The Great Minnesota Get-Together is easily one of the best times of the year, but between gate admission, endless food stands, rides, and vendor shopping, a single day at the fairgrounds can get expensive fast. Fortunately, hitting the Minnesota State Fair on a budget is completely doable if you know where to look. From discounted ticket hacks and cheap transit options to the famous Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, here is everything you need to know to stretch your dollar and experience the fair for less.
Admission Tickets & Discount Days
Grab your pre-fair discount tickets early to save on gate admission before Opening Day rolls around. If you miss the advance sale, plan your visit around dedicated promotional days like Seniors, Military, or Kids Days to score discounted gate entry.
Learn more: https://www.mnstatefair.org/guides/discounts
Blue Ribbon Bargain Book
For just $5, this essential coupon book pays for itself almost immediately with over 100 exclusive discounts on fair food, games, rides, and vendor merchandise. You can pick one up in advance at local Cub Foods locations or grab a copy right on the fairgrounds at Foundation Bargain Book Carts.
Learn more: https://www.mnstatefair.org/guides/discounts/brbb
Free Bike Corrals
Skip the heavy traffic and avoid parking fees altogether by cycling straight to the fairgrounds. Park your bike for free at one of three secure, staff-monitored corrals located near the North, South, and West gates.
Learn more: https://www.mnstatefair.org/get-here/bicycle
Free Park & Ride Lots
Avoid the hassle and cost of official parking lots by utilizing one of the 30+ free Park & Ride locations spread across the Twin Cities metro. Just park your vehicle for free and hop on a seamless, direct shuttle bus straight to the fairgrounds loop.
Learn more: https://www.mnstatefair.org/get-here/free-park-and-ride
Suburban Express Buses
If you want a stress-free ride from the suburbs, regional transit providers like Metro Transit, MVTA, and SouthWest Transit offer direct Express Bus service for a small round-trip fare. You can easily book your bus passes in advance using their official mobile apps to ensure a smooth trip.
Learn more: https://www.mnstatefair.org/get-here/metro-transit-mvta-swt
Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide
Make sure to grab this free printed booklet at any information booth as soon as you step onto the fairgrounds. It serves as your ultimate roadmap for tracking down free food samples, prize drawings, and hidden vendor specials across the entire grounds.
Learn more: https://www.mnstatefair.org/guides/discounts
Kemps Little Farm Hands
Perfect for families with young kids, this completely free, interactive exhibit lets children experience life as a Minnesota farmer. Kids walk through hands-on agricultural stations, earn mock "farm bucks," and trade them in for a delicious free snack at the end.
Learn more: https://www.mnstatefair.org/location/kemps-little-farm-hands