Fairgrounds to close Aug. 9-Sept. 11 to prepare for State Fair

Heads up that the fairgrounds will close for the setup, duration and teardown of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair beginning at 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. It remain closed through the fair, which runs Thursday, Aug. 27, through Labor Day, Sept. 7. Organizers anticipate reopening the fairgrounds by Friday, Sept. 11.

Gate Access
• Larpenteur Avenue and Underwood Street (open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic only)
• Gate 3 at Snelling and Hoyt avenues (open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic only)
• Gate 5 at Snelling Avenue and Midway Parkway (open to vehicle traffic)
• Gate 7 off Como Avenue (open to vehicle traffic)
• Gate 14 off Como Avenue (open to vehicle traffic)
• West Dan Patch Avenue on the west side of the fairgrounds (open to vehicle traffic)
View gates numbered on the Non-Fair-Time Map.

Rules & Guidelines
Please comply with posted parking and traffic signs, including speed limits. Note: Practice driving is not permitted on the fairgrounds.

• Staff takes extra care to make sure the historic grounds remain beautiful, so they ask users to help keep the fairgrounds in tip-top shape by cleaning up after yourself and your pet.
• Speaking of Fido, all dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

Things to note:
• The fairgrounds are open between approximately 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily (with the exception of special events).
• None of the buildings are open to the public, except the restroom just south of Gate 5 at the Admin Too building.
• Pedestrians and bikers have the right of way.

If you have questions or comments, please email fairinfo@mnstatefair.org.
All information subject to change.

More Info
• Fairgrounds Events
• Event Facility Rental