Minnesota State Fair: What you need to know for 2026

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota State Fair is less than a week away. This guide has everything you need to know about the 2026 Great Minnesota Get-Together, from how much it costs and how to get there to all the dirt on the new foods, attractions and entertainment options. 

2026 Minnesota State Fair dates

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs for 12 days from Thursday, Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. 

The fairgrounds are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily except Labor Day, when the fairgrounds are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Most buildings close by 9 p.m. for the first 11 days of the fair, while on Labor Day, most close by 8 p.m. 

WATCH: Minnesota State Fair live camera

Fairgrounds admission is from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily except Labor Day, when last admission is at 6 p.m. 

How much does it cost to go to the fair? 

Tickets at the gate will run $20 for an adult (ages 13–64), but will cost $17 if you buy them before the fair starts. 

Here's a breakdown of ticketing pricing: 

• Adults (13–64): $20
• Seniors (65+): $18
• Kids (5–12): $18
• Children (4 and under): Always Free!

Discount days

• Opening Day: Thursday, Aug. 27Adults (13–64): $18Seniors (65+): $15Kids (5–12): $15
• Adults (13–64): $18
• Seniors (65+): $15
• Kids (5–12): $15
• Seniors Days: Monday, Aug. 29, and Thursday, Sept. 3.Seniors (65+): $15
• Seniors (65+): $15
• Military Appreciation Day: Tuesday, Sept. 1Discounted $15 admission with valid service documentation for active military, their spouses and kids; veterans and their spouses; and retired military and their spouses.
• Discounted $15 admission with valid service documentation for active military, their spouses and kids; veterans and their spouses; and retired military and their spouses.
• Kids Days: Wednesday, Sept. 2, and Monday, Sept. 7Kids (5–12): $15
• Kids (5–12): $15

How to get there, where to park

There are various ways you can get to the Minnesota State Fair, including buses. 

Metro Transit offers State Fair Express Bus Service in Blaine, Bloomington, Cottage Grove, Maple Grove, Maplewood and Minnetonka. More information here. 

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) provides direct bus service to and from the fair, with locations in Burnsville, Eagan and Shakopee (more info here). And SouthWest Transit offers express bus service Thursdays—Sundays from locations in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska and Carver (more on that here). Metro Transit also offers regular bus service to the State Fair.

In addition to bus routes, the Minnesota State Fair offers several free park and rides, serving about 30 Twin Cities locations. You can find details on this here.

If you plan to drive to the Minnesota State Fair, there are limited parking spaces available at the fairgrounds; it costs $25 per vehicle (details here). Nearby businesses and residents also offer parking for a fee. 

READ MORE: Tips for making getting to the Minnesota State Fair less painful

Where is FOX 9 at the Minnesota State Fair?

FOX 9 has a booth next to the Giant Slide, and will be broadcasting live at the Minnesota State Fair on weekdays. Here's when FOX 9 will be live from the fair: 

• 7-9 a.m.: Morning newscasts
• 9-10 a.m.: Good Day+Good
• 10 a.m. -12 p.m.: The Jason Show
• 5-7 p.m.: Evening newscasts

Get your State Fair weather forecast here

When FOX 9 isn't broadcasting from the fair, there will be giveaways, games and more! Come stop by and say hi. 

Minnesota State Fair new foods, drinks for 2026

The Minnesota State Fair says there are 36 official new foods and nine new food vendors for 2026. There are also 75 new specialty beers and drinks and 23 non-alcoholic beverages at this year's Great Minnesota Get-Together. 

What's new at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair? 

Big picture view:

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair features several large-scale additions and renovations. The new America Wheel stands 230 feet tall, making it the world's largest traveling observation wheel. It is 75 feet larger than the previous Great Big Wheel and offers 14-mile panoramic views from its 45 gondolas.

Significant infrastructure updates include the recently completed $24 million renovation of the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum. Additionally, the 4-H Building is scheduled to undergo a massive internal transformation following the conclusion of the fair.

New rides:

New rides on the Mighty Midway and Kidway this year includes:

Midway

• Thor: Riders can unleash their inner Viking as Thor sends them soaring through the air with heart-pounding twists, turns and upside-down thrills.
• Juke Box Funhouse: Riders rock their way through a music-themed fun house full of unexpected twists, fun surprises and legendary icons from across the decades. Perfect for the whole family.

Kidway

• Pirate Jet: Little pirates can take the helm and enjoy a swashbuckling ride as their pirate ship glides through the air.
• Ghost Pirate Dark Ride: Take a ride through a world of spooky fun where silly scares await around every turn. Designed with kids in mind, it’s just the right mix of goosebumps and giggles.

Grandstand shows

Here's the lineup for the Grandstand: 

Aug. 27: Bonnie Raitt with special guest Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen

Aug. 28: "Weird Al" Yankovic with special guest Puddles Pity Party

Aug. 29: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound

Aug. 30: Sierra Ferrell with special guest Tanya Tucker - The Current's Music On-A-Stick Show 2026

Aug. 31: Tommy James & The Shondells and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

Sept. 1: Hairball with special guest Slave Raider – free with fair admission

Sept. 2: AJR with special guests Quinn XCII and Avery Cochrane

Sept. 3: Brad Paisley with special guests Jake Worthington and Laci Kaye Booth

Sept. 4: HARDY with special guest McCoy Moore

Sept. 5: TLC and Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue

Sept. 6: Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals - free with fair admission

Sept. 7: CeCe Winans 

READ NEXT: All the free acts at the Minnesota State Fair

Map your route

Here's a map of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. For additional maps, click here. 

The Source: Information from the Minnesota State Fair and previous FOX 9 reporting.