Free Samples Promotional Items And No-Cost Attractions At The Minnesota State Fair A Comprehensive Guide To 2019 Freebies And Entertainment

Introduction

The Minnesota State Fair, running from August 22 to September 2, 2019, represents one of the most comprehensive opportunities for consumers to access valuable free items and experiences without additional cost beyond admission. While the fair requires general admission ranging from $13 to $15 per person (with discounts available on special days and pre-fair options), the extensive array of free offerings available throughout the 12-day event provides substantial value that can significantly offset the expense of attendance. From brand merchandise and promotional items to educational experiences and entertainment, the fairgrounds offer hundreds of freebies, samples, and no-cost attractions that appeal to deal seekers, families, and sample enthusiasts across multiple categories. This comprehensive guide examines the full spectrum of free offerings available at the 2019 Minnesota State Fair, providing detailed information about locations, timing, and access requirements for maximizing the benefit of these complimentary opportunities.

The Scope of Free Entertainment and Attractions

The 2019 Minnesota State Fair features more than 900 free shows throughout its 12-day run, making it one of the most entertainment-rich free offerings in the region. The extensive free entertainment lineup demonstrates the fair's commitment to providing value beyond the cost of admission, with performances spanning multiple genres and appeal to diverse age groups and musical tastes.

The headline entertainment at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell Tonight! includes major acts such as Belinda Carlisle (August 22-23), Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone (August 24-25), Lonestar (August 26-27), One Night of Queen Performed by Gary Mullen & The Works (August 28-29), Tony! Toni! Toné! (August 30-31), and Dessa (September 1-2). These performances alone provide substantial entertainment value, with multiple shows by each artist allowing visitors to plan their attendance around other fair activities while still experiencing high-quality musical entertainment.

Beyond the headliners, the fair features an extensive roster of free performances at various stages throughout the grounds. The Leinie Lodge Bandshell hosts additional acts including Dawson Hollow, Mac McAnally, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Chad Przybylski and his Polka Rhythms, The Quebe Sisters, Brandon Lay, The 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band, AC Jones, The War and Treaty, Mollie B & Squeezebox, Tonic Sol-fa, Colt Ford, Jaida Dreyer, Bill Kirchen and Redd Volkaert, Lucky Chops, Matt's Family Jam, The Peterson Brothers, The BB King Blues Band Featuring "The Voice" Michael Lee, and The Sound Exchange. The fair also includes the MSF Amateur Talent Contest Semifinals, providing opportunities for local performers to showcase their talents on a major stage.

The West End at Sunset at the Schell's Stage at Schilling Amphitheater features additional musical entertainment with acts including Nooky Jones, Early Eyes, Aby Wolf, Pert Near Sandstone, First Avenue Goes To The Fair, and Jaedyn James & The Hunger. This diverse lineup ensures that visitors with varying musical preferences can find entertainment that appeals to their tastes throughout their visit.

Free Attractions and Family-Friendly Activities

Beyond the extensive musical entertainment, the Minnesota State Fair offers numerous free attractions that provide educational value, family entertainment, and interactive experiences. These attractions are distributed throughout the fairgrounds and represent significant value for visitors seeking activities beyond the paid Midway and Kidway attractions.

The nightly fireworks spectacular provides a daily highlight that requires no additional cost beyond fair admission. This regularly scheduled entertainment creates a natural gathering point for families and visitors, offering a spectacular conclusion to each day at the fair. The timing and location of this attraction make it accessible to all fair attendees, regardless of their location on the grounds.

The daily parade at 2 p.m. features the High School Marching Band Competition, providing both entertainment and educational value by showcasing musical talent from Minnesota's schools. This parade offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate local talent while enjoying a traditional fair experience. The parade route and timing are designed to accommodate the flow of fair traffic, allowing visitors to plan their day around this regular event.

The Giant Sing Along, located north of Lee Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets, provides an interactive musical experience that encourages community participation. This attraction appeals to visitors of all ages and musical abilities, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can participate in making music together.

Family Fair specifically targets children with music and fun designed for younger visitors. This dedicated area recognizes the importance of providing age-appropriate entertainment that keeps children engaged while allowing parents to enjoy the fair experience. The free nature of these activities ensures that families can provide entertainment for their children without incurring additional costs.

The 3rd Lair SkatePark BMX and skateboarding demonstrations, now located at Adventure Park east of Mighty Midway, provide action-oriented entertainment that appeals to both participants and spectators. These demonstrations showcase skill and athleticism while providing inspiration for visitors interested in skateboarding and BMX activities. The location change for 2019 reflects the fair's ongoing efforts to optimize the layout and accessibility of its attractions.

Dog agility and police K-9 demonstrations outside the Pet Pavilions offer unique entertainment that combines animal talent with law enforcement demonstrations. These shows provide both educational value about police work and appreciation for the skills of trained animals. The free admission to these demonstrations ensures that animal lovers and those interested in law enforcement can enjoy these demonstrations without additional cost.

The ANGRY BIRDS UNIVERSE: THE EXHIBITION in the North End Event Center represents a significant free attraction that combines entertainment with educational value. This exhibition gives fair fans of all ages the opportunity to explore art and science concepts through unique, hands-on interactives. The connection to the popular Angry Birds franchise makes the exhibition appealing to children and families, while the educational components provide value for visitors seeking learning opportunities during their fair visit.

FAN Central features local sports teams and merchandise, providing visitors with opportunities to connect with Minnesota's sports culture. This area offers both entertainment and promotional value, allowing fans to engage with their favorite teams and learn about upcoming seasons. The free access to this area ensures that sports enthusiasts can enjoy team-related activities without additional cost.

The CHS Miracle of Birth Center represents one of the fair's most unique and educational free attractions. During the fair's 12-day run, nearly 200 newborn calves, lambs, and piglets will be born at this center. This attraction provides visitors with a rare opportunity to witness the birthing process and learn about agriculture and animal husbandry. The educational value of this experience extends beyond entertainment, offering visitors—especially children—a firsthand look at farm life and the origins of food production. The free admission to this center ensures that families can access this educational experience regardless of their financial situation.

Horse enthusiasts can enjoy a wide variety of horses throughout the fair in the Horse Barn, as well as competitive events as part of the Minnesota State Fair Horse Show, all free with fair admission. This comprehensive horse experience provides both educational value and entertainment for visitors interested in equestrian activities, breeding, and horse care.

Specific Brand Freebies and Promotional Items

The Minnesota State Fair attracts numerous brands and organizations that distribute free items, samples, and promotional materials to fair visitors. These offerings represent significant value for deal seekers and provide brands with opportunities to engage directly with consumers in a positive, relaxed environment.

Bushy's Beans stands out as one of the most sought-after sources of free merchandise at the fair. The company's booth on Underwood Street, near the Great Giant Wheel, distributes customizable bucket and trucker hats beginning at 9:00 AM each day. Due to extremely high demand, visitors often begin lining up as early as 8:00 AM to ensure receipt of these limited-supply items. Each day has a finite quantity available, and supplies typically run out quickly, making this a high-priority item for early arrivals. In addition to the standard distribution, Bush's Beans occasionally incorporates some bucket hats into their prize wheel, providing an alternative opportunity for visitors who don't arrive early enough for the morning distribution. The company also provides free taste testing of their products between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, allowing visitors to sample new flavors and products while at the booth. This combination of promotional merchandise and product sampling creates a comprehensive brand experience that maximizes visitor engagement while providing tangible value to attendees.

MyTalk 107.1 FM, located next door to Bush's Beans on Underwood Street, offers free sporks (spoon and fork combinations) that are dishwasher safe and feature a serrated edge for added functionality. These promotional items represent practical value for fair visitors, serving as both souvenirs and functional eating utensils. Visitors may need to ask a staffer for these freebies, making interaction with booth personnel necessary to access this offer. The location adjacent to Bush's Beans creates a convenient opportunity for visitors to collect multiple promotional items in a single location, optimizing their freebie collection efforts.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation operates a booth across from the Education Building where visitors can spin a wheel, answer a trivia question, and receive packets of seeds for plants native to Minnesota. This offer provides both educational value and practical benefits, as visitors can plant these native species in their own yards and gardens. In addition to the seed packets, MNDOT distributes Minnesota road maps, providing practical value for both tourists and state residents. The trivia component adds an interactive element to the experience, making the booth engaging while still providing valuable free items. The educational focus on native plants reflects the fair's commitment to providing information that extends beyond the fair experience, potentially influencing visitors' landscaping and environmental choices long after their visit.

Access Strategies and Planning for Free Offerings

Successfully accessing the most valuable free offerings at the Minnesota State Fair requires strategic planning and timing. The high demand for certain items, particularly the Bush's Beans bucket hats, necessitates early arrival and systematic approach to freebie collection. Visitors seeking these items should plan to arrive at the fairgrounds before the 9:00 AM distribution time, with some sources indicating that lines begin forming as early as 8:00 AM for the most sought-after items.

The finite daily supply of promotional items means that visitors cannot rely on returning to booths later in the day for high-demand items. Once supplies are exhausted, no additional items are typically available until the following day, making each day a fresh opportunity but also requiring visitors to be present early to ensure access. The competitive nature of free item distribution at popular booths creates an environment where early arrival provides significant advantages.

Understanding the location of free offerings and planning efficient routes through the fairgrounds can help visitors maximize their collection of free items while minimizing time spent searching for booths. The concentration of certain high-value freebies in specific areas, such as the Underwood Street corridor where both Bush's Beans and myTalk 107.1 FM are located, allows visitors to collect multiple items efficiently when they arrive early.

The variety of free offerings throughout the fair means that visitors with different interests can find valuable free items and experiences that appeal to their specific preferences. Whether interested in practical household items, educational materials, promotional merchandise, or entertainment experiences, the Minnesota State Fair's free offerings provide substantial value that enhances the overall fair experience while maintaining accessibility for all visitors.

Educational and Community Value of Free Offerings

The free offerings at the Minnesota State Fair serve multiple purposes beyond simple promotional distribution. These programs provide educational outreach, community building, and accessibility benefits that extend far beyond the immediate value of free items and experiences. Organizations such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation use their free distributions as opportunities to educate the public about native plants, road safety, and state geography, while simultaneously providing practical value through seed packets and maps.

The fair's commitment to providing free offerings across multiple categories ensures that visitors with diverse interests can find valuable free items and experiences. This diversity reflects the fair's role as a comprehensive community event that serves families, individuals, and groups with varying interests and needs. The accessibility of these free offerings means that economic circumstances do not prevent participation in the fair's full experience, supporting the fair's mission as a public event that welcomes all visitors.

The educational components of many free attractions, such as the ANGRY BIRDS UNIVERSE: THE EXHIBITION and the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, provide learning opportunities that extend beyond entertainment value. These experiences can inspire curiosity, provide hands-on learning opportunities, and create memorable experiences that influence visitors' interests and knowledge long after the fair concludes.

The community-building aspects of free entertainment and attractions create opportunities for social interaction and shared experiences among visitors. Events like the Giant Sing Along and the daily parade bring people together around common interests and activities, fostering a sense of community and shared participation that enhances the overall fair experience.

Cost Considerations and Value Assessment

While the Minnesota State Fair requires admission fees, the extensive free offerings available throughout the event can provide significant value that offsets the cost of attendance. The free entertainment alone, featuring more than 900 shows over 12 days, represents substantial entertainment value that would cost hundreds of dollars if purchased individually at comparable venues. The headliner acts at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell alone provide multiple days of professional musical entertainment that would typically require separate ticketing at most venues.

The free attractions and experiences available throughout the fair provide additional value that extends beyond entertainment. Educational opportunities, interactive experiences, and family-friendly activities ensure that visitors of all ages can find engaging content without additional cost. The practical value of free items, such as the Bush's Beans bucket hats, myTalk 107.1 sporks, and MNDOT seed packets, provides tangible benefits that visitors can use long after the fair concludes.

The admission structure includes various discount options that can further reduce costs for visitors. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are available for $12 (valid for any age, any day of the fair) through August 21, providing a savings of $3-$5 per person depending on the regular admission price. Discount ride and game tickets are also available through pre-fair sales, offering additional savings for visitors planning to enjoy Midway and Kidway attractions.

The admission prices for 2019 are: Adults (13-64) $15; seniors (65 and older) $13; kids (5-12) $13; children (under 5) free. Fair parking costs $15, and Midway/Kidway tickets are $40 for a sheet of 54 tickets, $25 for a sheet of 30 tickets, or $1 for a single ticket. These prices establish the baseline cost for attending the fair, against which the value of free offerings can be measured.

The record 2018 attendance of 2,046,533 visitors demonstrates the fair's popularity and the perceived value it provides to attendees. The previous record had been set just the year before, indicating the fair's growing appeal and the value visitors find in the combination of entertainment, education, and free offerings available at the event.

Timing and Logistics for Free Item Collection

The timing of free item distributions represents a critical factor in successfully accessing high-demand promotional materials. The 9:00 AM start time for Bush's Beans hat distribution creates a natural early morning rush that requires visitors to plan their arrival accordingly. The pattern of early lines forming indicates that serious freebie seekers should plan to arrive at the fairgrounds before general opening hours to ensure they are positioned correctly for morning distributions.

The daily nature of many free item distributions means that visitors have multiple opportunities over the 12-day fair to collect items they may have missed on previous days. This daily reset provides both opportunities and challenges—visitors can return each day for new chances at popular items, but they must also be present each day to access these opportunities.

The timing of additional free offerings, such as the Bush's Beans taste testing between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, provides opportunities for visitors to collect free items throughout the day rather than only during morning hours. Understanding these different timing windows allows visitors to plan their freebie collection activities around other fair attractions and entertainment.

The fair's hours, with gates open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (9:00 PM on Labor Day) and fairgrounds closing at midnight (10:00 PM on Labor Day), provide ample time for visitors to collect free items and enjoy entertainment throughout each day. The extended hours ensure that visitors have opportunities to access free offerings regardless of their preferred visit times or schedules.

Strategic Approach to Freebie Collection

Successful freebie collection at the Minnesota State Fair requires a systematic approach that balances efficiency with the competitive nature of popular promotional items. Visitors should prioritize their targets based on demand, value, and personal interest, creating a collection plan that maximizes their haul while accommodating other fair activities and interests.

The concentration of high-value freebies in specific areas allows for efficient collection routes that minimize time spent searching for booths while maximizing the number of items collected. The Underwood Street corridor, featuring both Bush's Beans and myTalk 107.1 FM, represents a high-priority target area for early morning freebie collection, particularly for visitors seeking promotional merchandise.

Understanding the supply limitations of popular items is essential for managing expectations and planning collection strategies. The finite daily supply of items like the Bush's Beans bucket hats means that visitors must balance early arrival with other fair priorities, potentially prioritizing high-demand items over later offerings while still allowing time for the full fair experience.

The educational and practical value of certain free offerings, such as the MNDOT seed packets and road maps, provides different types of value that may appeal to visitors beyond those seeking promotional merchandise. Understanding these different value propositions helps visitors make informed decisions about which free offerings align with their interests and needs.

Alternative Access Methods and Backup Plans

Not all visitors will be able to arrive early enough for the most popular free item distributions, making backup plans and alternative access methods important considerations. The occasional incorporation of bucket hats into prize wheels at Bush's Beans provides one alternative method for accessing high-demand items, though this relies on chance rather than guaranteed access.

The daily nature of most free item distributions means that visitors can return on different days if they miss opportunities during their initial visit. This creates flexibility for visitors who cannot dedicate time to early morning freebie collection but still want to access some of the available free items and experiences.

The variety of free offerings throughout the fair means that visitors with different schedules and arrival times can find valuable free items and experiences that match their visit patterns. The extensive free entertainment schedule provides opportunities for visitors to enjoy valuable experiences regardless of their timing or collection priorities.

Understanding which free offerings remain available throughout the day versus those that require early arrival helps visitors plan their strategies accordingly. The free entertainment and many of the free attractions remain available throughout the day, providing opportunities for late-arriving visitors to still access valuable free experiences.

Community Impact and Accessibility

The free offerings at the Minnesota State Fair play an important role in ensuring accessibility for visitors regardless of their economic circumstances. The combination of free entertainment, free attractions, and free promotional items provides significant value that helps offset the cost of admission while ensuring that all visitors can participate fully in the fair experience.

The educational components of many free offerings, such as the ANGRY BIRDS UNIVERSE: THE EXHIBITION and the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, provide learning opportunities that benefit visitors of all ages and backgrounds. These experiences can inspire curiosity and provide knowledge that extends far beyond the fair experience, creating lasting value for individuals and communities.

The community-building aspects of free entertainment and attractions create social opportunities that enhance the overall fair experience and build connections among visitors. Events like the daily parade and the Giant Sing Along bring people together around shared interests and activities, fostering a sense of community that benefits both individuals and the broader Minnesota community.

The promotional nature of brand freebies provides brands with opportunities to engage with consumers in positive, low-pressure environments. These interactions can build brand awareness and loyalty while providing consumers with practical value and memorable experiences. The combination of promotional and community benefits creates a win-win situation that supports both business and consumer interests.

Long-term Value and Impact

The free offerings at the Minnesota State Fair create value that extends well beyond the immediate benefits of free items and entertainment. Educational experiences can influence visitors' interests and knowledge in ways that impact their personal development and community engagement. The seed packets from MNDOT, for example, can influence landscaping choices and environmental awareness long after the fair concludes.

The entertainment experiences provided through free offerings can inspire continued interest in music, arts, and cultural activities. Visitors who discover new artists or genres through free performances may seek out similar entertainment opportunities in their communities, extending the fair's cultural impact beyond its 12-day run.

The practical value of free promotional items, such as the bucket hats and sporks, provides ongoing utility that serves as reminders of the fair experience while providing functional benefits. These items can serve as souvenirs, tools, or clothing accessories that maintain connections to the fair long after it concludes.

The accessibility provided by free offerings ensures that economic barriers do not prevent participation in cultural and educational experiences. This commitment to accessibility reflects the fair's role as a public institution that serves all members of the community, regardless of their economic circumstances or background.

Conclusion

The Minnesota State Fair's extensive array of freebies, samples, and no-cost attractions represents one of the most comprehensive opportunities for consumers to access valuable items and experiences without additional cost beyond admission. From Bush's Beans bucket hats and MyTalk 107.1 sporks to educational seed distributions and interactive farm experiences, these offerings provide substantial value that can offset the cost of admission while enhancing the overall fair experience. The fair's commitment to providing free offerings across multiple categories ensures that visitors with diverse interests can find valuable free items and experiences, while the extensive free entertainment lineup provides entertainment value that would typically require separate ticketing at other venues.

Success in accessing these free offerings requires strategic planning, early arrival for high-demand items, systematic exploration of the fairgrounds, and utilization of available resources. The combination of free entertainment, free attractions, and free promotional items creates a comprehensive package that provides significant value for visitors while supporting the fair's mission of accessibility and community engagement. The educational, cultural, and practical benefits of these free offerings extend well beyond the fair experience, creating lasting value that influences visitors' interests, knowledge, and community engagement long after the fair concludes.

The Minnesota State Fair's approach to free offerings demonstrates how large public events can provide substantial value to attendees while supporting community, educational, and business objectives. The accessibility provided through these offerings ensures that all visitors can participate fully in the fair experience, regardless of their economic circumstances, while the quality and variety of free entertainment and attractions provide entertainment and learning opportunities that rival or exceed those available at other venues. This comprehensive approach to free offerings establishes the Minnesota State Fair as a model for how public events can maximize accessibility and value while maintaining the entertainment, educational, and cultural objectives that make such events valuable to communities and individuals.

Sources

1. 2019 Minnesota State Fair: Free Shows, Entertainment Announced
2. State Fair Freebies
3. 5 best freebies at the Minnesota State Fair, 2025 edition
4. MN State Fair info: dates, costs, how to find discounts and how many people showed up last year
5. Maximizing Freebies Samples And No-Cost Experiences At The Minnesota State Fair