Interested in the chance to get Grandstand tickets before they go on sale to the general public, plus other fabulous fair benefits? Become a 2026 Friend of the Fair through the Minnesota State Fair Foundation to access the Friends of the Fair presale! Friends of the Fair contributions support the Foundation’s nonprofit mission to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, fairgrounds and educational programs.

Friends of the Fair reserved seating is limited, and you must be a 2026 Friend of the Fair at the Red Ribbon level ($100) or above.

For presale access to this show, sign up online or call 651-288-4325 by noon Wednesday, May 6. Please note, that while we will still accept Friends of the Fair memberships after this deadline, we cannot guarantee access to the presale.

Call Etix to buy by phone: 800-514-3849

For more Grandstand venue and ticketing information, call 651-288-4427.  

To learn more about the 2026 Grandstand Concert Series lineup, visit our website. More shows will be announced soon! Stay tuned!

Join us for Kickoff to Summer at the Fair!

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair returns May 21-24, 2026, with more food, shopping and activities than ever before! Join us to get a taste of your favorite fair foods, listen to live music, take in the new-to-Kickoff Hunter & Jumper Horse Show and Second Glance Crop Art Exhibit, visit specialty shopping vendors & more! This slice-of-the-fair event is the perfect way to welcome in summer and soak up your fair favorites. Kickoff to Summer includes:

• Food and brews at more than 40 vendors! Check out the full list of fair favorites and more.
• The Hunter & Jumper Horse Show in the newly renovated Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum – free with Kickoff admission!  
• Shopping at nearly 50 specialty Minnesota merchants.
• Three stages with non-stop music and entertainment! Check out ABBASolutely Fab - Tribute Band on Thursday night and Urban Classic presents: The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire on Friday night, plus more entertainment all weekend long. 
• Fun activities for all, including Giant Slide rides, history tours, Read to a Breed (Saturday and Sunday only), blood typing and donating, Trivia Mafia, puzzle hunts and more. Check out the full list!
• Free parking!
• And so much more! 

To make this an extra-special experience, attendance is limited per day and some days may sell out.

• Thursday, May 21: 4-9 p.m.
• Friday, May 22: 4-9 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday, May 24: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

SAVE $3 on Tickets When You Buy in Advance!

Advance discount tickets are on sale now and are $14 each (fees and tax included) through May 20. Children 4 and under are free. Tickets purchased online and at the gate May 21-24 will be $17 each (via QR code, credit/debit only; fees and tax included). To buy your tickets in advance and save $3, visit Etix.

Back by popular demand, we're once again offering a Weekday Ticket Bundle Deal! Buy four advance discount Kickoff to Summer tickets through May 20, for either Thursday or Friday, and receive one free 2026 State Fair admission ticket!

For all the fun event details, visit our Kickoff to Summer web page.



Kickoff to Summer Is Proudly Sponsored By

The Minnesota State Fair is financially self-supporting and does not receive government funding. Revenue from ticket sales, percentages and fees paid by vendors, facility rental, sponsorships and other sources brings the fair to life - powering memorable experiences, world-class year-round operations, and exceptional care of the historic fairgrounds.