5 Easy Ways to Save Money at the Minnesota State Fair 2017

Going to the Minnesota State Fair is often perceived as expensive whether you are going with kids, that special someone, friends, or all by yourself. A big part of me is an introvert that hates spending money, and therefore am often tempted to just be a hermit and stay home. #notkidding But it can actually be easy to plan & attend the Minnesota State Fair on a budget.

The Minnesota State Fair has an AMAZING Website makes it 100% possible & easy to save money while you are planning & attending the state fair.

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Here are my 5 recommendations for attending the Minnesota State Fair on a budget.

• Photo credit: Minnesota State Fair

1.  Attend on a discount day.

This is probably the easiest, hands down way to save at the Minnesota State Fair.  By intentionally picking which day you will be attending you are able to maximize your money for maximum fun and enjoyment.

2017 Discount Days 

FYI: Tickets purchased at the gate during discount days are only valid for that day only (they cannot be used on another day).

THRIFTY THURSDAY (Aug. 24)

Admission prices are reduced all day, and many merchandise and food vendors offer special Thrifty Thursday bargains for all fair guests. All-day specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games.

Admission Discounts:

• Adults (13-64): $12
• Kids (5-12): $9

SENIORS & KIDS DAY (Monday, Aug. 28)

Admission prices are reduced all day for seniors (65+) and kids (5-12). All-day specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games. Many merchandise and food vendors offer Seniors & Kids Day bargains for all fair guests.

Admission Discounts:

• Seniors (65+): $9
• Kids (5-12): $9

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY (Tuesday, Aug. 29)

Active military, retired military and veterans receive an admission discount when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present valid documentation of military service. Early Bird Specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games until 1 p.m. Many merchandise and food vendors offer Military Appreciation Day bargains for all fair guests.

Admission Discounts: $9* (all ages with documentation)

* Discount applies to active military, spouses and kids; retired military and spouses; and military veterans and spouses when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present valid documentation of military service

READ & RIDE DAY (Wednesday, Aug. 30)

Public library cardholders receive a discount off regular admission when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present a valid library card (one discount per card). All-day specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games.

Admission Discounts:

• Adults (13-64): $12**
• Seniors (65+): $9**
• Kids (5-12): $9**
• Children (Under 5): Free

** Discount applies to public library cardholders who purchase a ticket at the gate and present a valid library card. (One discount per card).

SENIORS DAY (Thursday, Aug. 31)

Seniors (65+) can take advantage of discounted admission at the gate all day. Early Bird Specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games until 1 p.m. Many merchandise and food vendors offer Seniors Day bargains for all fair guests.

Admission Discounts:

• Seniors (65+): $9

KIDS DAY (Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4)

Kids (5-12) are admitted for less all day. Many merchandise and food vendors offer Kids & Last Chance Day bargains for all fair guests. All-day specials are offered on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides & games.

Admission Discounts:

• Kids (5-12): $9

 

2. Check out the list of  great deals/ giveaways for the day that you are attending the state fair.

Every year the Minnesota State Fair publishes this AMAZING discount guide that lists all the discounts, values, free stuff and EVERYTHING less than $1 plus some awesome hidden gems at the fair. You can grab it here, or at the information booths during the fair.

 

 

3. Pick up a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book 

These handy blue books that offer over 150 different deals are available at select retailers until August 23rd as well as at the gate for your money saving enjoyment.

Metro Locations Here 

Out of Metro Locations Here 

 

4. If you aren’t able to attend the state fair during one of the discount days, consider purchasing your tickets in advance for a discount price.

• Photo credit: Minnesota State Fair

5. Check out all the AWESOME FREE ENTERTAINMENT 

On my trips to the state fair over the years I have been able to check out a lot of pretty cool shows, but one of my personal favorites would still be watching the marching bands perform.

Complete list of FREE ENTERTAINMENT HERE.

 

** To make the most of your time at the fair I highly recommend downloading their awesome Ap or checking out this section of their website that allows you to plan out your trip to the fair in advance so you don’t have to figure out what you are doing when you get there time saver = money saver.

 

 

 

Check out my pinterest board for the Minnesota State Fair Here. 

 

 

Check out my other posts on the Minnesota State Fair