MAIN Travel USA Minnesota 2025 Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is an annual fair that takes place in St. Paul every year, a family-friendly fun fest that has been taking place since its inaugural year in 1859.

This year, the 2025 Minnesota State Fair runs from opening day on Thursday, August 21 to Labor Day, Monday, September 1.

Like many state fairs, the Minnesota State Fair moved around a fair bit in its early years to better include the various parts of the state, which had trouble transporting livestock over long distances.

The transient nature of the fair was actually in part what led to a competing fair opening up in Minneapolis. The two fairs were both quite popular, and in the end they were joined together and held roughly half way between the two areas at what is now the modern Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul.

Today, the fair runs for twelve days in late August until Labor Day. attracting upwards of 1,600,000 people during an almost two-week run.

This makes the Minnesota State Fair the largest fair in the US by daily attendance, but not by total attendance. (The Texas State Fair holds that honor, although the Texas fair runs for almost twice as long.)

2025 Minnesota State Fair concert lineup

Watch for the complete 2025 Minnesota State Fair grandstand concert lineup to becomes available over the summer -- including dates, times, and special guest appearances.

Tickets are available at the Minnesota State Fair box office or at etix.com.

Along with major headliners at the Grandstand, the Minnesota State Fair also hosts a talented array of live entertainment featuring 70 bands on 5 stages.

Styles of music range from blues, rock and country to luegrass, R&B, and polka, along with stand-up comedy and even local talent shows.

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 · 7:00 pm
Old Dominion

Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 · 7:00 pm
Meghan Trainor with special guest ellis

Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 · 5:00 pm
Atmosphere & Friends: Minnesota with Atmosphere, Cypress Hill, Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde, and DJ Abilities

The Current's Music On-A-Stick Show 2025

Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025 · 7:00 pm
Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls: Yes We Are Tour

Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 · 7:00 pm
Happy Together Tour 2025 featuring The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues and The Cowsills

Country legends Old Dominion and singer Meghan Trainor headline at this year's Minnesota State Fair

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 · 7:00 pm
Def Leppard with special guest Brother Cane

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 · 7:00 pm
Hank Williams Jr. with special guest Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 · 7:00 pm
Steve Miller Band with special guest The Rascals

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 · 7:00 pm
The Avett Brothers with special guest The Milk Carton Kids

Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 · 7:30 pm
Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals - FREE

Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 · 11:00 am
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of Taylor Swift & More for Kids featuring Bri & The Anti-Heroes

Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 · 3:00 pm
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of Taylor Swift & More for Kids featuring Bri & The Anti-Heroes

What else to see and do at the Minnesota State Fair

Perhaps one of the oldest traditions at the fair is the election of the Princess Kay of the Milky Way, who has the honor of having her likeness carved in to a block of butter, among other official duties.

There is also livestock - such as cattle, horses, sheep, and llamas, which are all on show and in various competitions as well. The Minnesota State Fair is also home to many amusement rides, along with art displays and other exhibitors with, of course, a wide selection of calorie-laden fried foods and regional specialties.

From top left, there's the giant ferris wheel in the Mighty Midway and carnival rides in The Kidway,
with top name concerts by night and marching band parades by day! It's all part of the fun at the
annual Minnesota State Fair in August. (All photos courtesy of the Minnesota State Fair.)

There is so much to do and see that it would be impossible not to find something to enjoy at the Minnesota State Fair.

Have fun!

DID YOU KNOW? Minnesota State Fair fun facts

• 25,000 ears of corn are served up at the the Corn Roast booth EACH DAY.

• Q: Still the most popular flavor pie entered in the baked goods contest? A: Apple.

• The oldest amusement on the fairgrounds is Ye Old Mill, the classic canal boat ride the began operating in 1915.

• The wonder of electricity was used at the State Fair in 1899, allowing it to operate after sunset for the very first time.

• Notable attendees to the Minnesota State Fair have included US Presidents Coolidge, Eisenhower, Harding, Taft, and Teddy Roosevelt who have all stopped by for a visit over the years.

also see -> This Christmas in Minnesota

Minnesota Fall Foliage

More about the Minnesota State Fair around the Web:

2025 Minnesota State Fair - The official site with information on admission and ticket prices, fair highlights and events including rides, concert lineup, entertainment, food finder, directions, map, photos.

Minnesota State Fair - Wikipedia - History and fun facts, including an overview of the modern fair's most popular events & attractions, photo gallery, attendance records, with related references and resources.