Kickoff to Summer at the Fair Returns for 4th Year of Fun
It’s that time of year again, fair fans! The fourth annual “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” is coming back to the iconic Minnesota State Fairgrounds from May 23-26.
This beloved event offers a delicious preview of the full fair experience, complete with food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities galore.
What’s New This Year?
The Kickoff is mixing things up in 2024 with some exciting new additions. Fair foodies will be delighted to find the famous Amish doughnuts from Peachey’s Baking Company making their debut.
Daredevils can test their skills at the new inflatable axe throwing hosted by the Northern Star Council – Boy Scouts of America. And the Twin Cities’ own Trickster Tacos will be serving up their distinctive fare.
But don’t worry, plenty of fan favorites are returning as well! Rick’s Pizza will be slinging their legendary pickle pizza, Sweet Martha’s will satisfy sweet tooths with chocolate chip cookies, and brewmasters have 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 has your entertainment covered.
Catch 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 will keep the party going all event long.
Fun for the Whole Family
In between bites of fair fare, littles 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 setup 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 5 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 22 through Labor Day, September 2, 2024. 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!
