mall Parade, which takes place daily at 2 pm, features the high school marching band competition. The parade follows a 14 block route the begins and ends south of Como Avenue. The parade features marching bands, floats, animals and visiting royalty for festivals around the state.
Stages of Entertainment
Entertainment plays on free stages and on on the grandstand. Free stages include Leinie Lodge Bandshell, Family Faire Stage in Baldwin Park, Ramberg Senior Center, International Bazaar and Heritage Square.
Grandstand Entertainment Toyota Concert Series
The Toyota Concert Series at the Grandstand features top entertainment. Additional tickets are required for the grandstand entertainment.
- August 21: Three Doors Down with Staind, Hinder and Jet Black Stare $32-$57
- August 22: Brad Paisley with Jewel, Chuck Wicks and Julianne House $45
- August 23: The Backstreet Boys with Girlicious $29
- August 24: Johnny Lang and Buddy Guy with Big Head Todd & The Monsters
- August 25: Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert $30
- August 26: Paramore with Jack's Mannequin, Phantom Planet and Paper Route
- August 27: Gnarls Barkley with Cloud Cult $31
- August 28: Mark Schultz with Big Daddy Weave and Lincoln Brewster $28
- August 29: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor $22
- August 30: The Black Crowes with The Black Keys $37
- August 31: Minnesota State Faire Amateur Talent Contest Finals FREE
- September 1: Toby Keith with Carter's Chord, Trailer Choir & Mica Roberts
Midway & Kidway Rides
Rides for adults and children add to the fun of the Farr. All rides require between three to six tickets. Tickets purchased at the fir are 7e cents each. A sheet of 20 tickets is $20. Ride tickets are available when purchased in advance at Cub Foods Stores. The advance tickets, which are $10 for a sheet of 20, are available at Cub Foods from July 20 through August 20. See the fair website for participation locations.
Admission
Gate admission is Adults (13-64) $11, Seniors (65+) $9, Kids (5-12) $8 and children under 5 free.
Pre-fair discount tickets are $8 for all ages. Parking is $9. There are free park and ride lots. See Minnesota State Fair website for details.
Discount admissions are available on specified days.
- Thrifty Thursday, August 21: Adults $8, ids $5, Children under 5 are always free.
- Senior Days,Monday, August 25 and Thursday August 28; Seniors (65+_ $5
- Kids Days: August 25 and September 1: Kids 5-12 are $5. There are discounts on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions on these days.
Dates and Times
Gates open at 6 am. Ticket sales end at 10 pm (9 pm on Labor Day). Most buildings are open 9 am to 9 pm. Grounds close at midnight (10 pm on Labor Day).
Location
The fairgrounds are mid way between the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, in the Twin Cities. The address is 1265 N. Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, Mn 55108.
For 16th Century fun in Minnesota, see Minnesota Renaissance Festival of Historic Era
Harriet Island hosts a wee bit of Ireland: Irish Fair on Harriet Island in St. Paul MN
