Minnesota State Fair Admission and Parking Rates to Remain Unchanged for 2026

(KNSI) – The Minnesota State Fair is still eight months away, but the board says admission and parking prices will remain the same as they were for 2025.

Pre-fair discount admission tickets cost $17 for all ages. Regular admission at the gate during the fair is $20 for adults ages 13 to 64, $18 for seniors 65 and older and kids ages five through 12, and free for children four and under. Promotional discounts will be offered on Opening Day August 27th, Seniors Days on August 31st and September 3rd, Military Appreciation Day on September 1st, and Kids Days on September 2nd and 7th. On-site car parking costs $25.

At the same time, the board approved more than $67 million in improvements to the fairgrounds, guest experience enhancements, and educational and entertainment programming. State Fair CEO Renee Alexander said the board wants to deliver a great experience while being thoughtful stewards of the fairgrounds. She noted that Minnesotans care deeply about their State Fair, and the approach is to make smart investments that honor tradition while ensuring high-value, high-quality experiences for future generations.

Major projects include completing the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum renovation with new seating, wider aisles and railings, expanded restrooms, a new meeting room and office space, redesigned entryways, upgraded electrical and lighting, and fresh paint throughout.

The State Fair is also planning almost $44 million in operating expenses. This includes hundreds of entertainment performances and educational programming like a marquee exhibit in the North End Event Center, Little Farm Hands, the CHS Miracle of Birth Center and others, all free with fair admission. The operating budget also covers free Park & Ride bus service, running the Mighty Midway, Kidway, Adventure Park and other ticketed attractions, producing the 12-day Grandstand Concert Series, sanitation services, livestock and horse exhibitions, competitions for crop art, K-12 projects, fine art, baking and needlework, guest services, public safety, coordinating Kickoff to Summer at the Fair in May and Minnesota Beef Expo in October, and staffing for thousands of employees.

The Minnesota State Fair doesn’t receive any government funding and operates entirely on revenue from ticket sales, vendor fees and percentages, facility rentals, sponsorships and other sources.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended fairs in the world, showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry. The 2026 Minnesota State Fair runs August 27th through Labor Day, September 7th. More information is available by clicking here.

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