On the most frigid day of the year so far, Minnesotans received good news about warmer days to come, as the State Fair board announced it will not raise Fair admission costs this summer.

The Minnesota State Agricultural Society, which oversees the state’s end-of-summer ritual, held its 165th annual meeting in Bloomington over the weekend. It also approved $10.2 million for maintenance projects and capital work this year.

Regular gate admission will be the same as it was in 2023: $18 for those 13-64 years old; $16 for people 5-12 and 65 and older; children 4 and under are always admitted free. Pre-Fair discounted admission tickets are $15 and currently on sale. To purchase tickets, visit mnstatefair.org/tickets.

The Board approved some new additions to the 322-acre Fairgrounds, including a new ticket office outside the Grandstand, additional bike racks, water fill stations and shade umbrellas in Dan Patch Park.

Facility improvements are also planned this year, including new windows and doors in the Fine Arts Center, improvements to outdoor lighting, new doors and additional fans in the Horse Barn, and upgrades to the Kidway lot and fiber optic system.

The Fair is financially self-supporting, and will fund these projects through operating income and grants from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.

“In 2024, we are making it a priority to hold ticket prices the same while continuing to invest extensively in exceptional programming, guest experience enhancements, the historic fairgrounds and improvements to our operation,” said State Fair CEO Renee Alexander.

The 2024 Minnesota State Fair will be from Aug. 22 to Labor Day, Sept. 2.

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