Long Lines And Big Crowds Kick Off 2025 Minnesota State Fair
Opening day draws thousands to Falcon Heights for new exhibits, inventive foods, and Grandstand fireworks.
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — August 21, 2025 — The “Great Minnesota Get-Together” opened its gates Thursday morning with the familiar blend of excitement, tradition, and long lines. From packed park-and-ride lots to debut food creations and space-themed exhibits, the 2025 Minnesota State Fair began its 12-day run with energy and spectacle.
Crowds and Transit Snarls
Opening day brought immediate congestion at park-and-ride lots across the metro. At North Heights Church in Arden Hills, fairgoers reported waits of up to 90 minutes for buses — far longer than the intended 15-minute intervals. By late morning, 18 of 20 free park-and-ride lots had already reached capacity.
Those who drove directly to Falcon Heights faced limited parking options, with neighborhood lots charging around $25 per day. Fair officials urged visitors to plan ahead and consider biking, public transit, or rideshare services to ease delays.
New Attractions and Classic Favorites
Inside the gates, crowds filled the Midway and food courts within hours of opening. This year’s marquee addition is the “Journey to Space” exhibit at the North End Event Center, featuring authentic NASA space suits, interactive displays, and an Apollo 15 moon rock.
Thursday also served as STEM Day at Dan Patch Park, with hands-on activities, live demonstrations from SciMathMN, and shows by the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Families crowded the event, making it one of the fair’s most popular early attractions.
The 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.
Food: 33 New Offerings
Food remains the centerpiece of the fair. In 2025, visitors can choose from 33 new dishes and eight new vendors, alongside beloved classics. Early standouts include:
Pizza Cheese Curd Tacos — a creative mashup of two fair staples.
Birthday Cake Cookie Dough On-A-Stick — playful and photo-ready.
Cider Pops at the Horticulture Building — refreshing, affordable, and already a crowd favorite.
Hidden gems such as Carl’s Gizmo sandwich and El Sol’s flour tacos, praised by seasoned fairgoers for their flavor and value.
Attendance and Outlook
Official attendance figures for opening day will be released Friday afternoon, but early turnout appeared strong. In 2024, 138,875 people attended opening day, contributing to a total of 1.9 million visitors over the 12-day event. The Minnesota State Fair is consistently ranked among the nation’s top state fairs, and was named “Best State Fair in the U.S.” by USA Today readers this year.
Forecasts for Friday call for scattered showers, which could temporarily thin crowds but are unlikely to dampen enthusiasm.
Minnesota State Fair 2025: Quick Facts
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Falcon Heights Dates: August 21 – September 1 (Labor Day) Gates Open: 7 a.m. daily
Daily Highlights
Park-and-ride delays up to 90 minutes; most lots filled by noon.
New Journey to Space exhibits and STEM Day events drew big crowds.
33 new foods, 8 new vendors — from Pizza Cheese Curd Tacos to Cider Pops.
Old Dominion’s Grandstand show packed in 14,000+ fans, capped by fireworks.
By the Numbers
2024 Opening Day: ~138,875 visitors
2024 Total Attendance: ~1.9 million
2025 daily counts: released each afternoon (12–3 p.m.) the attendance numbers are reported after the event.
Pro Tips
Arrive early or after 6 p.m. to dodge peak congestion
Download the official Minnesota State Fair app for maps and updates
Freeze water bottles for cooling + hydration
Rainy days = lighter crowds and shorter lines
Bottom Line: The 2025 Minnesota State Fair opened with long lines, big crowds, and a full slate of new attractions. For the next 11 days, Minnesotans and visitors alike will find a mix of tradition and novelty — from space exploration to inventive foods — at one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the country.
Patchy rain nearby, with a high of 79 and low of 69 degrees. Don't forget your umbrella! Overcast for the morning, sunny for the afternoon and evening, overcast overnight.
69° and Partly Cloudy
