Comprehensive Guide To Free Activities And Promotional Offers At The Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair offers a wide array of complimentary activities and experiences alongside paid admission. For attendees seeking value, numerous opportunities exist to enjoy entertainment, participate in educational demonstrations, and receive promotional items without additional cost. The fair's schedule includes daily deals, themed programming, and interactive booths that provide free goods and services. Understanding the schedule and locations of these offerings allows fairgoers to maximize their experience while minimizing expenses.

Daily admission prices vary by date, with specific discount days for adults, children, and seniors. For example, opening day offers reduced admission for adults at $18 and for children and seniors at $15. Labor Day features $15 tickets for children aged 5 to 12. Additionally, ride and game ticket promotions are available at the Mighty Midway, Kidway, and Adventure Park, typically valid until 1 p.m. on most days.

Free Entertainment and Live Performances

A variety of free shows and performances are scheduled throughout the fairgrounds. The Bandshell hosts musical acts such as Rachel Platten, Tonic Sol-fa, the Dylan Salfer Band, Sarah Morris, and Ber. Performance times vary, with some acts appearing at 8:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 10:30 a.m., and 7:30 p.m.

The Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park features comedy magician Chipper Lowell at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., as well as a hypnosis show with performer Lizzy at 7:00 p.m. The Summit Stage at the Bazaar hosts Chicago reggae band Gizzae at 3:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:45 p.m.

Other venues include the East Grandstand Plaza, which presents St. Paul-based CAAM Chinese Dance Theater at 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. The North Woods Stage hosts All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash daily at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. The DIRT demonstration stage at the Agriculture-Horticulture Building features a puppet performance of "The Lorax" at 4:00 p.m.

Dan Patch Park is a hub for themed programming, including STEM Day activities, MPR Day live broadcasts, and Hmong Minnesota Day celebrations. Specific performances include the University of Minnesota Physics Force, the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, and local musicians.

Interactive and Educational Activities

Fairgoers can participate in hands-on activities at no cost. At the Sheep & Poultry Barn, visitors can learn to spin or felt wool from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Agriculture-Horticulture Building hosts make-and-take crop art activities for children between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on specific days.

The Moo Booth offers several events, including a yogurt-eating competition at 10:30 a.m., the Great Minnesota Moo-Off (human cow impressions) at 2:30 p.m. (sign-up at 2:00 p.m.), and a cheese-carving competition open to the public (sign-up at noon, contest at 12:30 p.m.).

The University of Minnesota Bee Lab presents a "living beard of bees" demonstration at 1:00 p.m. in the Agriculture-Horticulture Building. In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre leads art-making activities and puppet storytelling at the DNR Garden Stage from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Metro Food Justice Network hosts all-day programming at The Common Table in the Ag-Hort building, focusing on food systems and racial equity. Minnesota Wine Country hosts a Minnesota Wine Quiz Show with samples at 3:30 p.m. at the Minnesota Wine Country venue.

Promotional Booths and Freebies

Certain booths distribute complimentary items. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency booth in the Eco Experience offers fans, bee lapel pins, and monarch butterfly tattoos. The Bemidji tourism booth in the Education Building provides a Babe the Blue Ox foam hat, tote bag, and guide book.

The Compeer Arena hosts llama obstacle course exhibitions from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Dan Patch Park area features wellness programming and performances from groups such as Pearl Brothers, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, and Gotta Dance Line Dancers during UCare Stretch & Stroll Day.

Themed Days and Special Programming

The fair features daily themes that dictate specific activities and programming. Thursday, August 21, is STEM Day, featuring science and technology activities at Dan Patch Park. Friday, August 22, is Governor’s Fire Prevention Day, with safety demonstrations. Friday, August 29, is MPR Day, featuring live radio broadcasts and Minnesota-inspired improv. Monday, September 1, is Hmong Minnesota Day, celebrating local culture with singers, dancers, and martial artists. August 28 is UCare Stretch & Stroll Day, focusing on wellness.

Sources

1. Twincities.com - MN State Fair Free Events
2. Startribune.com - What You Can Get for Free at the State Fair