Minnesota State Fair 101: Hours, Tickets and More

Whether you’re such a frequent fairgoer that you’re on a first-name basis with the vendors, or you're venturing to the Great Minnesota Get-Together for the first time, things do change from year to year (there’s always something new on a stick to ponder).

Here’s the scoop on what you need to know about getting in to the fair before you set out. Also check out our guide for .

Dates

• Aug. 25 through Sept. 5 (Labor Day)

Hours of Operation

• Main gates/grounds: 6 a.m. to midnight (closes 10 p.m. Sept. 5)
• Most buildings: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Admission gates: Open 6 a.m. Ticket sales end at 10 p.m. (end 9 p.m. Sept. 5).

Ticket Prices

• $12 for teens and adults
• $10 for seniors and kids ages 5-12
• Free for children under 5
• Wednesday (Aug. 24) is the last day to buy $9 tickets in advance. It’s also the last day to buy discounted Midway/Kidway tickets and the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book. All are available at and the State Fair box office. “I wouldn’t leave home without the Bargain Book,” said Apple Valley resident Jennifer Levy. “The book pays for itself pretty darn quickly.”

Discount Days      

• Aug. 25: Thrifty Thursday. $10 for adults and seniors, $7 for kids 5-12.
• Aug. 29: Seniors & Kids Day. $7 for seniors and kids 5-12.
• Aug. 30: Military Appreciation Day. Active and retired military with their immediate families (with ID) pay $7 each.
• Aug. 31: Read & Ride Day. Show your library card at the gate and it's $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and kids.
• Sept. 1: Seniors Day. $7 for seniors
• Sept. 5: Kids Day. $7 for kids 5-12.

Grandstand Shows

Prices to see big-name acts range from $18 (Happy Together Tour 2011, Aug. 29) to $50-$60 (Marc Anthony, Sept. 1). Tickets are available for all performances, though limited seating is available for Def Leppard (Aug. 29) and Toby Keith (Aug. 31).

One free grandstand show you won’t want to miss: “The Amateur Talent Contest is like American Idol lite,” said Apple Valley resident Diane Miller. “I go every year. The talent is just amazing.”

Midway/Kidway Discounts

• Rides are discounted until 1 p.m. on Aug. 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 1 and Sept. 2.
• Rides are discounted all day Aug. 25, Aug. 29, Aug. 31 and Sept. 5.

Want to know more? Visit the Minnesota State Fair’s interactive website.