Items Now Banned From The 2026 Minnesota State Fair

A sea of people...and most of them were holding a bucket of cookies from Sweet Martha's - THAT is a look you will definitely see if you show up at the Minnesota State Fair this year.

Before you plan your day of rides and standing in line for the pickle pizza, there is one thing you should keep in mind - the items that are banned.

As you walk through the gates and security, the items below will not be allowed into the Great Minnesota Get Together in 2026. Browse through the list and know before you go.

When Is The Minnesota State Fair?

The Minnesota State Fair kicks off on August 27th to Labor Day, September 7th, 2026.

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Items Banned At The Minnesota State Fair In 2026

As you enter the Minnesota State Fair, you'll notice the walk-through metal detectors. Save yourself the headache of having to either throw something away or go back to your vehicle and check the list below to know what items are prohibited from bringing into the Minnesota State Fair.

Items That Are Banned At The Minnesota State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is not only the best event of the year in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it is a must for anyone who calls themselves a true Minnesotan. Before you go to the Minnesota State Fair though, make sure you don't bring along any of these prohibited items.

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio

If you are going to an event inside the Grandstand concert venue, there are a few extras that have been added to the "prohibited" list - including:

Audio & video recording equipment
Coolers
Laser pointers
Signs or banners
Strollers
Umbrellas (these can not be used during the show and must be folded)

How Many People Attend The Minnesota State Fair?

It's pretty impressive how many people show up to celebrate our great state at the Minnesota State Fair. (Ok, some of those individuals may be coming for just the food...but still, they are there.) Below are a few of the attendance totals for all days from the past few years:

In 2023, Kare11 reported that 1,835,826 people got together at the Minnesota Fairgrounds.
In 2024, Twin Cities Business shared the news that 1,925,904 visitors showed up at the Minnesota State Fair.
Total number of people attending the fair in 2025 was 1,940,869
RECORD - Back in 2019, the highest attendance was recorded for all days with a total of 2,126,551 people.

It's a Minnesota Bucket List! 50 Things You Must Do and See in Minnesota

The land of 10,000 lakes has so many amazing places to visit and explore! Scroll through this Minnesota Bucket List of 50 places and things to do and see how many you've crossed off the list.

Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams