Making a much-anticipated comeback following last year's COVID-related cancellation, the Minnesota State Fair is preparing for their big opening, which is just 78 days away on August 26th.

The 'Great Minnesota Get-Together' runs annually for twelve days ending on Labor Day. That run in 2021 will be from Thursday, August 26th through Monday, September 6th. The Minnesota State Fair attracts more than two million of us each year.

Your 2020 tater admission ticket will be valid for the 2021 fair. You don't have to do anything other than bring your 2020 ticket to the fair. Get your 2020 ticket scanned at the gate any one day of the 2021 Minnesota State Fair

2021 Fair hours are daily from 6:00 am to Midnight.

In 2020, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, and Midland were all scheduled to perform on the grandstand stage. The good news, all three are rescheduled to take the stage again in 2021.

2021 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Schedule

Thursday, August 26th

• Miranda Lambert
• with a special guest to be named later
• Tickets: $65, $55 & $40 (Reserved)
• Get yours here.

Tuesday, August 31st

• Doobie Brothers
• with special Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• $65 & $50 (Reserved)
• Get yours here.

Wednesday, September 1st

• Tim McGraw
• with special guest Midland
• $88, $78 & $60 (Reserved)
• Get yours here.

Monday, September 6th

• Darci Lynne: My Lips Are Sealed (Except When They’re Not)
• with special guest Okee Dokee Brothers
• $25 (Reserved)
• Get yours here.

The 2021 grandstand shows are a work in progress, stay tuned for more shows to be schedule in the near future.

BOOM: There are nightly fireworks after each grandstand show.

OK, now for the free shows. As much as I love a big show at the grandstand the Minnesota knocks the ball out of the park when it comes to their twelve days of free shows on stages across the fairgrounds -- like the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, the Northwoods State, and the Schell's Stage at Schilling Amphitheater.

Big names, great music, intimate venues, and free of charge.

2021 Minnesota Free Music Schedule

Each day of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, dozens of free entertainment performances are featured on a variety of stages. Stay tuned for the 2021 free entertainment lineup announcement!

That's the most we can tell you right now, but be prepared for a return to normal for the 2021 Minnesota State Fair. After a year off, we're all gonna be ready for fistfuls of Pronto Pups, cheese curds, Sweet Martha's Cookies, mini-donuts, and a bucket of fries.

I'll meet you at the DNR fish pond.