Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Tickets

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Tickets & Events

A historic 1909 grandstand on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand hosts the fair’s nightly headline concert series with the energy of “The Great Minnesota Get-Together” all around it. Minnesota State Fair Grandstand tickets put you in an open-air concert setting surrounded by fair food, midway activity, and major touring artists across country, rock, pop, hip-hop, Latin, and tribute performances during the annual late-summer fair run.

This page covers everything you need to know before you go — from finding the right seats to getting there, navigating the venue, and buying with confidence.

About Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand is the headline concert venue of the Minnesota State Fair, located at the historic fairgrounds site that opened in 1885 near the Saint Paul/Falcon Heights border. The current Grandstand building dates to 1909, after a fire destroyed the earlier structure, and it is operated by the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, the quasi-state agency that runs the Minnesota State Fair. For concerts, capacity is approximately 13,000–17,000 depending on the stage configuration, with reserved grandstand seating plus floor or track-level seating in front of the stage.

The Grandstand’s modern reputation centers on the fair’s nightly concert series, a marquee Twin Cities music tradition held during the Minnesota State Fair’s 12-day run from late August through Labor Day. The venue hosts national headliners and regional favorites across genres, with recent and announced performers including Brad Paisley, Duran Duran, the Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis “Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound,” and Hairball for free Grandstand shows. Its event history also includes motorsports, auto racing, horse shows, and exhibition events.

The Grandstand is known for combining open-air concert viewing with the larger Minnesota State Fair atmosphere — rides, food vendors, midway activity, and the fair’s signature food culture just beyond the gates.

Location & Transportation

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand is located at 1269 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55108 — on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds near Snelling and Como Avenues on the Saint Paul/Falcon Heights border.

Transit: During the fair, the Minnesota State Fair operates an extensive Park & Ride bus network with shuttles from numerous locations across the Twin Cities metro. Metro Transit also runs special express fair routes. For most fairgoers, Park & Ride and express service are the most practical ways to reach the Grandstand because local traffic is heavy and on-site parking is limited during the fair.

Driving and Parking: The fairgrounds are accessed via Snelling Avenue. On-site and nearby neighborhood parking is available, but it fills early and typically comes at a premium during the fair. Expect congestion on surrounding streets, especially as concert crowds overlap with general fair attendance.

Rideshare: Rideshare drop-off and pickup are available at designated locations near the fairgrounds. After concerts, large crowds and fair closing activity can create longer waits and surge pricing, so building extra time into your post-show plan is wise.

Nearby Accommodation: Hotels are available throughout the Twin Cities, including Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and the I-94 corridor between the two downtowns. Lodging near the University of Minnesota, including Dinkytown and Stadium Village, as well as Roseville, provides reasonable access to the fairgrounds.

Venue Navigation

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand sits inside the broader Minnesota State Fairgrounds, so arrival involves navigating the fair first and then heading to the Grandstand building. Understanding the gate-to-Grandstand path in advance helps because the grounds are large, busy, and filled with fair activity before and after shows.

Entrances and Access: Attendees enter through one of the Minnesota State Fair’s main gates, then proceed through the fairgrounds to the Grandstand. Fair admission is required in addition to a concert ticket. Multiple fair gates ring the grounds along the Snelling, Como, and Como/Larpenteur perimeters.

Seating Levels: Concert seating includes the fixed, tiered grandstand structure facing the stage, plus reserved and/or general-admission floor seating set up at track level in front of the stage. The exact arrangement can vary by concert.

Accessibility: The Minnesota State Fair provides accessible services across the fairgrounds, including accessible seating accommodations at the Grandstand, accessible parking, and mobility assistance. Accommodations can be arranged through the fair’s guest services.

Getting to Your Section: Fair staff and signage help direct attendees from the gates to the Grandstand. Because the venue is reached through the larger fairgrounds, allow extra time for walking from parking areas, shuttle stops, and entry gates, and wear comfortable shoes for fairground walking and grandstand stairs.

Dining Options

Inside Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Concessions are available at and around the Grandstand, and the surrounding Minnesota State Fair food scene is a major part of the experience. The fair is known for hundreds of vendors and its signature “food-on-a-stick” culture, with standard fair fare, beverages, and alcohol widely available across the grounds.

Outside the Venue — Twin Cities

The fairgrounds sit between Saint Paul and Minneapolis, with dining districts available in Saint Paul’s Como/Midway area, along University Avenue, and throughout the broader Twin Cities. During the fair, many attendees eat on-site because the fair’s concessions are one of the defining attractions of the visit.

Security & Policies

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand maintains security and venue policies that are updated regularly and may vary by event. Before attending, reviewing the current policy on the venue's official website is strongly recommended.

Bag Policy: The Minnesota State Fair conducts security screening at entry gates, and bags are subject to inspection. Current-year bag guidelines can vary, so reviewing the fair’s posted policy before packing helps avoid delays.

Commonly Prohibited Items: Commonly restricted items include weapons, outside alcohol, pets other than service animals, and items flagged by fair security as a safety concern.

Re-Entry: Re-entry to the fairgrounds is generally permitted with valid fair admission, though re-entry rules can vary by event and are shown through current fair guidance and event information.

Entry Procedures: Entry involves passing through fair admission gates with security screening and bag checks, followed by separate ticket verification at the Grandstand for the concert. Digital ticketing is used for Grandstand shows, and arriving with a compliant bag and pre-downloaded tickets speeds entry.

Other Venues in the Twin Cities Area

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand is part of a deep Twin Cities live-events market that spans major arenas, stadiums, theaters, clubs, and historic performance spaces. Fans planning a concert trip around the fair can also find year-round events across Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

• Xcel Energy Center Tickets — Home of the Minnesota Wild (NHL); major downtown Saint Paul arena hosting concerts and sports
• Grand Casino Arena Tickets — Downtown Minneapolis arena, home of the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)
• Target Field Tickets — Home of the Minnesota Twins (MLB); downtown Minneapolis ballpark that also hosts concerts
• U.S. Bank Stadium Tickets — Home of the Minnesota Vikings (NFL); enclosed downtown Minneapolis stadium hosting major concerts and events
• Huntington Bank Stadium Tickets — University of Minnesota stadium, home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers football; hosts large outdoor concerts
• Roy Wilkins Auditorium Tickets — Saint Paul event and concert hall adjacent to the convention center
• The Fitzgerald Theater Tickets — Historic Saint Paul theater hosting concerts and live broadcasts
• The Armory Tickets — Downtown Minneapolis concert and event venue
• First Avenue Tickets — Iconic Minneapolis music club with deep Prince and Minneapolis Sound history
• Orpheum Theatre Tickets — Historic Minneapolis theater on Hennepin Avenue hosting Broadway tours and concerts
• Northrop Tickets — University of Minnesota performing arts auditorium hosting concerts and dance

How Much Do Tickets to Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Cost?

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand ticket prices vary significantly depending on the type of event, the artist, seating section, and demand — which is what you'd expect from a venue that hosts everything from free Grandstand shows to high-demand national headliners.

Free Grandstand shows, including certain tribute and regional acts, can have no charge beyond fair admission. These events are part of the fair’s broader Grandstand programming and are generally offered separately from the higher-demand reserved concerts.

Mid-tier reserved concerts at the Grandstand are often approximately $40–$65, depending on the performer and seat location. Grandstand seats farther from the stage tend to offer lower entry prices, while floor and closer reserved areas can cost more.

High-demand headliners often range upward from mid-tier prices depending on the act, the date, and demand. The performing artist is the biggest pricing driver, with seating location, floor access, and overall inventory also influencing the final cost. Fair admission is generally required in addition to the concert ticket.

Grandstand lineups are announced ahead of the fair, and popular headliners can sell quickly. Buying earlier usually secures better seat selection and availability; as inventory shrinks and the fair dates approach, prices for the best remaining sections can rise.

> No hidden fees. At Box Office Ticket Sales, the price you see is the price you pay. All fees are shown before checkout — no surprise charges when you reach the final step.

How to Buy Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Tickets

Getting your tickets through BoxOfficeTicketSales.com is fast and secure. Here's how the process works:

1. Browse Minnesota State Fair Grandstand events — Search for Minnesota State Fair Grandstand tickets and select the show or event you want to attend
2. Pick your seats — Use the interactive seating map to compare sections, rows, views, and real-time pricing side by side
3. Secure checkout — Pay with a credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Affirm for flexible payment options
4. Receive your tickets — Digital tickets are delivered to your email or mobile wallet before the event, ready to scan at the gate

Every order is backed by our 100% verified ticket guarantee and on-time delivery promise. Once your order is confirmed, you'll receive an email with your invoice and all event details you need before show night.

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Seating Guide

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand seating is worth reviewing before you buy because concert layouts can include both the fixed tiered grandstand and floor or track-level seating in front of the stage. Your experience can feel different depending on whether you want elevation, proximity, or a flexible general-admission setup.

Best Seats at Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

• Best value: Upper and more distant grandstand sections are typically the most affordable areas, offering an elevated view of the stage while keeping you in the full Grandstand atmosphere.
• Closest to the action: Floor or track-level seating set up directly in front of the stage places fans closest to the performers.
• Best overall experience: Lower grandstand sections centered on the stage offer a strong balance of elevation, proximity, and clear sightlines.
• General admission: General admission is offered for some Grandstand events, including certain free shows, giving attendees a more flexible concert experience when that setup is used.

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Seating Chart

You can view an interactive seating map for Minnesota State Fair Grandstand events directly on BoxOfficeTicketSales.com while browsing available listings. The map lets you compare sections side by side, check row depth and distance from the stage, and see real-time pricing for what's currently available — all before committing to a purchase.

Can I See Where My Seats Are?

Yes. The interactive seat map on BoxOfficeTicketSales.com shows your exact section and row placement before you buy. Use it to understand your position in the venue, your distance from the stage, and whether you're in the tiered grandstand, in a lower grandstand section, or on the floor/track-level seating — so the tickets you choose match exactly what you're looking for on event night.

Getting Ready for Your Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Event

Once your tickets are confirmed, a few practical preparations make your visit run significantly smoother — especially at an outdoor venue inside the busy Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

• Download your tickets before you leave. Cellular service can be congested across the densely attended fairgrounds. Save your tickets to your phone's wallet or screenshot them before departing so you're ready at the gate without needing a signal.
• Charge your phone fully. Digital ticketing is standard, and your phone is your entry. A portable battery pack is worth having for a full evening.
• Arrive early. Fair crowds, traffic, and parking fill well ahead of showtime. Using Park & Ride shuttles reduces congestion and parking stress.
• Wear the right footwear. Expect substantial walking across the large fairgrounds plus grandstand stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
• Dress in layers. The Grandstand is open-air in late summer, with heat and sun during the day, cooler evenings, and possible rain.
• Build extra time into your transit plan. Park & Ride shuttles can make arrival easier, but fair crowds are heavy during the annual 12-day run.
• Know your entrance. The fairgrounds are large, and knowing which fair gate is closest to your parking area or shuttle drop-off makes it easier to reach the Grandstand.
• Check the bag policy in advance. Reviewing the venue's guidelines before packing prevents delays at security.

Is Box Office Ticket Sales Legit?

Yes — Box Office Ticket Sales is a fully verified, secure ticketing platform that has served over 1 million customers since 2012. When you buy Minnesota State Fair Grandstand tickets through BoxOfficeTicketSales.com, here's what backs every purchase:

• 100% verified ticket listings — every listing is authenticated before it reaches you
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• All seats together unless explicitly noted otherwise in the listing
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• 24/7 TrustGuard monitoring — active security oversight around the clock
• Access to 125,000+ live events nationwide, from Minnesota State Fair Grandstand concerts to major sports and entertainment across the country
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Minnesota State Fair Grandstand events — particularly marquee artists and late-summer fair nights — move fast. The best-value listings disappear well before event night, and inventory for popular events tightens quickly once demand builds. If you have a specific event in mind, acting sooner gets you better seats at better prices. Browse Minnesota State Fair Grandstand tickets now and lock in your spot before inventory moves.

Need Help With Your Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Tickets?

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