Minnesota State Fair 2025 A Comprehensive Guide To Free Samples Brand Freebies And No-Cost Attractions

The Minnesota State Fair, one of the largest and most anticipated annual events in the Midwest, offers a wide array of free samples, promotional items, and no-cost attractions for visitors. While the general admission fee is $20, attendees can enjoy hundreds of complimentary experiences that significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance. From educational demonstrations and live entertainment to branded giveaways and interactive exhibits, the fair provides opportunities for visitors of all ages to enjoy a fun and cost-effective experience.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the various free offerings available at the Minnesota State Fair in 2025, including where to find them, what to expect, and how to maximize your experience. Whether you are a parent looking for kid-friendly activities, a deal seeker interested in brand freebies, or a first-time visitor exploring the fairgrounds, this article will help you navigate the numerous no-cost options available.

Overview of Free Offerings at the Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair offers a diverse range of free items and experiences, distributed by various vendors, organizations, and exhibitors across the fairgrounds. These offerings include samples of food and beverages, branded merchandise, educational programs, entertainment, and interactive exhibits. Many of these items are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and some require early arrival or specific actions to obtain.

The fair’s free offerings are designed to enhance visitor engagement, promote local businesses and brands, and provide educational value. They are distributed by a mix of private companies, state agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Some of the most popular free items include branded bucket hats, reusable tote bags, sunglasses, and promotional items from major vendors and radio stations.

In addition to physical items, the fair offers numerous no-cost activities such as live music performances, educational demonstrations, interactive games, and animal shows. These attractions provide entertainment without additional costs and are accessible to all visitors regardless of age or background.

Brand Freebies and Promotional Items

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. These hats are available at the Bush’s Beans booth, located on Underwood Street near the Great Giant Wheel. The booth begins distributing the hats at 9:00 AM each day, and due to their popularity, people often begin lining up as early as 8:00 AM to secure one of these limited items. The daily supply is restricted, making early arrival advantageous for visitors seeking these promotional hats.

Driven to Discover: University of Minnesota Research Projects

The Driven to Discover booth, located west of Cosgrove Street, offers a variety of free promotional items such as string backpacks, sunglasses, and stress balls. In addition to the freebies, visitors can learn about the University of Minnesota’s research projects and innovations. This booth serves as an educational and promotional opportunity for the university, offering visitors a chance to engage with ongoing research and take home a small token of their experience.

Blue Flame Gas: Reusable Tote Bags and Bottle Grips

Blue Flame Gas, located west of Nelson Street, provides reusable tote bags and bottle grips as part of their promotional efforts. These items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are available while supplies last. The booth also showcases energy-efficient gas products, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the brand’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

Bremer Bank: Sunglasses and Seed Packets

Bremer Bank’s booth, located north of Judson Ave., offers sunglasses and seed packets as free promotional items. These items are available while supplies last and serve as a way for the bank to engage with fair attendees and promote its brand. The seed packets are a unique offering that encourages visitors to take home a small piece of the fair experience.

Buick GMC: Free Cooling Towels

The Buick and GMC booth, located east of Underwood Street, provides free cooling towels to visitors. These towels are a practical and refreshing item, especially during the warm summer days of the fair. The booth is part of the automakers’ promotional efforts and offers an opportunity for visitors to interact with their products and services.

Federal Reserve Bank: Shredded Money Souvenirs

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis exhibit, located in the Education Building, offers shredded money souvenirs as a unique and collectible freebie. This booth provides an educational experience about the bank’s role in the economy while also giving visitors a tangible memento of their visit.

Friends of the Boundary Waters: Reusable Sporks

The Friends of the Boundary Waters booth, located at the North End, offers reusable sporks as a way to promote environmental conservation and sustainability. This booth is part of an environmental group’s efforts to raise awareness about wilderness protection and provides visitors with a practical and eco-friendly freebie.

Health Fair 11: Hand Sanitizers and Other Health Items

The Health Fair 11 exhibit, located at the southwest corner of Dan Patch and Cooper, offers hand sanitizers, emery boards, rulers, and other health-related items. This booth is part of a health-focused initiative that aims to promote wellness and provide visitors with practical tools to support their health and hygiene.

KQRS Radio and KS95 Radio: Drawstring Backpacks and Reusable Bags

KQRS Radio and KS95 Radio booths, located east of Cooper Street and south of Dan Patch Ave., respectively, offer drawstring backpacks and reusable bags as promotional items. These items are available while supplies last and serve as a way for the radio stations to engage with their audience and promote fair shopping.

Department of Public Safety: Footballs and Flying Discs

The Department of Public Safety booth, located in the Education Building, offers footballs and flying discs as part of its efforts to promote safe driving and community engagement. These items are designed to encourage physical activity and provide visitors with a fun way to take home a piece of the fair experience.

Minnesota Farm Bureau: Spatulas and Wheat Cutlery

The Minnesota Farm Bureau booth, located west of Underwood Street, provides spatulas, stress balls, and reusable wheat cutlery as part of its promotional efforts. These items are available while supplies last and serve as a way for the organization to highlight its agricultural roots and promote sustainability.

Minnesota Newspaper Museum: Postcards and First Amendment Posters

The Minnesota Newspaper Museum exhibit, located by the 4H Building, offers postcards, bookmarks, notebooks, and First Amendment posters. These items are designed to educate visitors about the importance of the press and provide a collectible memento of the fair experience.

WCCO Radio: Drawstring Bags and Water Bottles

The WCCO Radio booth, located south of Carnes Ave., offers drawstring bags on August 28 and water bottles on August 29. These items are available while supplies last and serve as a way for the radio station to engage with its audience and promote fair attendance.

WGVX Radio: Sunglasses, Water Bottles, and Other Goodies

The WGVX Radio booth, located west of Underwood Street, offers an array of free items including sunglasses, water bottles, compact mirrors, wine stoppers, ponchos, and more. These items are available while supplies last and serve as a way for the radio station to engage with its audience and provide visitors with practical and fun giveaways.

No-Cost Attractions and Experiences

Eco Experience Building: Climate Connection Bingo and Tote Bag Making

The Eco Experience Building offers educational demonstrations and hands-on activities such as Climate Connection Bingo and tote bag making from T-shirts. These activities are available several times a day and provide a fun and educational experience for children and families.

Nature Adventure Play Space: Hammocks and Play Areas

The Nature Adventure Play Space, located outside the Eco-Experience Building, features hammocks and play areas for children. This space provides a relaxing and interactive environment for families to enjoy.

Math on a Stick: Interactive Math Games

The Math on a Stick exhibit offers interactive math games such as The Number Game, which provides a fun and educational experience for children. These games are designed to engage children in math without the pressure of traditional learning methods.

3RD LAIR SKATEPARK AT THE X-ZONE

The 3RD LAIR SKATEPARK AT THE X-ZONE offers free skateboarding opportunities for visitors. This attraction is a popular spot for skaters of all ages and skill levels.

Go RVing Booth: Viking Hat Selfie

The Go RVing booth offers a unique opportunity for visitors to take a selfie in a Viking hat with a friend or family member. This booth is a fun and photogenic spot for visitors to capture memories of their fair experience.

Great Big Sandbox: Digging and Building

The Great Big Sandbox provides a large area for children to dig and build, offering a hands-on and interactive play experience. This attraction is a favorite among young children and their families.

Ramberg Center: Free Music Concerts

The Ramberg Center hosts free music concerts throughout the fair, providing an opportunity for visitors to enjoy live entertainment without additional costs. These concerts feature a variety of musical genres and are a highlight of the fair experience.

Boy Scouts of America Summits Ropes Course

The Boy Scouts of America Summits Ropes Course is a free attraction that allows visitors to climb and navigate a series of ropes and platforms. This course is designed to be both fun and challenging, providing an exciting experience for visitors of all ages.

Timberworks LumberJack Shows

The Timberworks LumberJack Shows are held three times daily and feature demonstrations of traditional lumberjack skills such as log sawing, axe throwing, and wood chopping. These shows are a popular attraction that showcases Minnesota’s agricultural and forestry heritage.

Educational and Interactive Experiences

Animal Judging and Competitions

The fair features various animal judging and competitions that showcase goats, pigs, llamas, and other livestock. These events provide both entertainment and education, allowing visitors to learn about Minnesota’s agricultural heritage and the skills of local competitors.

Gluten-Free Resources

For visitors with dietary restrictions, Twin Cities ROCK provides a comprehensive list of gluten-free foods available at the fair. This information is available both on their website and at their booth, where visitors can pick up printed copies. This resource ensures that all visitors, regardless of dietary needs, can fully enjoy the fair’s culinary offerings.

State Fair Coloring Sheets

The Minnesota State Fair offers downloadable coloring sheets featuring 11 different designs, including the State Fair mascots, the bandshell, the giant slide, and the grandstand. These printable resources provide entertainment for children both at the fair and as preparation activities before attending, extending the fair experience into the home.

Volunteer Opportunities for Free Admission

For visitors with available time, many exhibits and attractions offer free admission in exchange for volunteer assistance. These opportunities typically require two- to three-hour shifts and are available for both individuals and groups. This option allows visitors to experience the fair for free while contributing to the event’s success.

Conclusion

The Minnesota State Fair in 2025 offers a wide range of free samples, promotional items, and no-cost attractions that provide visitors with a fun and cost-effective experience. From branded bucket hats and reusable tote bags to educational demonstrations and live music concerts, the fair offers something for everyone. Whether you are a parent looking for kid-friendly activities, a deal seeker interested in brand freebies, or a first-time visitor exploring the fairgrounds, the fair provides numerous opportunities to enjoy a memorable and affordable experience.

By planning ahead and visiting the most popular booths early in the day, visitors can maximize their chances of obtaining the most sought-after free items and experiencing the fair’s many no-cost attractions. With careful planning and a willingness to explore, the Minnesota State Fair can be an exciting and rewarding experience for all visitors.

Sources

1. Maximizing Freebies Samples And No-Cost Experiences At The Minnesota State Fair
2. 30 Free Things to do at the Minnesota State Fair That Your Kids Will Love
3. Complete Guide To Free Samples Brand Freebies And No-Cost Attractions At The Minnesota State Fair
4. Score Free Stuff At The Minnesota State Fair