Want to Beat the Minnesota State Fair Crowds? Here’s When to Go

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is right around the corner, and for fans of the State Fair, you know the game we are about to play. What day is the best day to go to the fair if you want less of a crowd, and of course, what days should you avoid? We dug into the numbers, and here's what we found.

What Days Should You Go To The Fair To Avoid The Big Crowds?

If you prefer fewer crowds when you go to the Minnesota State Fair, there are a few days that have traditionally been less busy. We are going to give you the top-3 days with the lowest average attendance, but remember, weather also plays a factor in what days are going to be 'full' compared to comfortable.

The third best day to go to the Minnesota State Fair is opening day. The fair, which always starts on a Thursday, sees the third fewest visitors, meaning you've got a good chance at seeing all of the new exhibits and trying the new foods before the weekend crowds arrive the following day.

The second best day for attending the fair if you want to avoid the big crowds is Wednesday. 6 days after the fair opens is a great time to go, especially early if you've got little kids. According to the Minnesota State Fair website, last year the Wednesday attendance was just 114,932.

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What about the day that sees the fewest visitors? That belongs to Tuesday, 5 days after the fair opens for the year. Last year, Tuesday drew 132,553 people, which seems like a lot, but just wait until you see what the busy days average.

I'll be honest, I've only missed 3 years of the Minnesota State Fair, and I try to go on either Tuesday or Wednesday. We usually go with our nieces and nephews, and the smaller crowds make it easier to keep an eye on them.

What Are The Three Days You Should Avoid The Fair Due To Large Crowds?

If you can't make any of the three best days to attend the Minnesota State Fair based on smaller crowds above, you should avoid these three days as they are notorious for being very busy.

The third busiest day by attendance that you might want to avoid is the Friday before Labor Day. It's the gateway into a long weekend, and it's usually chaos by the evening. If you like to people-watch, you'll have plenty to see as the Friday before Labor Day typically sees close to 200,000 visitors. In 2025, 180,520 people attended the fair. 

The second-busiest day of the Minnesota State Fair, known for large crowds, is the Sunday before Labor Day. Again, it's part of the long holiday weekend, and for some Minnesotans it might mean taking in the fair as you work your way back home from other parts of the state. Last year, the Sunday before Labor Day had 194,501 visitors, and it also averages close to 200,000 people walking through the gates.

Finally, the busiest day of the Minnesota State Fair, one that if you hate large crowds you should avoid at all costs, is the Saturday before Labor Day. It's what some call the Super Bowl of State Fair attendance days. The Saturday before Labor Day averages slightly more than 200,000 visitors, and in 2018 there were 270,426 attendees, a current record for daily attendance.

Whenever You Go, Take Time To Enjoy It

If you do go to the Minnesota State Fair this year, remember to take some time to enjoy it. Sit on a bench and watch your kids in the butterfly house, have an extra Pronto Pup, or simply hop on the big ferris wheel and snag a sunset selfie.

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