The State Fair's Kickoff to Summer is back in May with tons of fair food favorites
It's State Fair time in Minnesota.
At least, it's time for its little sibling. The Kickoff to Summer at the Fair is back for its fifth year from May 22 to 25.
The four-day mini-fair brings a taste of the August get-together to spring with food trucks, fair food favorites, specialty beers, live music, shopping, and family activities around the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
The Kickoff to Summer features nearly 40 of the Minnesota State Fair's food and beverage vendors, including a handful of fair classics like pickle pizza from Rick's Pizza, Sweet Martha's cookies, and specialty beers like Mini Donut Beer, Chocolate Chip Cookie Beer, and Key Lime Pie Beer.
Among the many vendors warming up their fair fare, Kickoff attendees will find Ball Park Cafe, Beverages by Giggles', Dino's Gyros, Fresh French Fries, Mouth Trap Cheese Curds, Pronto Pups, Richie's Cheese Curd Tacos, and Tot Boss, among others.
There will also be the Giant Slide, games from Trivia Mafia, skateboard lessons, and more.
What's new at the Kickoff in 2025:
Last year's must-try stunt food, Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing from LuLu's Public House, will be there.
New food vendors: El Burrito Mercado, Minneapple Pie, and Jersey Jo's
A Puzzle Hunt activity conceived by The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe and Trapped Puzzle Rooms.
New weekday events on Thursday and Friday, including a performance from ABBASolutely Fab on Thursday and GB Leighton on Friday.
Tickets are $13 in advance and will become available at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 4. At the door, tickets are $16 each. The fair is also selling a ticket bundle where you get a free 2025 State Fair admission with the purchase of four Kickoff to Summer tickets for Thursday or Friday.
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