The Items Now Banned From The 2026 Minnesota State Fair

The Items Now Banned From The 2026 Minnesota State Fair

Courtesy of the Minnesota State Fair

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is nearly here, with the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" running Thursday, August 27, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. If recent years are any indication, the fairgrounds are about to get extremely busy.

Last year's fair drew 1,940,869 people across its 12-day run — the fifth-highest attendance in the event's history.

Simply put, few places do the tail end of summer quite like Minnesota's fairgrounds.

While the fair allows you to bring a wide range of items, including outside food, nonalcoholic beverages, backpacks, and coolers, there are certain items you won't be allowed to carry through the gates under any circumstances.

There are also a handful of items that are perfectly fine elsewhere on the grounds, but are still off-limits inside the Grandstand, where the major concerts take place.

So before you head to St. Paul for your corn dog and a bucket of cookies, take a minute to review the list below and save yourself a headache at the entrance.

Items People Are Prohibited From Bringing Into The 2026 Minnesota State Fair

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is nearly here, with the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" running Thursday, Aug. 27, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. If recent years are any indication, the fairgrounds are about to get very busy.

Last year's fair drew 1,940,869 people across its 12-day run — the fifth-highest attendance in the event's history — and it was once again voted the best state fair in America by USA Today readers.

Before you go, the list below is items that will not be allowed into any part of the fairgrounds, as well as additional items that, while they may be allowed into the fairgrounds, are forbidden in the Grandstand for the concerts and events.

Gallery Credit: David Drew

SEE NOW: Your Official 2026 Minnesota State Fair Daily Guide To Themes, Concerts, Discount Days, and More

2026 Minnesota State Fair New Foods & Beverages

Each year, a lot of creative new foods and beverages make their debut at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. For 2026, 36 new items will be added to the lineup of offerings, with 9 new vendors making their debut this year at the fair. Here's a look at all of them!

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

Filed Under: Minnesota, Minnesota State Fair, summer
Categories: Featured, State News