Minnesota State Fair Planner: A Daily Guide

There's a lot to do at the Minnesota State Fair. Here are some of the daily highlights.

Day 2: Aug. 24

The rides at Mighty Midway and Kidway have a one-ticket discount until 1 p.m. today. It’s Governor’s Fire Prevention Day at the fair, and Carousel Park will have presentations by the Regions Hospital Burn Center and the American Red Cross. The “Hot Zone” at West Dan Patch will host fire trucks, a virtual fire extinguisher simulator and a search-and-rescue trailer. Alan Jackson's show at the grandstand starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 3: Aug. 25

Today is 4-H Day at the fair, which means swine, rabbits, sheep and more will be on prominent display. A 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction takes place at 6 p.m. at AgStar Arena. 1500 ESPN's Saturday morning SportsTalk radio show will be broadcasting live with Joe Soucheray, Patrick Reusse and Judd Zulgad from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Blake Shelton'sgrandstand show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $31 and $41. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 4: Aug. 26

Barns close at 3 p.m., and cattle, sheep, poultry and swine will be replaced by new animals. It’s Minnesota Cooks Day at the fair, and Carousel Park is home to discussions and demonstrations about sustainable agriculture with Minnesota chefs, farmers, local media, political and arts celebrities. The 27th annual 5k Milk Run begins at 7:45 a.m. at the Blue Ribbon Picnic Area. The course winds through St. Paul before returning to the fairgrounds for the finish. Anita Baker plays the grandstand at 8 p.m. Tickets are $38. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 5: Aug. 27

It's Seniors and Kids Day at the fair, and ticket prices are discounted by $3 for those over 64 and under 13. The rides at Mighty Midway and Kidway have a one ticket discount all day. Drug-sniffing K-9 dogs, rollover simulations, airbag deployments and the specialty vehicles and units of the Minnesota State Patrol will be on West Dan Patch all day. The Happy Together tour‚featuring The Turtles with Flo & Eddie, The Monkees lead singer Micky Dolenz, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams—hits the grandstand at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18.Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 6: Aug. 28

It’s the second ever Military Appreciation Day at the fair, and active and retired members of the military and their immediate families can get in for $7. The rides at Mighty Midway and Kidway have a one ticket discount until 1 p.m. Hundreds of service members will march from the 10:25 a.m. flag-raising ceremony at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell to Carousel Park, where they will be treated to a "Tribute to the Troops" concert by country artist Rockie Lynn. Demi Lovato's grandstand show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 7: Aug. 29

It’s Read & Ride Day at the fair, and public library cardholders of all ages receive a $2 or $3 discount on admission. Visitors can test their knowledge at the "Spin & Win" trivia wheel and test their luck at Library Plinko. Kiss and Mötley Crüe play together at the grandstand at 7 p.m. Limited seating is available for $51, $71 and $81. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 8: Aug. 30

It’s Seniors Day at the fair, and those 65 and over get in for $7. Cattle, sheep and swine leave the fair at 2 p.m., and barns will be closed for the rest of the day. The rides at Mighty Midway and Kidway have a one ticket discount until 1 p.m. More than 1,000 fair-goers are expected to participate in the Senior Stretch & Stroll. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and the program at 10 a.m. in Carousel Park. Held annually on the second Thursday of the fair, participants receive free t-shirts and fitness equipment. Rascal Flatts plays the grandstand at 7 p.m. Limited seating is available for $43, $53 and $63. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 9: Aug. 31

It’s MPR Day at the Fair, and the public radio station will be broadcasting from the Carousel Park stage. The rides at Mighty Midway and Kidway have a one-ticket discount until 1 p.m. The Current's Music On-a-Stick show at the grandstand starts at 5 p.m. and features Semisonic, Dessa and Jeremy Messersmith. Tickets are $35. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 10: Sept. 1

It’s FFA Day at the fair, and swine, sheep and market goats will be judged in the Swine Barn. AARP will be hosting activities throughout the day in Carousel Park, including live music by Vintage RAGGS and Urban Myth Band. Journey plays the grandstand starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $38, $48 and $58. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 11: Sept. 2

It’s Minnesota History Day at the fair and those who finish the History Walking and Cell Phone tour will receive a free commemorative poster created by Minnesota artist Joe Heffron. In Carousel Park, the Minnesota Historical society will be presenting history-themed entertainment throughout the day, including trivia, theater performances and live music. The free finals to the Minnesota State Amateur Talent Contest Finals starts at 8 p.m. at the grandstand. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.

Day 12: Sept. 3

For the final day of the fair, many merchandise and food vendors are offering Last Chance bargains; flyers with deals listings are available at all information booths. It’s also Kids Day, and children age 5 to 12 pay only $7. The rides at Mighty Midway and Kidway have a one ticket discount all day. Barns close for the day at 3 p.m. All day in Carousel Park, Cub Foods is sponsoring giveaways, appearances by local celebrities, prize drawings and live performances. Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller play the grandstand at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $29 and $39. Check out the fair's website for a schedule of the day's activities and events.