What To Expect At Minnesota's Summer Kickoff Celebration

The unofficial kickoff to summer is Memorial Day weekend. As well as honoring our fallen military, it is also a weekend where people take their first chance to go out for the weekend. Might be camping, family and friends get-togethers, getting cabins ready and other things having to do with the beginning of the summer season.

THIS EVENT IS LIKE A MINI MINNESOTA STATE FAIR

One other thing that has been going on for the last few years is the Minnesota State Fair's Kick off to Summer event. This event is cool because it's like the state fair only on a much smaller scale. Plus, it is a limited attendance event, so you don't have to fight crowds like you do at the regular state fair.

YOU CAN PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW - SO YOU ARE ASSURED OF GETTING THE DAY YOU WOULD LIKE

Tickets are available for purchase now. So if there is a particular day you would like to attend the Kickoff to Summer event, here are the options. The event happens Memorial Day weekend - the whole weekend. Just Thursday through Sunday - not on actual Memorial Day.

To make this event experience extra special, attendance for each day is limited and some days may sell out.

Thursday, May 21: 4-9 p.m.
Friday, May 22: 4-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 23: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 24: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Buying your tickets early is also easier on your pocketbook. The tickets are $3 cheaper through the 20th of May. After that - at the gate you will have to pay $17. That is, if the day isn't already sold out. Kids 4 and under are free.

THERE IS SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR

NEW in 2026! Hunter & Jumper Horse Show and the Second Glance Crop Art Exhibit – both free with admission! Plus, the sold-out Milk Run 5K Race is Saturday, May 23. You can come and cheer on the participants.

There are a bunch of things that are included with your admission ticket. There is parking, music and entertainment free with admission, shopping at nearly 50 specialty Minnesota merchants and so much more! There are great food and drink options. Just getting your geared up a bit early for the actual Minnesota State Fair which happens at the end of August through Labor Day.

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