The MN State Fair 2025 opened Thursday with 137,148 attendees, marking a slight decrease from last year’s record-breaking opening day attendance of 138,875. The Minnesota State Fair had 137,148 people attend its opening day on Aug. 21, 2025. The highest record for the first day was set in 2024, when 138,875 people attended. Despite the minor reduction, fairgoers still flocked to the Great Minnesota Get-Together in impressive numbers.
Long lines and big crowds kicked off the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, with visitors eager to sample new food offerings and enjoy traditional fair attractions. The opening day festivities concluded with an evening Grandstand performance by Old Dominion drew more than 14,000 fans and ended with a fireworks display, officially ushering in the festive spirit of the fair.
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New Food Offerings Create Buzz
Food critics and fairgoers have been sampling over 80 new food items introduced for the MN State Fair 2025. Among the standout offerings receiving attention are:
- Pizza Cheese Curd Tacos – a creative mashup of two fair staples
- Birthday Cake Cookie Dough On-A-Stick – playful dessert option
- Dill Pickle Iced Tea from Loon Lake Iced Tea – featuring brewed black tea infused with dill pickle flavor
- Afro Bean Pops from Afro Deli – priced at $8
In 2025, brewers and drink makers have concocted 70 new drinks that are exclusively available at the Minnesota State Fair. The beverage selection represents a significant expansion from previous years, offering fairgoers numerous new options to explore.
Strategic Timing for Crowd Management
Opening Thursday traditionally serves as one of the quieter days at the fair. Since 1994, the first Thursday of the 12-day fair has averaged the lowest daily attendance — around 103,000 visitors, though this year’s attendance exceeded that historical average. An average of 111,000 fairgoers have visited on this day since 2013, but it has been gradually becoming more popular.
Fair organizers have noticed increased interest in opening day attendance over recent years. This trend reflects growing enthusiasm for getting first access to new food offerings and avoiding the larger weekend crowds that typically follow.
Enhanced Visitor Services
The fair has expanded its visitor support services for 2025. Fairgoers can visit the Fraser Sensory Building for therapy dogs and a calming space at the Minnesota State Fair. This addition demonstrates the fair’s commitment to creating inclusive experiences for all visitors, including those who may feel overwhelmed by large crowds or need sensory breaks.
The therapy dog program provides a valuable resource for families with children who have sensory processing needs or anxiety around crowds. The Fraser Sensory Building serves as a quiet retreat within the bustling fairgrounds.
Fair Schedule and Duration
The MN State Fair 2025 runs through Labor Day, September 1st, providing 12 days of entertainment, food, and agricultural exhibits. Aug. 21 – Labor Day, Sept. 1, 2025 marks the complete run of this year’s event. The fair maintains its position as the second-largest state fair in the United States by total attendance, trailing only the State Fair of Texas.
Located in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, adjacent to the Saint Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, the fairgrounds sit strategically between Saint Paul and Roseville. This central location makes it accessible to visitors from across the Twin Cities metropolitan area and beyond.
Looking Ahead to Peak Days
Weekend attendance typically surges significantly higher than weekday numbers. Saturday traditionally draws the largest crowds, with the 2018 Saturday attendance record of 222,194 still standing as the single-day attendance record. Fair officials prepare for these peak periods by implementing crowd management strategies and expanding vendor capacity.
The MN State Fair 2025 continues its legacy as Minnesota’s premier summer celebration, bringing together agricultural heritage, culinary innovation, and community gathering. With 11 more days remaining in the fair season, organizers anticipate strong overall attendance despite the modest opening day decrease.
What new food items are you most excited to try at this year’s fair? Share your must-visit booths and favorite fair traditions in the comments below.