The big weekend is here, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds! Read on for important information to help you make the most of your Kickoff to Summer at the Fair experience.

Know Before You Go

The Kickoff to Summer website page has the most complete, up-to-date information. Check it out!

Arrival

• There will be two public entrances: At Snelling and Hoyt avenues, north of the water tower (parking available in the West Blue Lot off Randall Avenue); and at Como Avenue just east of the CHS Miracle of Birth Center (with a large amount of parking available in the South Red Lot). Whether arriving by car, pick-up or drop-off, bike, bus or on foot, all guests will need to make their way to one of these gates to enter the event. Free parking (space is limited)! Check out the parking and entrance map.

• When you purchased your tickets to Kickoff to Summer, you selected a specific day to attend; make sure to check your tickets so you come on the correct day. Feel free to arrive any time on your event day:

Thursday, May 22, 4-9 p.m.

Friday, May 23, 4-9 p.m.

Saturday, May 24, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 25, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• If you need to purchase additional tickets, save $3 when you buy in advance online. Tickets are $13 each online (fees and tax included) and $16 each at the gate via a QR code (credit/debit card only; fees and tax included). Children 4 and under are free and do not require a ticket. Currently, tickets are available for all days, but attendance is limited and some days may sell out.

What to Bring

• Your ticket (check to make sure you’re coming on the day noted on your ticket).

• Tickets must be printed with the barcode visible, or they may be scanned off your mobile device via the link included in your purchase confirmation email. This email with your tickets was sent from Etix shortly after you completed your online purchase. If you need your confirmation email resent, please contact Etix at 1-800-514-3849.

• Cash or credit/debit cards to make purchases. ATMs are available on-site (check out the event program/map). See website for info on which vendors accept cash and/or credit.

• Picnic blanket if you want (your own chairs are not permitted, but we’ll have plenty of seating waiting for you).

• Rain gear if the weather looks inclement. We fair on rain or shine!

• Board games or a deck of cards to play if you’d like. We’ll also have games and activities – including for the youngsters – on-site.

• Empty cooler, storage containers and maybe even some foil or plastic wrap so you can take home fair food to share or save for later!

• Outside food and drink is not permitted with the exception of sealed plastic water bottles or an empty reusable water bottle.

• Minnesota State Fair guests are required to pass through metal detectors at the entry gates. Bags, purses, coolers and packages will be subject to search at the entrances. Prohibited items are listed on our website.

• Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted. Service dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability are allowed.

Kickoff to Summer Happenings - Who's Ready?!

• Food and beverages at nearly 40 vendors

• DJ entertainment sponsored by Adagio Djay Entertainment

• Board and yard games to play at the Family Fun Zone sponsored by Renewal by Andersen

• Specialty shopping at 30+ merchants

• Live entertainment at DNR Stage sponsored by Cal Spas, Visitors Plaza Arts Pop-Up & Christensen Farms Stage

• And more!

Check out the event program/map, sponsored by Re-Bath, or pick up a copy at an information booth when you arrive.

Complete list of menu items and merchandise offerings at each vendor.

Kickoff Conundrum Puzzle Hunt! Test your wit and sense of adventure as you explore the fairgrounds! Guidebooks available at the tent south of the Grandstand. $10 per player. Fun for all ages, especially 10+. Complete the puzzle at your own pace. Created by The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe and Trapped Puzzle Rooms.

Play at The Arcade! Stop by The Arcade to play dozens of coin-operated arcade games – fun for all ages!

Early Footprints History Tour! Take a 45-minute guided walking tour around the southeast corner of the fairgrounds to learn more about the evolving and interesting history of this area. Brought to you by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. It's FREE! Thursday & Friday at 6 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday at 1 & 4 p.m. (ASL available at Saturday tours)

Pick Up Some Sweet Skateboard Skills! Take lessons from 3rd Lair SkatePark. 30-minute group lessons are $20 per rider, up to five riders per lesson. Equipment provided.

Test Your Knowledge! Live trivia challenges - led by the folks of Trivia Mafia, known for their popular games at local pubs, breweries and special events. Games are FREE to play in the Grandstand Building sponsored by T-Mobile. Yes, there are prizes!

Meet Fairchild & Fairborne! Our beloved mascots are ready to help us spring into summer! Sponsored by Mattress Firm.

Ride the Giant Slide! Tickets are $4 (cash only). The slide is open weather permitting; if it rains, the slide will reopen when it dries.

MathHappens and More! Visit DNR Park for a Pop-Up Math Play Space for all ages brought to you by MathHappens!

Learn Life-Saving Skills! In just a few minutes, learn skills that can save lives. Hands-Only CPR: You can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Safer Pools, Safer Kids: Prevent drownings with water safety activities, safe swimsuit tips and proper life jacket fittings. Limited child life jacket giveaways each day brought to you by Abbey's Hope.

Win Door Prizes! Winners from each day will be randomly drawn from all who purchased Kickoff to Summer tickets through Etix and opted in to enter. Winners will be notified the week of June 2, so watch your email! Sponsored by Minnesota Rusco.

Become a Friend of the Fair! Through the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, Friends of the Fair membership donations help fund a wide range of fair projects, AND our Friends get some fair-time benefits too. Stop by the Friends of the Fair cart located south of Judson Avenue, east of Loop Gate #9.

Snap Selfies at Photo Ops! Capture your Kickoff to Summer at the Fair memories at four selfie spots, brought to you by Human Touch – the historic Streetcar Arch, the stunning Welcome Wall near Gate 9, the iconic Grandstand Ramp, and the famous Giant Slide. Don’t forget to tag @mnstatefair!

Additional Guest Service Info

Electric mobility scooters, strollers, wagons and wheelchairs are available for rent. HomeTown Mobility, which will have rental locations at the event entrances (check out parking and entrance map), is accepting advance reservations for wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. If rented on-site, all equipment is available on a first-come basis with no guarantee of availability. Learn more.

Designated smoking areas have been established at two locations (check out map). For the comfort and safety of all, smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens) is permitted only in these areas.

Wireless hotspot, sponsored by DragNFly Wireless, is located at the west Grandstand Plaza (check out map).

Phone charging stations, sponsored by Treasure Island, are located in the Grandstand on the east side and on the south side of the DNR Stage (check out map).

Family & Baby Care, on West Dan Patch Avenue, has nursing and infant care facilities, an adult-size adjustable changing table and a quiet sensory-friendly space (check out map).