Complete Guide To Free Samples Freebies And No-Cost Attractions At The Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair offers numerous opportunities for attendees to enjoy complimentary items and experiences without spending additional money. From brand promotional giveaways to educational exhibits and entertainment, visitors can find a variety of free samples, promotional offers, and no-cost attractions throughout the fairgrounds. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all available freebies at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, helping visitors maximize their experience while minimizing expenses.

Brand Freebies and Promotional Giveaways

Several vendors and organizations distribute free promotional items to fair attendees. These brand freebies are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, with some requiring specific actions from visitors.

Bush's Beans Bucket Hats

One of the most sought-after freebies at the Minnesota State Fair is the customizable bucket and trucker hats distributed by Bush's Beans. Located on Underwood Street near the Great Giant Wheel, this booth begins handing out hats at 9:00 AM each day. Due to their popularity, people often start lining up as early as 8:00 AM to secure one of these limited items. The supply is restricted daily, making early arrival advantageous. In addition to the hats, Bush's Beans operates a free taste testing station between noon and 2:00 PM, allowing visitors to sample their products at no cost.

myTalk 107.1 Sporks

Adjacent to the Bush's Beans booth, myTalk 107.1 FM offers a practical freebie: a dishwasher-safe spork (a combination spoon and fork) featuring a serrated edge. These promotional utensils are available at their location on Underwood Street, though visitors may need to specifically request them from a staff member to receive one.

Minnesota Department of Transportation Seed Packets

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) booth, located across from the Education Building, provides an educational freebie in the form of native Minnesota seed packets. To obtain these, visitors must spin a wheel and answer a trivia question. In addition to the seed packets, MNDOT also distributes Minnesota road maps as promotional materials. This interactive experience not only provides a free takeaway but also educates attendees about Minnesota's native plant species.

Free Educational Exhibits and Activities

The Minnesota State Fair features several free educational exhibits and activities that provide entertainment and learning opportunities without additional cost.

Kemps Little Farm Hands

Designed for children ages 3-10 (though particularly suitable for ages 4-7), Kemps Little Farm Hands is an agricultural education exhibit where children can pretend to engage in farming activities. At the conclusion of the experience, each child receives play money that can be used to purchase a real item, making this completely free for participants. This interactive exhibit combines entertainment with agricultural education.

NASA at the Fair

For those interested in space exploration, NASA at the Fair offers real NASA exhibits and activities. This special attraction is available only from August 21-24, 2025, providing a limited-time opportunity for fair visitors to engage with authentic NASA displays and learn about space exploration at no additional cost.

Journey to Space

Running all twelve days of the fair, the Journey to Space exhibit provides hands-on space exploration experiences. This interactive attraction allows visitors of all ages to engage with space-related activities and displays without requiring an admission fee beyond the general fair entry.

Instagram Teen Accounts

Available from August 21-24, the Instagram Teen Accounts section focuses on protections for teens and provides peace of mind for parents. This attraction features an interactive photo booth and product highlights related to teen safety and responsible social media use.

Free Entertainment Shows and Performances

The Minnesota State Fair hosts an extensive lineup of free entertainment throughout its duration, with over 900 shows available across multiple stages and locations.

Free Music and Performances

A comprehensive list of free live music and shows is available at mnstatefair.org/free-live-music-and-shows. The fairgrounds feature numerous stages showcasing diverse musical genres, performances, and demonstrations that are accessible to all fair attendees at no additional cost.

Horse Shows and Animal Competitions

The Warner Coliseum hosts free horse shows featuring judged and timed events with draft horses, horse jumping, and English horse riding. These performances showcase the skills of both animals and riders and are scheduled at various times throughout the fair. Visitors should consult the daily schedule for specific performance times and dates.

Beyond horses, the fair offers numerous free animal competitions and judging events featuring goats, pigs, llamas, and other livestock. These agricultural exhibitions provide educational opportunities and entertainment while highlighting Minnesota's farming heritage.

Daily Parade

Each day at 2:00 PM, the fair hosts a parade that includes American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, making it accessible to all visitors. This daily procession features various floats, performers, and community groups celebrating the fair's themes and Minnesota's culture.

Nightly Fireworks

As dusk settles each evening, the fair presents a fireworks display that is free for all attendees. This spectacular show provides a fitting conclusion to each day at the fair and is enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Free Practical Services and Amenities

The Minnesota State Fair offers several free practical services and amenities to enhance the visitor experience.

Free Trolley Rides

Free trolley service is available on the north end of the fairgrounds, providing convenient transportation between different areas. These trolleys are particularly beneficial during inclement weather when visitors prefer to avoid walking long distances through potentially wet conditions.

Information Booths and Maps

Free information booths are strategically located throughout the fairgrounds, staffed with knowledgeable personnel who can assist visitors. These booths also provide free maps of the fairgrounds, helping guests navigate the extensive venue and locate attractions, food vendors, and facilities.

Free ID Wristbands

The fair offers free ID wristbands designed to help reunite lost children and vulnerable adults with their families or guardians. These wristbands provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers, especially when attending with young children or individuals who may become disoriented in crowded environments.

Free Wi-Fi Hotspot

A free Wi-Fi hotspot is available at the west Grandstand Plaza, providing visitors with internet access for sharing experiences, checking schedules, or staying connected without incurring data charges.

First Aid Stations

First Aid Stations are positioned at both the west and east ends of the fairgrounds, offering medical assistance to visitors who may need attention for minor injuries or health concerns during their visit.

Free Hand Stamps for Re-entry

Visitors can obtain free hand stamps when exiting the fairgrounds, allowing them to re-enter later the same day without paying admission again. This service is particularly useful for those who need to leave temporarily for meals, rest, or other commitments but plan to return to continue their fair experience.

Free Digital Resources and Guides

The Minnesota State Fair provides several free digital resources to help visitors plan their visit and maximize their experience.

MN State Fair App

The free Minnesota State Fair App can be downloaded before the fair or on-site. This digital tool provides visitors with access to maps, discount information, schedules, and other essential resources at their fingertips, enhancing the fair experience through convenient organization and information delivery.

Free State Fair Coloring Sheets

For families with children, the fair offers 11 free printable coloring sheet designs available on its website. These designs include State Fair mascots, the bandshell, the giant slide, the grandstand, and other iconic fair elements. Coloring these sheets before visiting can help children become familiar with the fair and build excitement for their visit.

Free Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide

The fair provides a free Deals, Drawings & Giveaways Guide that contains updated information about discount opportunities, freebies, and contests available throughout the fairgrounds. This guide is essential for visitors looking to maximize their value and take advantage of special offers from vendors and exhibitors.

Blue Ribbon Bargain Book

While not free itself (priced at $5), the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book represents significant value for fair attendees. This book contains 100 coupons valid all twelve days of the fair, offering discounts on food, merchandise, and attractions. Proceeds from the book support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, making it a purchase that benefits both the visitor and the fair.

Free Transportation and Parking Options

The Minnesota State Fair offers several free transportation alternatives to help visitors reduce costs associated with attending the event.

Free Bicycle Parking

For those willing to bike to the fair, free secured bicycle parking is available for up to 900 bikes. This eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation option eliminates parking fees and provides a healthy alternative to driving.

Free Admission Opportunities

Several opportunities exist for visitors to receive free admission to the fair:

• Volunteer Programs: Many exhibits and attractions offer free admission to individuals or groups who volunteer for two- to three-hour shifts. This option requires advance planning and coordination with specific exhibits but provides free entry in exchange for volunteer assistance.
• Special Deal Days: The fair offers reduced admission prices on specific days, such as Opening Day, Seniors Days, Military Appreciation Day, and Kids Days. While not free, these discounted days provide significant savings for eligible visitors.

Free Food Sampling Opportunities

Beyond the brand-specific tastings like those offered by Bush's Beans, the Minnesota State Fair provides numerous opportunities for visitors to sample food products without purchasing full portions.

Free Vendor Samples

Many food vendors throughout the fairgrounds offer small samples of their products to entice visitors to make purchases. While availability varies by vendor and day, fair attendees should be observant for sampling opportunities that allow them to taste multiple offerings without committing to full-size purchases.

Gluten-Free Food Options

For visitors with dietary restrictions, Twin Cities ROCK provides a list of gluten-free foods available at the fair. This information can be obtained from their website or by picking up a copy at their booth, helping those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease navigate the fair's food offerings safely.

Free Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots

The Minnesota State Fair designates seven official Selfie Spots throughout the fairgrounds, each marked with a distinctive badge. These locations provide perfect backdrops for capturing memorable fair photographs and are accessible to all visitors at no cost.

Last Chance Deals

On Labor Day (the final day of the fair), vendors offer special Last Chance Deals as they work to reduce remaining inventory. A special Last Chance Deals flier is available at any information booth or linked on the website on Labor Day only, providing visitors with information about final bargains and special offers before the fair concludes.

Conclusion

The Minnesota State Fair offers an extensive array of free samples, promotional items, no-cost attractions, and practical services that enhance the visitor experience without requiring additional spending. From brand-specific giveaways like Bush's Beans bucket hats and myTalk 107.1 sporks to educational exhibits, entertainment performances, and practical amenities like free trolley rides and ID wristbands, the fair provides numerous opportunities for visitors to enjoy their time without breaking their budget.

By taking advantage of these free offerings, fair attendees can significantly reduce their overall costs while still experiencing the full breadth of what the Minnesota State Fair has to offer. The free digital resources, including the official fair app and printable coloring sheets, further assist in planning and maximizing the visit. Whether visitors are seeking free entertainment, educational opportunities, practical services, or simply complimentary items to take home, the Minnesota State Fair delivers on all fronts, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.

Sources

1. Fair Insider: Best freebies at the fair
2. Minnesota State Fair free stuff
3. How to save money at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
4. Ways to save money at the Minnesota State Fair