GIVEAWAY! Enjoy Family Fun at the MN State Fair & See KIDZ BOP Live!

Enjoy Family Friendly Fun at the Minnesota State Fair! 

Check out the information below to find lots of family friendly deals, discover everything new this year at the fair, and view the calendar of special events that will ensure your whole family has a blast! 

  Enter to win a 4 pack of tickets to the fair and see KIDZ BOP Live on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 at 3:00 pm! Enter using the form at the bottom of this article! Contest will run through Wednesday, August 28th.  Winner will be contacted the evening of 8/28 to arrange ticket transfer.  

Ways to Save

Admission

Children 4 and under are always free – every day!

Admission for kids ages 5-12 is discounted on these days when you purchase tickets at the gate:

• Opening Day, Aug. 22
• Military Appreciation Day, Tuesday, Aug. 27 (discount for active military, their spouses and kids)
• Kids Day, Wednesday, Aug. 28
• Kids Day, Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2

Ticket Deals & Discounts

Rides & Games

Rides & games at Kidway and Mighty Midway are discounted for everyone on:

• Thursday, Aug. 22 (all day)
• Friday, Aug. 23 (until 1 p.m.)
• Monday, Aug. 26 (until 1 p.m.)
• Tuesday, Aug. 27 (all day)
• Wednesday, Aug. 28 (all day)
• Thursday, Aug. 29 (until 1 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 30 (until 1 p.m.)
• Monday, Sept. 2 (all day)

Ride & Game Tickets

Blue Ribbon Bargain Book

Save big on food, merchandise and things to do with this book of 100 coupons valid all 12 days of the fair. Popular deals for young children include discounts on ride & game tickets, merchandise and kid-friendly food & beverages. The Blue Ribbon Bargain Book is just $5.

Guest Services

ID Wristbands

To help reunite lost children with their adults, pick up a free ID wristband when you arrive at the fairgrounds at any information booth or at Care & Assistance (fairgrounds map).

Tip: Take a photo of the young ones when you arrive at the fair, so you’ll have a readily available picture showing what they look like and what they’re wearing at the fair.

Strollers & Wagons

Collapsible strollers are permitted on buses servicing free Park & Ride lots and State Fair Express Bus locations. Get Here info

Strollers and wagons are available for rent at the fairgrounds from HomeTown Mobility locations near five entrance gates. Rental info

Breastfeeding Facilities

Breastfeeding facilities are located at:

• Care & Assistance, located on West Dan Patch Avenue south of West End Market and north of Mighty Midway. Private and semi-private rooms are available on a first-come basis. Care & Assistance is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (8 p.m. Labor Day).
• myTalk 107.1, located on the west side of Underwood Street between Randall and Wright avenues.
• TPT | Twin Cities PBS, located on the west side of Underwood Street at the intersection of Lee Avenue.
• KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center, located on the west side of Underwood Street between Carnes & Judson avenues

All breastfeeding facilities provide electricity. Fairgrounds map

Food & Drink

Fair guests are welcome to bring their own water bottles, as well as outside food and drink. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the fair. PLEASE NOTE: Coolers are not permitted in the Grandstand.

Water fountains are located throughout the fairgrounds. Water bottle refill stations are located at:

• 4-H Building
• Agriculture Horticulture Building
• Care & Assistance
• Eco Experience
• Education Building
• Grandstand
• Restroom south of Kidway on the west side of Cooper Street
• Restroom on the north end of the fairgrounds on the south side of Murphy Avenue
• Warner Coliseum

Drinking fountains and water bottle refill stations are noted on the fairgrounds map.

Complimentary water is also available at some independent concessionaires, including Culligan and KARE TV.

Hand-washing Stations

Please wash or sanitize hands throughout your visit and especially before and after time with the animals and prior to eating. Hand-washing stations are located in the Food Building and at many entrances to buildings in the livestock area, including: Compeer Arena, Cattle Barn, Cattle Annex, Sheep & Poultry Barn, Robert A. Christensen Pavilion, and the CHS Miracle of Birth Center. Fairgrounds map

Baby Changing Stations, Family Restrooms and Universal Changing Restroom

Baby changing stations, family and accessible restrooms are located throughout the fairgrounds. Fairgrounds map

A universally designed changing restroom with hoist by Momentum Refresh is located on Cosgrove Street just north of Lee Avenue (sling not provided), open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (8 p.m. Labor Day). A height-adjustable changing table is located in Care & Assistance on West Dan Patch Avenue across from West End Market, open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (8 p.m. Labor Day). More info

Accessibility

For information about sensory-friendly spaces, Sensory-Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway & Kidway, ASL services and more, check out our Accessibility Guide.

Things to Do

Fill your day with unlimited fun for young fair fans – all included with the price of admission!

Cats & Dogs The Exhibition

Go inside the minds of our favorite furry friends at Cats & Dogs The Exhibition, a sensory and interactive journey devoted to understanding and decoding the behavior of our beloved, entertaining (and sometimes confounding) fluffy family members. A fun – and surprising – experience for all ages!

All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash

Big-air stunts, incredible dog tricks, high-jumping water challenges and comedy antics will have your youngsters cheering.

Alphabet Forest

Take a break at this oasis of creative crafts, books, games, photo ops and meet-the-author activities to inspire a love of letters, words and reading.

Arts A’Fair

Vibrant performing arts groups present lively pop-up showcases featuring puppetry, music, dance, storytelling, theater and more.

CHS Miracle of Birth Center

This one-of-a-kind agricultural education exhibit is home to newborn lambs, goats and piglets during the State Fair’s 12 days.

Dan Patch Park and Special Day Activities

Each day is different at the fair! Young fair guests will especially enjoy:

• STEM Day at Dan Patch Park (Aug. 22): Fascinating interactive demonstrations highlighting science, technology, engineering and math.
• Governor’s Fire Prevention Day (Aug. 23): Little red fire helmet giveaway and other educational activities at the north end of the fairgrounds.
• Theater Day at Dan Patch Park “Shrek the Musical Jr.” (Aug. 28):

Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park

From amazing jugglers and magicians to energetic song and dance, this entertainment stage features family-friendly fun that will have little tykes smiling, clapping and dancing along.

Kemps Little Farm Hands

Fire up the imagination of young farm hands as they help with chores and bring their “food” to the farmers market in this mini agriculture experience specially created for ages 3-10. Big kid farm hands can earn an Ag-Vestigator ribbon by testing their knowledge in a fun trivia challenge.

Livestock Complex

Meander through the Cattle Barn, Horse Barn, Robert A. Christensen Pavilion and the Sheep & Poultry Barn for an up-close look at the largest exhibition of livestock in the Upper Midwest – hundreds of breeds of cattle, horses, swine, poultry, goats, sheep, llamas and alpacas and rabbits.

At each barn, stop by these education stations:

• Aisle of Breeds: A showcase of a variety of horse breeds
• Baa Booth: Sheep displays and fun, hands-on activities (Aug. 22-29)
• EquiMania!™: Unique educational displays, activities and quizzes on a variety of horse topics
• Goat Booth: Interactive displays, hands-on activities and a variety of goat breeds can be found here (Aug. 30-Sept. 2)
• Moo Booth: Cow-to-kitchen showcase of dairy and beef cattle farming – watch a milking machine, hand milk a fiberglass cow, see cattle and compete in contests.
• Oink Booth: Pick up your free pig ear headband!

Check schedules for details. Breeds vary by day. Please note that barns hours vary, and some barns will close early for the safety of guests, animals and exhibitors on select days when animals are leaving the fair and we are preparing for the arrival of new animals. Make sure to visit the animals early, especially on Aug. 25, Aug. 29 and Sept. 2!

Math On-A-Stick

Play with geometric shapes, sort and count, enjoy a numbers book, search for things to count at the fair, meet a creative mathematician and more!

Meet the Mascots

Our very own gopher good guys, Fairchild and Fairborne, greet fair fans of all ages daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Visitors Plaza.

Parade

Marching bands, local royalty, mascots and more make their way through the fairgrounds every day at 2 p.m. Parade route

Thank a Farmer Magic Show

Captivating magic tricks are interwoven with fun facts about the important role agriculture, farmers and ranchers play in our daily lives.

Timberworks Lumberjack Show

Teams of lumberjacks and lumberjills show off their skills at climbing, sawing, log rolling and more in friendly, fun competition.

And More

In every nook and around every corner of the fair, you’ll find fun for all ages! Here are other stops we’d recommend for children:

• 4-H Building and Arts-In Showcase
• DNR Fish Pond
• Eco Experience
• Education Building and K-12 competitions
• Pet Pavilions and outdoor demonstrations

Kidway, Mighty Midway and Other Ticketed Attractions

These fun adventures require the purchase of additional tickets:

• Kidway: Fun houses, bumper boats, swings, mini rollercoasters and truck, train, motorcycle, whale rides and more – dozens of rides, games and food options for pint-sized youngsters
• Mighty Midway: Even more rides to thrill and games of skill
• More Rides and Attractions: Iconic must-dos include the Giant Slide, Great Big Wheel, SkyGlider, Space Tower, carousel, reptiles and butterflies, and more.

Use the links above to find information on height requirements, ticket prices, locations and hours.

KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024 at the Grandstand – Sept. 2 at 3 p.m.

A concert especially for young fair fans! KIDZ BOP is Billboard Magazine’s “#1 Kid Artist” for 11 years. Featuring today’s biggest global pop hits “sung by kids for kids,” this family-friendly music brand has sold more than 24 million albums and generated more than 11 billion streams. This high-energy show will be the perfect highlight of your afternoon at the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Grandstand ticket info

Ticketing & Savings

Admission tickets

mnstatefair.org/tickets/admission-tickets/

Ride & Attraction Tickets

mnstatefair.org/tickets/ride-and-attraction-tickets/

Grandstand Tickets

mnstatefair.org/tickets/grandstand-tickets/

Deals & Discounts

Discount Days

mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/

Blue Ribbon Bargain Book

Sponsored by Minnesota Lottery

The State Fair Blue Ribbon Bargain Book includes 100 coupons with huge savings on food, merchandise and attractions. Each coupon offers at least 30 percent off listed items. Coupons are valid every day of the fair. Books purchased during the fair support the mission of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, the fairgrounds and educational programs. mnstatefair.org/blue-ribbon-bargain-book/

Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide

Sponsored by Human Touch

This free guide lists discount days, best values, free stuff, sign-up-to-win drawings and hidden bargains at the fair, including deals on food and beverages. The Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide is available during the fair at all information booths and at mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/.

Last Chance Deals

Special food and merchandise bargains are offered on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, at many locations throughout the fairgrounds. These deals can be found on Sept. 2 in the Last Chance Day Deals flier at all information booths and at mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/.

Mighty Midway and Kidway Discounts

• mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/
• mnstatefair.org/rides-and-attractions/

New at the Fair 

From a brand new State Fair app to new Mighty Midway rides to enhanced accessibility offerings, the 90th year of the Streetcar Arch and DNR Building & Park, a new featured design on a variety of merchandise, and so much more, the State Fair has dozens of new attractions and offerings for this year’s fair. Visit mnstatefair.org/get-involved/media/media-gallery-attraction/ for the media photo gallery of new attractions. To share new attractions with the public, use this link: mnstatefair.org/new-this-year/attraction/

Here is a list of what is new and highlighted in the above links: Cats & Dogs The Exhibition; Official MN State Fair App; 2024 Minnesota State Fair Featured Design; Minnesota State Fair Foundation Welcome Wall; Accessibility & Guest Services additions including Joy Mobile sensory-friendly space, KaiBi Family Care Center and an adult-size changing table at Care & Assistance; State Fair History Snapshots; guest experience enhancements at the Fine Arts Center, Crop Art Exhibit, The Garden and more; 90 years of the Streetcar Arch and DNR Building & Park; History Walking Tour – Three New Stops; Updated Grandstand Photographic Timeline, Two New Mighty Midway Rides; Transportation Expansions; a host of new food and merchandise vendors; and new sponsors and touring promotional exhibits.

Official New Foods & New Food Vendors for 2024

Sponsored by Mattress Firm

The State Fair added 33 official new foods and six new vendors to the expansive menu already offered. Visit mnstatefair.org/get-involved/media/new-this-year/food/ for the media photo gallery of new foods and new food vendors. To share new foods with the public, use this link: mnstatefair.org/new-this-year/food/

Specialty Sips for 2024

Check out mnstatefair.org/general-info/specialty-brews-and-beverages/ to see a full list of this year’s specialty brews and beverages debuting or found only at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair.

Family Care Center

Sponsored by KaiBi Mobile

New for 2024, the Family Care Center is located on the west side of Underwood Street, between Carnes and Judson avenues, next to Minnesota Wine Country, and features:

• Two private suites for feeding, nursing, pumping, soothing or sensory comfort
• Open seating for feeding/soothing/resting
• Two diaper-changing stations
• Kids’ activity center for siblings
• Sink to quickly rinse feeding/pumping accessories
• Complimentary supply of diapers and wipes
• Information station to share educational materials and literature

Special Days & Events

Refer to the daily schedules at mnstatefair.org/schedule/ for a detailed schedule of performances, demonstrations and activities for each day of the fair.

Thursday, Aug. 22-Opening Day

Sponsored by Mall of America

• Today’s Deals and Discounts:  mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/
• STEM Day at Dan Patch Park: SciMathMN brings together kids of all ages to celebrate and explore the wonders of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) through hands-on learning, interactive STEM experiences, and connections to nonprofit STEM education providers, student groups and local businesses. Portions of the program are ASL-interpreted. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Friday, Aug. 23

Sponsored by Mall of America

• Today’s Deals and Discounts:  mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/
• Governor’s Fire Prevention Day at Dan Patch Park: This annual fun-filled, action-packed Governor’s Fire Prevention Day is the largest fire-prevention education event in the world. Opportunities for families include learning about fire-safe behavior, fire prevention, safe escape from a fire, proper use of a fire extinguisher, how to prepare for an emergency, as well as technological improvements in burn treatment and firefighting equipment. Activities take place at Dan Patch Park, the North End and DNR Park. Presented by the Governor’s Council on Fire Prevention and Control. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Saturday, Aug. 24-4-H Day

• Visit the barns and animal competition areas to celebrate 4-H. See displays and performances in the 4-H Building.
• Hubbard Broadcasting Day at Dan Patch Park: Hubbard Broadcasting Day features radio and podcast appearances, plus live music performances from locally owned-and-operated Hubbard Broadcasting Inc. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Sunday, Aug. 25 

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Dan Patch Park: North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS) will be joined by guest chefs to present cooking demonstrations and discuss the foundations of Indigenous food systems. Indigenous music and learning activities for all ages. Activities are scheduled throughout the day at Dan Patch Park. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Monday, Aug. 26-Seniors Day & Sensory Friendly Midway/Kidway 

Sponsored by Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line

• Today’s Deals and Discounts: mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/
• Mental Health Awareness at Dan Patch Park: This is a day filled with interactive, engaging, educational and fun activities for people of all ages to explore mental health resources and information. More than 50 organizations from throughout Minnesota will have the most cutting-edge information on mental health and wellness. Stage performances will include children’s programming, cultural performances, youth performances, musicians, therapy animals, and more. There will also be a collaborative art project anyone can help with as they walk through the park. Presented by NAMI Minnesota & Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health and Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/ 
• Minnesota State Patrol Day at the North End: Troopers will be at North Underwood Street throughout the day to answer questions from fair guests. Squads (new and vintage) will be on display, and troopers from various specialty assignments will highlight some of the unique services offered by the Minnesota State Patrol.
• Sensory Friendly Morning at Mighty Midway and Kidway: Monday, Aug. 26: 9-11 a.m. at Kidway; 10 a.m. to noon at Mighty MidwayFor guests who would like to experience the fun of rides & games at Mighty Midway and Kidway with reduced light brightness and sound volume, on Monday, Aug. 26, at the times noted above, lights, sounds and non-safety-related announcements will be minimized. Visit mnstatefair.org/general-info/accessibility-guide/#sensory for more information.

Tuesday, Aug. 27- Military Appreciation Day

Sponsored by PaintCare

• Today’s Deals and Discounts: mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/
• Military Appreciation Day: Honoring Military Spouses at Dan Patch Park: Guests can stop by to visit educational booths and organizations that support the military in celebration of Military Appreciation Day. Additional programs are also held throughout the fairgrounds, including at the Veterans Garden and the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. A flyover takes place in the morning. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Wednesday, Aug. 28-Kids Day

Sponsored by Treasure Island

• Today’s Deals and Discounts: mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/
• Theater Day at Dan Patch Park: Shrek The Musical JR. – It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek The Musical JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. The show is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. Performances will take place at 9 & 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and last approximately 75 minutes. ETC Productions brings together performers and technicians ages 15-19 to present a one-hour show in communities around the metro and beyond.  mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Thursday, Aug. 29- Seniors Day

Sponsored by Crystal Farms

• Today’s Deals and Discounts: mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/
• UCare – Senior Stretch & Stroll Day at Dan Patch Park: Enjoy live musical and dance performances on the outdoor stage throughout the day, plus a variety of fun fitness, health and wellness programming. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Friday, Aug. 30

• Today’s Deals and Discounts:  mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/
• MPR Day at Dan Patch Park: On the Dan Patch Park Stage, MPR News, Classical MPR and 89.3 The Current team up for live broadcasts, performances, local music and more throughout the day. Presented by Minnesota Public Radio. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Saturday, Aug. 31- FFA Day

• Several FFA livestock judging events take place throughout the day. mnstatefair.org/competitions/ffa/
• Pan-Latino Day at Dan Patch Park: La Raza 95.7 FM and 1400/1470 AM, Minnesota’s top Latino radio stations, present Pan-Latino Day at Dan Patch Park. See artists from diverse Latino cultures perform, including acts such as the Mexica group Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli, La Banda La Verdadera, Los Chinelos de Morelos, The Borinquen Cultural Center from Puerto Rico, Rumba Nueva from the Dominican Republic, and Runakuna from Ecuador. See them accompanied by local artists, organizations and leaders. Celebrate all the colorful and diverse cultures represented under the panorama of the Latin American cultures represented in Minnesota. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Sunday, Sept. 1- Friends of the Fair Day

• Fair guests can stop by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation tent outside the J.V. Bailey House to learn more about the Foundation and becoming a Friend of the Fair member. msffoundation.org/

Monday, Sept. 2- Kids Day

• Today’s Deals and Discounts: mnstatefair.org/deals-and-discounts/
• Hmong Minnesota Day at Dan Patch Park: Hmong Minnesota Day is about hope, healing and a celebration of life. Stage activities feature a collaboration of Hmong artists and organizations from throughout Minnesota, including singers, dancers, martial artists, community leaders and more for all to enjoy. This year’s event will be a tribute to community leader Tou Ger Xiong. mnstatefair.org/location/dan-patch-park-stage/

Special Events & Ceremonies

Refer to the daily schedules at mnstatefair.org/schedule/ for more information about the following special events & ceremonies.

71^st Princess Kay of the Milky Way Coronation

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m., located at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

Since 1954, the Princess Kay program has recognized young women who are involved in the Minnesota dairy community. Dairy princesses from across the state exhibit leadership and communication skills as they compete to be Princess Kay of the Milky Way, with the winner serving as the dairy community’s spokesperson and goodwill ambassador throughout the year. She and the eight finalists will have their likenesses sculpted in butter during the State Fair in the Dairy Building. The competition is organized by Midwest Dairy. For more information, please contact Krista Kuzma with Bellmont Partners at krista@bellmontpartners.com or 507-259-8159 (call or text).

Opening Ceremony

Thursday, Aug. 22, 10:15 a.m., located at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

President Wally Wichmann, accompanied by the State Fair Board of Managers, will declare the State Fair officially open at the Opening Ceremony with the national anthem and a flag raising by members of the Minnesota State Fair Police Department.

Flag Raising

Located at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

With the exception of Aug. 22 and 23, flag-raising ceremonies occur daily at 10:25 a.m. On Aug. 22, the flag raising is at 10:15 a.m. during the Opening Ceremony. On Aug. 23, the flag raising is at 10:10 a.m. as part of Governor’s Fire Prevention Day at Dan Patch Park.

Naturalization Ceremonies & Oath of Allegiance

Monday Aug. 26 and Wednesday, Aug. 28, 9 a.m., located at the International Bazaar Stage

Citizenship candidates will take the Oath of Allegiance, the final step in the naturalization process, and officially become citizens of the United States. Ceremonies will be ASL-interpreted.

Veterans Garden Ceremony

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 9:15 a.m., located at the Veterans Garden on the south side of the Agriculture Horticulture Building

Minnesota’s military veterans of every era will be honored during a special ceremony at the State Fair’s Veterans Garden. The garden was established in 2005 on the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, and honors all Minnesotans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces from territorial days through today. The garden features memorials to Minnesota veterans of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Also featured is a Gold Star Families memorial honoring families of those who died while in military service to our nation, and a Blue Star Memorial honoring all American military veterans.

2024 Best Awards Ceremony

Thursday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m., located at the International Bazaar Stage

State Fair superintendents and other State Fair organizers will nominate exhibitors, vendors, concessionaires and ride & game operators for the 2024 Best Awards. A committee will then review nominations and select winners who are announced at this ceremony. For a list of past winners and more info, visit mnstatefair.org/competitions/best-awards/

50 Year Awards

Saturday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m., located at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

This award honors individuals and organizations with 50 years of active State Fair participation.

Free Entertainment/Exhibits

Alphabet Forest

Located on the corner of Wright Avenue and Cosgrove Street at Family Fair at Baldwin Park

Step inside the Alphabet Forest to discover literacy activities for all ages. Guests can meet a different author or illustrator each day at the Blue Ribbon Author Showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., take pictures with Fair Letters, create alphabet Ferris wheels, add Minnesota State Fair words to the Fair Dictionary and play the Fabulous Fair Alphabet Game. Designed by author and illustrator Debra Frasier, this vocabulary-building game invites families to collect words they see, read, hear, feel or taste at the fair. Players who complete a game card win a blue ribbon at the Alphabet Forest at Baldwin Park. To see the author schedule or get a game card, stop by the Alphabet Forest or visit mnstatefair.org/location/alphabet-forest/ for more information. Alphabet Forest activities are provided by the Minnesota State Fair, Winding Oak and Debra Frasier. The Alphabet Forest is supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Refer to the daily schedule at mnstatefair.org/schedule/ for the schedule of visiting authors.

Arts A’Fair

Located at the east Grandstand Plaza and at KSTP Heritage Plaza at West End Market

Arts A’Fair celebrates performing arts in Minnesota with pop-up showcases of drumming, music, puppetry, dance and theater at two locations on the fairgrounds. This year will feature performances by 18 performance groups from around the state of Minnesota. New artists for 2024 include Continental Ballet Company, New Native Theatre and Youth Performance Company. Visit mnstatefair.org/booths-and-showcases/arts-afair/ for more information, and refer to the daily schedule at mnstatefair.org/schedule/ for the schedule of performances.

Daily Parade

The State Fair Daily Parade begins at 2 p.m. The parade features the high school marching band exhibition, floats and special attractions. The parade route begins and ends near the Haunted House. Parade units are announced at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, as well as at the east side of the Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park. ASL interpretation is provided in front of the Administration Building. Visit mnstatefair.org/competitions/marching-bands/ for more information about the parade, the route and the marching band schedule.

Giant Sing Along

Located north of Lee Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets

A participatory public art installation created by Montreal-based artists Mouna Andraos and Melissa Mongiat, the Giant Sing Along offers an opportunity for fair guests to join together in a one-of-a-kind musical experience. A field of microphones welcomes everyone to sing along – karaoke-style. A large screen features the lyrics of modern and nostalgic songs and hits from musicals and movies. Software helps everyone sing in unison. mnstatefair.org/art-and-garden/

Joyful World Mural Park

Located south of the Grandstand, east of the Grandstand Ramp

Imagination and joy come to life as four Minnesota artists paint large-scale artworks that reflect the world they want to live in. Throughout the fair’s 12 days, artists will be on-site creating their murals. Stop by to watch the work in progress by these participating artists: Xena Goldman, Kalaka, Flahn Manly and Genie Hien Tran. In addition, 20 artworks created for the park since the 2021 State Fair will be on display. Joyful World Mural Park is produced in partnership with Forecast Public Art and supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. mnstatefair.org/art-and-garden/

Mascot Appearances

Free photo opportunities and autograph sessions with State Fair mascots Fairchild and Fairborne occur at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily at Visitors Plaza. The mascots also appear in the 2 p.m. daily parade.

Math On-A-Stick

Located on the southwest corner of Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street at Baldwin Park
mnstatefair.org/location/math-on-a-stick/

The fair has everything on-a-stick – even math. Started in 2015, the Math On-A-Stick experience is where kids and grown-ups can explore fun math concepts at the fair. Families can count their way through the fairgrounds on a Number Game scavenger hunt, noticing that a corndog has one stick, a cow has four legs, the Great Big Wheel has 36 gondolas, and so on. Visitors can discover how math can be creative in special activities led by visiting mathematicians and artists who use math in their careers. Refer to the daily schedule at mnstatefair.org/schedule/ for a list of visiting mathematicians and artists, supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.

The North Woods

Sponsored by Good Health Saunas
Located on the east side of Cooper Street between Lee & Randall avenues, east of Little Farm Hands
mnstatefair.org/location/the-north-woods-stage/

• All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash daily at 11 a.m., 2 & 4:30 p.m.
  Trick dog show, dock dogs, water jumping. The 2 p.m. show is ASL-interpreted.
• Timberworks Lumberjack Show daily at noon, 3, 5:30 & 7 p.m.
  Lumberjack sports, including axe throwing, speed climbing, log rolling and more.

Parking on the Fairgrounds

Visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/vehicle/ for information about parking on the fairgrounds. For parking lot updates and information, visit mnstatefair.org/updates/parking/

Free Park & Ride

The State Fair offers free parking with free bus service to and from the fair within a short distance of the fairgrounds. Visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/free-park-and-ride/ for more information. For Park & Ride lot updates and information, visit mnstatefair.org/updates/parking.

State Fair Express Bus Service

Free parking and direct bus rides for a small fee are provided from further-out suburbs by Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and SouthWest Transit. For links to more information on each of these service providers, visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/metro-transit.

Metro Transit representatives are available at 612-373-3333 or 711 – Minnesota Relay (hearing impaired) and via text to 612-444-1161.

Accessible Parking & Transportation

mnstatefair.org/general-info/accessibility-guide/#transportation

On-site Bike & Motorcycle Parking

mnstatefair.org/get-here/bicycle/

Taxis & Rideshare Apps

For information about taxi drop-off and pick-up and rideshare apps such as Lyft and Uber, visit mnstatefair.org/get-here/taxi-and-rideshare/.