Kickoff to Summer at the Fair Returns for 4th Year of Fun
It’s that time of year again, fair fans! The fifth annual “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” returned to the iconic Minnesota State Fairgrounds from May 23-26, 2025.
This beloved event offered a delicious preview of the full fair experience, complete with food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities galore.
What’s New This Year?
The Kickoff mixed things up in 2025 with some exciting features. Fair foodies were delighted to find the famous Amish doughnuts from Peachey’s Baking Company returning for another year.
Daredevils could test their skills at the inflatable axe throwing hosted by the Northern Star Council – Boy Scouts of America. And the Twin Cities’ own Trickster Tacos served up their distinctive fare.
But don’t worry, plenty of fan favorites returned as well! Rick’s Pizza slung their legendary pickle pizza, Sweet Martha’s satisfied sweet tooths with chocolate chip cookies, and brewmasters concocted special State Fair beers like the Mini Donut Beer and Chocolate Chip Cookie Beer.
Fun Entertainment
With three stages of non-stop music and performances, the Kickoff had your entertainment covered.
Featured acts like The Art of Dance Studio, Becky Kapell and The Fat 6, the Drums of Navarano, and many more wonderfully talented artists and groups.
DJ entertainment and live music from select food vendors kept the party going all event long.
Fun for the Whole Family
In between bites of fair fare, little ones can burn off energy on the Giant Slide, try their hand at mini golf by Can Can Wonderland, or watch skateboarders in action with demos by 3rd Lair SkatePark.
Families can get competitive with yard games, pickleball courts set up by Lucky Shots Pickleball Club, and rousing games of Trivia Mafia.
Don’t forget to explore the vendor markets, offering up a superb selection of Minnesota-made merchandise, home goods from Roots, Shoots & Leaves’ mobile houseplant shop, and much more.
Tickets On Sale Soon!
Advance discount tickets for this year’s Kickoff to Summer at the Fair celebration go on sale Friday, April 4 at 10am. Snag yours early to save $3 off the gate prices. Tickets will be available through Etix online, by phone at 800-514-3849, or at event entrances while supplies last.
Free parking is included, but spaces are limited so plan accordingly. For all the latest details including menus, vendor info, entertainment schedules and more, check out mnstatefair.org/kickoff-to-summer/.
The main event, the Minnesota State Fair, takes place August 21 through Labor Day, September 1, 2025. But why wait until then to get your fair fix? Let the Kickoff to Summer at the Fair put you in a sunny state of mind!
Fun for the Whole Family
In between bites of fair fare, little ones can burn off energy on the Giant Slide, try their hand at mini golf by Can Can Wonderland, or watch skateboarders in action with demos by 3rd Lair SkatePark.
Families can get competitive with yard games, pickleball courts set up by Lucky Shots Pickleball Club, and rousing games of Trivia Mafia.
Don’t forget to explore the vendor markets, offering up a superb selection of Minnesota-made merchandise, home goods from Roots, Shoots & Leaves’ mobile houseplant shop, and much more.
Tickets On Sale Soon!
Advance discount tickets for this year’s Kickoff to Summer at the Fair celebration go on sale Friday, April 4 at 10am. Snag yours early to save $3 off the gate prices. Tickets will be available through Etix online, by phone at 800-514-3849, or at event entrances while supplies last.
Free parking is included, but spaces are limited so plan accordingly. For all the latest details including menus, vendor info, entertainment schedules and more, check out mnstatefair.org/kickoff-to-summer/.
The main event, the Minnesota State Fair, takes place August 21 through Labor Day, September 1, 2025. But why wait until then to get your fair fix? Let the Kickoff to Summer at the Fair put you in a sunny state of mind!
