Featuring More Food, Cool Bands, a Puzzle Hunt, Weekday Ticket Deal, Spin to Win and More.

The Fifth Annual Kickoff to Summer at the Fair is May. This slice-of-the-fair event features more food than ever, including the ultra-popular hit from the 2024 Minnesota State Fair - Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing - and new-to-Kickoff vendors LuLu’s Public House, Minneapple Pie, El Burrito Mercado and Jersey Jo’s.

Music and Entertainment

The Rockin’ Hollywoods (DNR): 11 a.m., 12:15, 1:30 p.m.
The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band (DNR): 3, 4:15, 5:30 p.m.
South Asian Arts and Theater House (VP): 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30 p.m.
Colombia Live (VP): 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 p.m.
O’Shea Irish Dance (CF): 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m.
Miss Shannon’s Sock Hop (CF): 3, 5 p.m.

Independent Stages
Shirts and Skins Band (DG): 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Treehorn (DG): 3:15-7 p.m.
Chris Lawrence (CC): 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Ali Gray and Joe (RC): 1-4 p.m.
Corey Rae White (AG): 3:30-6:30 p.m