7 Minnesota State Fair Hacks For 2021

Let’s put it this way — us Minnesotans don’t take the Minnesota State Fair lightly. With years of tradition behind us, and the 2020 hiatus, it’s safe to say there’s tons of anticipation. We’ve asked our team for their favorite State Fair Hacks, and they’ve been generous enough to share em’. Check out our best kept secrets below, and buckle your ride seatbelts as we prepare for the Great Minnesota Get Together.

*Stay up to date on State Fair COVID-19 updates here.

1. Pre-Fair Tickets 

The first hack is of course related to the ticket sales. Admission during the fair is $16 for most adults, but, pre-fair tickets are $13 for everyone ages 5 and up. Get your pre-fair tickets until 9pm on  August 25th. Not a HUGE savings, but worth it if you’re purchasing multiple tickets. You can buy pre-fair tickets online here, via regular mail (though plan for two weeks' delivery time), over the phone, at the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office or at select Cub Foods locations.

Photo courtesy of Carnival Warehouse

2. Bargain Beer at Midway Men’s Club

If you’re a bargain beer hunter, you’re not alone. Navigate your way to Midway Men's Club and you’ll score yourself some $3 beers. Yes, the cheapest ones at the State Fair!

Photo courtey of Pioneer Press

3. All-You-Can-Drink Milk Stand

Is Sweet Martha’s your guilty pleasure? Here’s a pro tip - skip buying milk directly at Sweet Martha's when you're getting your freshly baked cookies and head to the All-You-Can-Drink Milk Stand brought to you by your local farmers! It's only $2 and you can get as many glasses of milk as you need for optimal cookie dunking! 

4. Llama-Alpaca Costume Contest

Looking for a good laugh? Stop by the 4-H Llama-Alpaca Costume Contest! This year it will be on September 1st at 6pm in the Warner Coliseum. It’s such a kooky, wonderful hidden gem. 

Photo courtey of Pioneer Press

5. Indoor Movie Theater

Take a break and stop by the Blue Moon Dine-In Theater for some fantastic food (like their famous sweet corn ice cream!) and take a seat in their "indoor" movie theater - where chairs are old seats removed from vehicles and all the movies are in black and white. 

Photo courtesy of Blue Moon State Fair

6. Crop Art

Often overlooked is the crop art in the Agriculture Horticulture Building. It's unique to the Minnesota State Fair and the crop art is predominantly made out of seeds and beans, and it is incredible!

Photo courtesy of Austin Daily Hearld

7. New Food Vendors for 2021

Food. This is why we State Fair, right? The intentionally over-the-top, creative, celebratory, delicious food on offer is what excites us most. We heard it through the grapevine, these are six brand new food vendors for 2021:

• Fluffy's Hand Cut Donuts — Gourmet, hand-cut yeast donuts

• Scenic 61 by New Scenic Cafe — Street food inspired by the North Shore

• Midtown Global Market's Andy's Garage — Vegetarian Chorizo corn dog and more, only at the fair Aug. 26-31

• Summer Lakes Beverage — Fresh-brewed tea, citrus drinks and mocktails

• Baba’s — A wide assortment of hummus bowls, served with pita

• Solem Concessions Cheese Curds and Mini Donuts — Blueberry mini donuts and seasoned (ranch, garlic and original) cheese curds

• And click here for 56 new sips curated by MSP Mag.

  Photo Courtesy of MSP Mag