Aug. 21 – Labor Day, Sept. 1, 2025
273 Days 4 Hours 9 Mins
The Minnesota State Fair’s security program includes walk-through metal detectors at all entry gates. Bags, purses, coolers and packages will be subject to search at each of the State Fair’s entrances. Prohibited items include:
Other items may be refused at the discretion of State Fair management or law enforcement. For more information on the Minnesota State Fair’s drone prohibition and temporary flight restriction, visit our Updates page.
Certainly. Fair guests are welcome to bring outside food and drinks. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the fair.
Yes. Backpacks, bags and coolers are permitted on the fairgrounds, but are subject to search. There are no lockers or a bag check at the State Fair. Please note: Coolers are not permitted at the Grandstand.
During the 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair, pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds, with the exception of service dogs or animals approved as part of an exhibition. Service dogs are those that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Pets are not allowed at most non-fair events, with the exception of certain shows and service dogs or animals approved as part of an exhibition. Please contact events@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4400 for information on pets at specific non-fair events.
Check out the fairgrounds events calendar.
During the non-fair time, pets are welcome on the fairgrounds provided they are confined or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. The fairgrounds are open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to sunset (with the exception of special events). Check out the non-fair events calendar for more information.
The use of “selfie sticks” and camera poles is prohibited in the Grandstand concert venue, free entertainment stage seating areas and on rides at Mighty Midway, Kidway, Adventure Park and ticketed attractions.
Guests are welcome to bring cameras to the fair, however, audio/video recording of performances on free entertainment stages is prohibited. For Grandstand performances, audio/video recording is not permitted, and still photography may be restricted by the artist(s). Contact the Minnesota State Fair Ticket Office with questions about a specific Grandstand concert at tickets@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4427. GoPro cameras are prohibited on all rides at the Minnesota State Fair, even if the camera is fastened to a harness or other device intended to hold the camera.
Media, production crews and individuals interested in shooting with tripods or equipment other than standard point-and-shoot cameras or mobile devices during the fair should refer to the fair’s photography and video footage guidelines.
If you are hoping to take photographs or video footage during the non-fair time on the fairgrounds, please contact the non-fair events department at events@mnstatefair.org.
No, you cannot. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, the Minnesota State Fair prohibits unauthorized operation or use of any unmanned aerial vehicle on or above the Minnesota State Fairgrounds year-round. This includes all UAVs, commonly known as “drones,” regardless of commercial or recreational purpose. Any UAV(s) observed at or near the Minnesota State Fairgrounds will be reported to local law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Yes, you can! Individuals are welcome to bring their own electric mobility scooter, stroller, wagon, wheelchair and personal conveyance vehicles (PCVs) on the fairgrounds.
A vehicle will be considered a PCV if it does not exceed 48 inches in length or 32 inches in width and travels on three or more wheels. Golf carts or ATVs are not considered to be a PCV. Two-wheeled devices such as Segways, hoverboards and bikes are not permitted. Read more in our accessibility guide.
