What's new at the Minnesota State Fair in 2025? originally appeared on Bring Me The News.
Space will have a moment at the Minnesota State Fair in 2025.
New attractions, exhibits and rides offer visitors of all ages the chance to envision themselves as an astronaut, soaring through space, when the Great Minnesota Get-Together returns Aug. 21 to Sept. 1. Whether that's exploring the International Space Station or manning a spaceship, this year's fair will be truly out of this world.
Here's a look at the new attractions, exhibitions, upgrades and retailers to know about for the 2025 Minnesota State Fair.
Journey to Space: A free exhibit that gives future astronauts a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of space exploration, with immersive displays that show what it's like to travel to and be on board the International Space Station. The Science Museum of Minnesota and the California Science Center produced this hands-on exhibit with support from NASA. It's located in the North End Event Center and open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. all 12 days of the fair.
The Evolution of the Spacesuit: NASA lands at the fair for the first time! This exhibit led by NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland features five full-scale spacesuits from historic, present and future space missions. Plus, there's a moon rock from the Apollo 15 mission and a meet-and-greet with NASA Deputy Chief Flight Director Michael Lammers, an Albert Lea High School graduate. Like the Journey to Space exhibit, it can also be found in the North End Event Center, but only from Aug. 21-24.
The Thunderbird: Soar 180 feet in the air – not quite to space, but close enough – and take in panoramic views of the fairgrounds from what's billed as the tallest portable swing in North America. This family-friendly ride is located at Adventure Park, open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and costs $8 per rider.
Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum renovation: The nearly 75-year-old building where livestock exhibitions take place is undergoing a $22 million multi-year renovation. New features to date include two ramps in the north and south concourses to provide better access to wheelchair seating areas, which have also been redone to make them easier to enter and navigate. The coliseum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Scorpion and Overdrive: These two rides are bringing more thrills to the Mighty Midway, open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Scorpion is a three-armed attraction to tilt and swing through the air for a soaring sensation, while Overdrive a top-speed racing experience with fast-action spinning sleds.
Hampton Space Age and Jumbo: The Kidway gets two new rides this year, too. Before or after visiting the Journey to Space exhibit, junior astronauts can hop into their own spaceship for a ride on Hampton Space Age; and Disney fans can fly through the sky on their own magical elephant, Jumbo. The Kidway is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
The North Star Garden: This year, Bachman's annual floral showcase honors the bold biomes, native plants and pollinators that make Minnesota unique in the Agriculture Horticulture Building, open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Adam Turman store: Minnesota artist Adam Turman returns to the fair with a bigger shop, featuring more than 200 items, including original paintings, prints of State Fair art, clothing, and mugs by Deneen Pottery. The store is located on the upper level of the Grandstand, open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Other fresh fairground features include an expanded Gate 2 at the north end of the fairgrounds, new displays in the Creative Activities Building, audio descriptions of artwork at the Fine Arts Center, and historical highlights throughout the fairgrounds.
On the food side, arguably the most important part of the Minnesota State Fair, there are 33 new items and eight new vendors. That's in addition to 70 drinks that are either brand new or exclusive to the fair.
The burger patty sandwiched between two deep-fried peanut butter and grape jelly Uncrustables might be the standout on the 2025 new foods list. If not for taste, certainly for shock value.
Street Eats is the latest foodie destination, located on the northwest corner of Randall Avenue and Underwood Street, featuring Summer Lakes Beverage, Scenic 61 by New Scenic Café and Baba's Food Co.
There's also hope that the line for one of last year's most popular foods will be a bit shorter this year. Pickle pizza lovers will be happy to hear that Rick's Pizza is adding a second stand at the fair.
Related: The 10 new Minnesota State Fair foods we can't wait to try
Plus, there are 12 nights of concerts at the Grandstand and dozens of free shows throughout the fairgrounds, including on stages at the International Bazaar and West End Market.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Daryl Hall rounds out the full 2025 lineup of Grandstand headliners. He replaces the Steve Miller Band, who recently called off their tour including an Aug. 28 stop at the fair due to the ongoing impact of extreme weather on outdoor concerts.
Other headliners include Atmosphere, The Avett Brothers, Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls, Meghan Trainor, Def Leppard, The Turtles, and Nelly with Ja Rule, Mya, and Ying Yang Twins.
New State Fair Foods 2025
Whipped feta topped with schug – a Middle Eastern green sauce made with jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, parsley, and fresh herbs – drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with crunchy toasted wild rice. Served with deep-fried pita bread tossed in Dino's signature seasoning.
Location: At Dino's Gyros, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson & Underwood streets
View the 33 images of this gallery on the original article
Related: All the concerts happening at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
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