The fifth annual Kickoff to Summer at the Fair is May 22-25, 2025! This slice-of-the-fair event features more food than ever, including the ultra-popular hit from the 2024 Minnesota State Fair – Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing – and new-to-Kickoff vendors LuLu’s Public House, Minneapple Pie, El Burrito Mercado and Jersey Jo’s.

A brand-new challenge arrives at the State Fairgrounds! A one-of-kind puzzle hunt tests your wit and sense of adventure as you explore the grounds in a most unique and immersive quest. Can you solve the Kickoff Conundrum?

Check out the entertainment schedule featuring ABBASolutely Fab – Tribute Band on Thursday night and GB Leighton on Friday night – and the fun doesn’t stop there!

On Thursday and Friday only, try your luck at a free spin-to-win prize wheel for a chance at fair admission tickets and entries into grand prize drawings for tickets to a 2025 Grandstand concert of your choice, on-site State Fair parking passes and more!

Plus, enjoy food and brews at nearly 40 vendors, music and entertainment free with admission, shopping at 30+ specialty Minnesota merchants, Giant Slide rides, yard games, history tours, free parking, and so much more! The fair-fan-favorite Milk Run 5K Race takes place Saturday, May 24, at 9 a.m. The race is sold out (!), so registration is now closed.

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair is getting more popular every year, but we’re still limiting attendance each day to make this an extra-special experience and keep that laid-back patio vibe we all love about Minnesota summers.

• Slice-of-the-fair fun with limited attendance and a laid back vibe

• ASL-interpreted Early Footprints Guided Tours on Saturday, May 24, at 1 & 4 p.m.

• Adult-size changing table available in Family & Baby Care

• Joy Mobile: a one-stop sensory experience designed to help guests reset and re-engage

• Additional ASL services available per request

• Free parking!