Don't Want To Spend Too Much At The State Fair? Plan Ahead

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota State Fair can be an expensive outing, but with a little planning you can make a dollar stretch and still have a good time.

Pre-purchase Your Tickets

This year it's going to cost $13 (ages 13-64) to get into the fair, up $1 from last year. But if you pre-purchase your ticket, for example at Cub Foods, you can save $3. Of course children under the age of 5 years are always free.

Also, there's Thrifty Thursday (Aug. 21) and Read and Ride Day (Aug. 27) were admission is only $11. Also on Military Appreciation Day (Aug. 26) active members, retired and veterans and their spouses get in for $8.

Park Free, Ride Free

Save some money using the Park and Ride lots across the Twin Cities. Not only will you save on paying for parking, but you'll save a little gas. During the fair buses run from 8 a.m. to midnight, they leave every 20 minutes.

Find your lot here.

Blue Ribbon Bargain Book

Another big saver the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book. It's only $4 with over 150 coupons and more than $900 in State Fair savings. Items you can save on include food, merchandise and attractions. During the fair the books are $5.

Bring A Cooler

So you're planning to spend the whole day at the Minnesota State Fair, why not bring a cooler?

"Fill it with bottled water on a hot day or some sodas. Or you can bring sandwiches," said Brienna Schuette, a State Fair spokesperson.

Free Entertainment

So now you've eaten how about some entertainment. There are concerts and performances around the clock on stages across the fair and they're free.

"There are more than 900 free shows on all of our free entertainment stages," Schuette said.

Giant Slide

If you're not into free music or great food. there's always a ride down the Giant Slide. Just $2 and you'll leave with a smile.