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The Dakota County Fair, sadly, was canceled last year, along with everything else. But this year they're back and with a little something extra for fair-goers: free admission! The cost of admission has been a big complaint from fair-goers every year and so this year they decided to do away with making people pay to get into the fair.

When is the Dakota County Fair?

The Dakota County Fair will run from August 9th through the 15th, so it's coming up in just a few weeks. When they spoke with the Pioneer Press about getting rid of the $5 admission, Dakota County Fair president Peter Storlie said that with the cost of everything going up "I think this is a good way to get a family to come out, support our vendors and have a good time."

The $5 Admission Cost Has Been Around for a While

The Pioneer Press also writes that for the past 20 years, admission to the Dakota County Fair has almost always been $5 per person. Despite people wanting to save money and not wanting to spend the $25 just to get a family of four into the fair, most other county fairs (at least from what I've seen) are free. So overall, this choice to get rid of $5 admission makes perfect sense to me.

You'll Still Have to Pay for Parking Though

If you plan to go to the Dakota County Fair, on top of the cost of food there are other activities that will still cost money plus parking will still cost you.

Here's the price breakdown:

Daily car parking: $10 (no re-entry)
Car parking for the week: $30
Carnival Wristbands (purchased at the fair): $30
Carnival Wristband (purchased before noon on August 9th): $25
Passport to Fun (unlimited rides every day of the fair - purchased at the fair): $65
Passport to Fun (purchased before noon on August 9th): $55

Grandstand Events at the Dakota County Fair

The Grandstand Events will also cost you a little extra at the fair. Here are the events and their price breakdown.

Tuesday the 10th - Kids Mutton Busting and Barrel Races

  • Free Admission

Wednesday the 11th - Bulls N Barrels

  • $15.00 Adult
  • $6.00 Children 6-12 years
  • Children 5 & under FREE

Thursday the 12th - Demo Derby

  • $15.00 Adult
  • $6.00 Children 6-12 years
  • Children 5 & under FREE
  • $25.00 Pit Passes (at the gate and 16 years and up)

Friday the 13th - Demo Derby

  • $15.00 Adult
  • $6.00 Children 6-12 years
  • Children 5 & under FREE
  • $25.00 Pit Passes (at the gate and 16 years and up)

Saturday the 14th - Demo Derby & Lawn Mower Derby

  • $15.00 Adult
  • $6.00 Children 6-12 years
  • Children 5 & under FREE
  • $25.00 Pit Passes (at the gate and 16 years and up)

The Ultimate 2021 Summer-Fun Guide For Southeast Minnesota

After the bummer summer that was 2020, you and the family are sure to be searching for plenty of fun events that will get you outside and enjoying the Minnesota summer sun!

Below you will find The Ultimate 2021 Summer-Fun Guide for Southeast Minnesota! All of the biggest events that our area has to offer. If we missed one, let us know on our app today!

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