Thank You For Making The 2014 Minnesota State Fair Great

Thank you Fair fans and Minnesota State fair blog readers! it was a great and memorable Minnesota State Fair Season thanks to you. Keep checking back to my blog for off-season news and updates on the 2015 Minnesota State Fair.

Thank you again!

The Last Day of The Fair

Sad I know, but the time has come. It is the final day of "The Great Minnesota Get-Together” and we
hope everyone enjoyed the 2014 Minnesota State Fair as much as I did.

Tonight, the 2014 Grandstand is being closed out by Journey. You can get last minute tickets to see the legendary rockers from Ticket King here.

In the comments below, feel free to share with us your fair highlights. See you all next year!

Military Appreciation Day

Today is MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY (Tuesday, Aug. 26) at the Minnesota State Fair. Active military, retired military and veterans receive $8 discounted admission ticket prices plus there will be a salute to the Military kids parade and military themed exhibits and events today. We thank you for your service military members and we hope you enjoy the fair.

First Saturday At The Fair & Kid Rock

The first Saturday at the Fair is upon us. So you know what that means – expect high attendance numbers and potentially seeing some faces you haven’t seen in a while (you know, like old neighbors and other acquaintances like that).

Speaking of faces, we look forward to seeing all of your happy faces at the fair this year, and especially at the Grandstand - where hopefully you got seats to some of the great shows going on this year by getting tickets through Ticket King.

Tonight, Kid Rock takes the Grandstand stage by storm in what is sure to be a rockin’ concert. If you haven’t yet purchased tickets for what is going to be a surefire awesome show, you can (aka probably should) do so today here.

FIRST DAY OF THE FAIR!!!!!!!

YOU GUYS IT'S FINALLY HERE - THE FIRST DAY OF THE FAIR.

The first day of the fair also happens to be Thrifty Thursday, which means these are the admission ticket prices:

• Adults (13-64): $11
• Seniors (65 & over): $11
• Kids (5-12): $8
• Children (Under 5): Free

Also, performing later that night at the Grandstand will be country music legend Toby Keith. If you're interested, tickets for the show can purchased here. 

2014 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Line up – Ticket King has Tickets!

Need last minute tickets for the Grandstand? Well checkout Ticket King, an awesome local business that has tickets to all the Grandstand acts listed below:

THU., AUG. 21 Toby Keith with special guest Colt Ford
FRI., AUG. 22 Aretha Franklin with special guest The Four Tops
SAT., AUG. 23 Kid Rock with special guest Blackberry Smoke
SUN., AUG. 24 DigiFest Minnesota
MON., AUG. 25 The Happy Together Tour 2014
TUE., AUG. 26 Linkin Park & Thirty Seconds toMars with special guest AFI
WED., AUG. 27 Tim McGraw with special guest Ryan Kinder
THU., AUG. 28 Fall Out Boy & Paramore with special guest Bad Suns
FRI., AUG. 29 A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor
SAT., AUG. 30 MN Music On-A-Stick featuring Brother Ali, Doomtree, Bob
Mould, Har Mar Superstar, Cloud Cult and The Cactus Blossoms
SUN., AUG. 31 Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finals – FREE EVENT
MON., SEPT. 1 Journey with special guest Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

We hope to see you at the fair! And if you’re interested in purchasing tickets to any of the great Grandstand concerts, you can here!

Who Needs a Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Ticket?

Everybody except two year olds. So if you yourself are a two year old – CONGRATS, you don’t need to purchase a ticket (that said you can’t just walk into a concert on your own Baby Billy. If you’re a two year old you will need a parental guardian with you who has purchased a ticket for themselves. Also, if you’re a two year old, I doubt you were able to read any of this).

Here is the lowdown from the official website on who needs a ticket:

For all ticketed Grandstand events, all children two years of age and over must have a ticket. Children under the age of two will be allowed entry without a ticket, however, they are required to sit on the lap of a ticket holder.

If you’re above the age of 2 and are interested in purchasing tickets to any of the great Grandstand concerts, you can here!

Grandstand Concerts - Does the Weather Matter?

Short Answer: No.

Long Answer: No. 

Here is the run down on the info from the official website: 

All concerts go on, rain or shine. Concert bookings do not allow for refunds or exchanges in the event of rain. If weather appears threatening, please bring jackets or ponchos. Use of umbrellas is prohibited at the Grandstand. 

As the Fair says, come prepared for rain, because according to their rules, you're not getting a refund for bad weather (hey man, I get it, not the greatest of news to hear, but come on - don't shoot the messenger!).

We hope to see you at the fair! Also, if you’re interested in purchasing tickets to any of the great Grandstand concerts, you can here! 

Minnesota State Fair Fireworks

Everybody likes fireworks! Ok maybe not everybody, but just about everybody that isn’t a dog with a fear of loud noises.

Never mind all that though, because the fact is – if you like fireworks, you have to be at the 2014 Minnesota State Fair.  Why?

BECAUSE THERE IS A FREE NIGHTLY FIREWORKS SHOW. I REPEAT A FREE NIGHTLY FIREWORKS SHOW.

From the official website:

The State Fair presents a fireworks show nightly, weather permitting. Starting times vary, but most fireworks begin between 10 and 11 p.m., following the evening Grandstand concert. The show can be seen from anywhere on the fairgrounds; evening Grandstand concert guests are invited to view the show from their concert seats.

We hope to see you at the fair! Also, if you’re interested in purchasing tickets to any of the great Grandstand concerts, you can here!

2014 MN State Fair Blue Ribbon Bargain Book

If you want to have the ultimate savings at the 2014 Minnesota State Fair, then you must get the 2014 Blue Ribbon Bargain Book!

According to the official Minnesota State Fair website, the coupon book offers 150 coupons with more than $900 in savings on food, merchandise and attractions! You can pick one up before the fair for only $4 wherever pre-fair discount tickets are sold.

Pre-fair discount Blue Ribbon Bargain Books are available for purchase in advance at Cub Foods locations, at the State Fair Ticket Office, and online by clicking here.

Meanwhile, during the fair, books may be purchased for $5 at State FairWear Gift Shops and State Fair Foundation Souvenir Kiosks on the fairgrounds.

We hope to see you at the fair! Also, if you’re interested in purchasing tickets to any of the great Grandstand concerts, you can here!

2014 MN State Fair Gate Admission: How Much Will It Cost You?

So just how much will admission to the 2014 Minnesota State Fair cost you? Well depending on your age and day of the week it varies. Here is a cheat sheet to let you know: 

REGULAR ADMISSION AT THE GATE

• Adults (13-64): $13

• Seniors (65 & over): $11

• Kids (5-12): $11

• Children (Under 5): Free

THRIFTY THURSDAY (Aug. 21)

• Adults (13-64): $11

• Seniors (65 & over): $11

• Kids (5-12): $8

• Children (Under 5): Free

SENIORS & KIDS DAY (Monday, Aug. 25)

• Adults (13-64): $13

• Seniors (65 & over): $8

• Kids (5-12): $8

• Children (Under 5): Free

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY (Tuesday, Aug. 26)

Active military, retired military and veterans receive the following discounted admission ticket price when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present valid documentation of military service.

• Active military, their spouses and kids: $8

• Retired military and their spouses: $8

• Military veterans and their spouses: $8

READ & RIDE DAY (Wednesday, Aug. 27)

Public library card holders receive the following discounted admission ticket price when they purchase a ticket at the gate and present a valid library card. (One discount per card.)

• Adults (13-64): $11

• Seniors (65 & over): $8

• Kids (5-12): $8

• Children (Under 5): Free

SENIORS DAY (Thursday, Aug. 28)

• Adults (13-64): $13

• Seniors (65 & over): $8

• Kids (5-12): $11

• Children (Under 5): Free

KIDS DAY (Monday, Sept. 1)

• Adults (13-64): $13

• Seniors (65 & over): $11

• Kids (5-12): $8

• Children (Under 5): Free

We hope to see you at the fair! Also, if you’re interested in purchasing tickets to any of the great Grandstand concerts, you can here!

The New Food This Year at The Fair

Food is synonymous with the Minnesota State Fair. In fact, it is one of the fair's many staples that makes it so great.

Over at the Pioneer Press they posted an article listing all the new foods that will be available this year. And me oh my is my mouth salivating as I read this list. Here are some of my personal highlights:

-- Big Andy, a quarter-pound hamburger topped with Philly steak, sauteed onions, red and green peppers and American-Swiss cheese, at Andy's Grille

-- Chipotle Chicken Salad Fajita, with walnuts, craisins and apples with shredded lettuce,chipotle sour cream and a hint of honey in a tortilla, at Juanita's Fajitas

-- Mancini's Signature Steak Sandwich, on grilled focaccia and served with sauteed peppers and onions, at Mancini's Al Fresco 

-- Peanut Butter & Jelly Malts and Sundaes, at Goertze's Dairy Kone (I know it sounds weird, but I am genuinely curious what it will taste. For better or for worse, I will be buying this at the Fair.) 

And of course there are a couple of WTF food items on the list, like:

-- Fried Pickles 'n' Chocolate, deep-fried pickles dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of chocolate for dipping, at Preferred Pickles

Tell us what you think about the new food in the comment section below and be sure to read more about the all new foods at the Minnesota State Fair here.

Ranking The 2014 Grandstand Acts I'm Looking Forward To (Potentially) Seeing

Preface: The following rankings come from a college student intern, so keep that in mind.

1. A Prairie Home Companion - Garrison Keillor

Listen, Garrison Keillor is a boss. A BOSS. So go see him. Also, if I'm gonna give money to an act, I'd like that money to go to someone who is a Minnesota native. Kind of like how I like to buy my food locally at a farmers market, listen to music on the local radio station, 'The Current',  and buy my sports and concert tickets through Ticket King, a local Minnesota business. (Psst: Grandstand tickets can be bought here through Ticket King).

2. Carnivores Tour: Linkin Park, 30 Seconds To Mars & AFI

If I were still in 7th grade, this concert would be number one. Issue is, I'm 21 now and no longer wear black wristbands with a pink anarchist symbol purchased from Hot Topic to school (I was going through a phase). That said, a part of me still feels like it should be listed number one solely for the nostalgia factor and the fact I want definitive proof that Jared Leto isn't a robot that appears only in films, TV shows and music videos. (Seriously, has the guy EVER aged?)  

3. Kid Rock

A guilty pleasure I rarely listen to, the dude has a couple songs I like. Some people dislike his music, I don't mind it (completely). I give him credit for having the talent to change his musical style so dramatically - going from rap-rock to southern rock.

4. Fifth Harmony & Cimorelli

Welp. I'm old. I have never heard of these two girl pop groups until today. Umm, and after listening to one song from each of them for 30 seconds my ears forced me to stop listening. I'm trying to say this in the most polite way possible - there is a reason this genre of music is not directed towards my demographic. We don't like it. That said, if you have a niece in middle school or high school, I'd suggest possibly picking up tickets for them and taking them as a gift. Though, as a precaution I'd also suggest bringing ear plugs. Both for the the screaming that is going to come from the young crowd, and the music.

5. Tim McGraw & Ryan Kinder 

I don't want to offend anyone who likes country music. To each his own I say. But it's just not for me. I simply don't like it. 

State Fair Concert Tickets

If you need State Fair Concert tickets, check out Ticket King and their options! Below is the concert schedule for the Minnesota State Fair grandstand.

Kid Rock
8/23/2014
7:30 PM

Fifth Harmony & Cimorelli
8/24/2014
6:30 PM

Happy Together Tour
8/25/2014
8:00 PM

Carnivores Tour: Linkin Park, 30 Seconds To Mars & AFI
8/26/2014
6:30 PM

Tim McGraw & Ryan Kinder
8/27/2014
7:30 PM

A Prairie Home Companion - Garrison Keillor
8/29/2014
7:45 PM

Minnesota State Fair Concert Tickets

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Lineup 2014

Below is the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand for the summer of 2014. Make sure to get to a Grandstand concert this summer during the State Fair; it's the best time of the year!

Kid Rock

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Saint Paul, MN

Saturday

8/23/2014

7:30 PM

Fifth Harmony & Cimorelli

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Saint Paul, MN

Sunday

8/24/2014

6:30 PM

Happy Together Tour

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Saint Paul, MN

Monday

8/25/2014

8:00 PM

Carnivores Tour: Linkin Park, 30 Seconds To Mars & AFI

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Saint Paul, MN

Tuesday

8/26/2014

6:30 PM

Tim McGraw & Ryan Kinder

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Saint Paul, MN

Wednesday

8/27/2014

7:30 PM

A Prairie Home Companion - Garrison Keillor

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Saint Paul, MN

Friday

8/29/2014

7:45 PM

Kid Rock at the Minnesota State Fair 2014

Another sure sign that summer is coming is that the Minnesota State Fair has announced a few of it's grandstand concerts! And guess who's coming to town? We're excited to annouce that Kid Rock will be at the State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 23, with an opener to be announced. This urban cowboy has been coming to town just about every year, most recently with Bob Seger at Xcel Energy Center. Did you see that concert?

Kid Rock is sure to be a big draw on Saturday night at the fair and you should get your tickets now!

Happy New Year 2014 Fair Dates

We are so excited to get ready for the holidays! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the incredible Minnesota State Fair fans in Minnesota and every where else! Reflecting on a very busy 2013 we are so happy to have all of our readers and the fan support for the Great Minnesota Get Together.

The Minnesota State Fair is always 12 days of fun which ends on Labor Day. The 2014 fair runs Aug. 21 – Sept. 1.

And in 2015, join us Aug. 27 - Sept. 7!

From this Minnesota Twins Blogger blogger to all my readers and friends on the internet, happy happy holidays and New Years!