A Guide to the Minnesota State Fair Activities 2022
The Minnesota State Fair is also known as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together” is a staple of the summer. It is an event that not only brings people from across Minnesota but across the country. This year’s fair will be held from Aug 25 to Sept 5, 2022. A large part of its appeal is its location, the event will be held. Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN.
While you can spend a day away from your home, riding your carousel and eating carnival corn dogs, taking a local bus is more fun. Consequently, you’ll get to learn more about the fair and the community it represents. The state fair is designed to educate people about agriculture, which is important for people in the area!
This blog post will provide insight into the fair’s most anticipated attractions, food, events, and daily activities you can do to ensure that you get your money’s worth.
Minnesota State Fair foods for 2022
The fair is one of the most popular things to do in the state. It has good food for everyone here. From vegan, meaty food, beverages, and more, there’s something for everyone. Food at the fair has always been a prominent part of the event. Moreover, the food tends to be exceptionally delicious!
Check out the latest food list that you should look forward to.
Free Live Music, Shows, and Concert Line Up
Minneapolis is known for its live music scene, and the 2022 Minnesota State Fair is no exception.
The fair will feature more than 1,000 acts performed. The entertainment lineup includes a wide range of genres including rock, folk, country, and jazz. The main stage will be located in the Grandstand and will present artists like Pit Bill, Diana Ross, and the Zac Brown Band.
There is also plenty of free live music throughout the fairgrounds. At several venues including the Grandstand Stage, there are scheduled free shows you can enjoy such as the following:
- Cosgrove Stage
- Family Fair Stage
- International Bazaar Stage
- Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage
- Schell’s Stage at the Schilling Amphitheater and;
- The North Woods Stage
Minnesota State Fair Latest Attraction
The Minnesota State Fair is the best place to be for a family-friendly summer break. With over 200 events and attractions, there’s something for everyone.
This year, we’re celebrating all things fair with new attractions:
Sports & Outdoors – 10 New Vendors
Whether your passion is fishing, climbing, being on the water, esporting, droning, camping, or crushing the pickleball competition – and everything in between – these new vendors, plus dozens and dozens of others at the fair, will get you ready for maximum fun whatever the adventure!
Threads & Accessories – 5 New Vendors
Get an up-close, in-person look at apparel and accessories to outfit anyone of any age with any fashion style – the choices are limitless at the fair!
In the Community – 7 New Vendors
Our state is home to amazing nonprofits and educational organizations. Stop by these booths – and dozens more at the fair – to learn more about their work.
Home Solutions – 6 New Vendors
Whether you’re a DIYer or looking to hire experts, the State Fair is the ultimate home shopping network of vendors. Welcome to this year’s new additions to the home improvement mix!
Blue Ribbon BINGO
Have a blue-ribbon blast when BINGO makes its big-time debut at the Minnesota State Fair! BINGO proceeds support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3), celebrating 20 years in 2022!
Survival: The Exhibition
Adventure, fun, and science collide! Survival: The Exhibition transports guests of all ages to the world’s most awe-inspiring locales and asks the question: How can humans survive here?
Two New Midway Rides
Coming this year to the Mighty Midway – Iron Dragon Coaster and Music Express! Get in, buckle up and get ready to ride!
75 Years of the FFA Show at the Minnesota State Fair
What began in 1948 with 37 boys exhibiting sheep and swine has grown into an expansive show with opportunities for FFA members from more than 200 chapters across the state to participate in livestock and non-livestock competitions. Special programs and exhibit highlights commemorate the State Fair’s partnership with FFA.
Open Captioning, Audio Description, and ASL at the Fair
They also added an open captioning and audio description to their accessible services this year for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing or blind or have low vision, and we continue to offer ASL interpretation at select entertainment and educational programs throughout the fair.
Eco Experience – New Features
At this award-winning exhibit, an array of new features includes displays (a must-see giant loon and an oversized cardboard moose!), plus resources and demonstrations that highlight what you can do to help improve our air, land, water, and climate.
Agriculture Horticulture Building’s 75th Anniversary
One of the most iconic buildings at the State Fairgrounds opened in 1947. The Agriculture Horticulture Building is home to a variety of competitions, demonstrations, and displays – from flowers, food, and bees & honey to craft beer, crop art, Christmas trees, and ag education.
Old Iron Show Turns 25
Reminiscent of the former Machinery Hill, the Old Iron Show – celebrating its 25th anniversary at the fair – allows fair guests to get up-close for demonstrations and displays of beautifully restored, rare antique farm equipment. Learn about the history of the machines, their use in farm fields, the manufacturers of yesteryear, the dedicated, talented restorers in Minnesota, and best of all – marvel as the engines roar to life.
New Creative Activities Competitions
Entering a competition is one of the greatest State Fair traditions! Adventurous amateur bakers and chefs – like you – can vie for even more blue ribbons and bragging rights this year with the addition of four new special contests: Great Chocolate Cake Contest, Low-to-No Sugar Showdown, Salad Bowl Tournament, and Supreme Sourdough Bread Contest.
New Livestock and Agriculture Competitions
A visit to the State Fair wouldn’t be complete without unforgettable encounters with farm animals and horses. This year, you’ll have even more opportunities to catch contests featuring some showing off by two-legged and four-legged participants, including runner ducks, cow and calf pairs, FFA youth, and miniature and walking horses.
History Walking Tour – 5 New Stops
The History Walking Tour, a two-mile, 12-stop self-guided exploration of some of the State Fair’s most historically significant spots, introduces five new additions to the tour: One-Mile Track, Plaza Bandstand, Cattle Barn, Baldwin Park, and Pets at the Fair.
Minnesota State Fair Foundation’s 20th Anniversary
From the sidewalks beneath us to the Grandstand marquee lights above – and benches, buildings, premium awards, and programs in between – the impact of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation surrounds every fair guest’s experience at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Through the support of Friends of the Fair members, special project and program donors, volunteers, and fundraising event guests, the Foundation has granted more than $16 million in high-impact priority areas since 2002.
Unique Gifts & Specialty Items – 11 New Vendors
Discover a fantastic array of unique, hard-to-find gifts – for family, friends (even the furry variety!), and yourself – at these new vendors, plus hundreds more throughout the fairgrounds.
Handcrafted Home & Garden Décor – 9 New Vendors
The Minnesota State Fair offers a shopping experience like no other! These vendors join nearly 900 merchants at the Great Minnesota Get-Together!
Foodie Fun – 5 New Vendors
Fair and food go hand in hand, and these new vendors will help you take your at-home foodie game to the next level. They join hundreds of other can’t-miss shops to visit as you explore the fairgrounds.
Minnesota State Fair Competitions
The Minnesota State Fair is the largest fair in the United States, and it’s not just about browsing through all the booths—it’s about getting involved. Competitions are a great way to get your feet wet and see how you stack up against the competition.
You can learn more about the different types of competitions on the Minnesota Fair website.
Admission Tickets and Discounts
The Minnesota State Fair is a great place to spend a day with your friends and family, but it’s also a great opportunity to save money! You can get discounts on admission tickets if you buy them early and buy the tickets for as low as $14!
So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets today!