New Favorite is Being Added to Minnesota State Fair’s Kickoff to Summer

I know it doesn't seem like it but I promise summer is coming! And the Minnesota State Fair promises it too because they've got their Kickoff to Summer event coming up next month.

ALSO READ: Only Two Locally-Owned 24-Hour Diners Are Left in Minnesota

Minnesota State Fair Kickoff to Summer Advance Tickets

Their early discount tickets go on sale on Friday, April 4th at 10 AM. It'll cost you $13 to get in but $16 if you wait too long. They also limit the number of tickets they sell so once it sells out you're outta luck.

This is the fifth year the state fair will be putting on sort of a mini-state with their Kickoff to Summer event. I've never been myself but it looks like it's a more chill version of the state fair. You still get a lot of the delicious foods and drinks but with way less people.

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Also, it likely won't be as hot.

New Food Coming to Minnesota State Fair's Kickoff to Summer

Speaking of the food and drinks, there are nearly 40 state fair food and beverage vendors who will be at the Kickoff to Summer. This includes favorites like Sweet Martha's Cookies and the Mini Donut Beer that's so popular every year.

But there's a new favorite that's being added to the menu for 2025.

This food was brand new at the state fair in 2024 and it was INSANELY popular. I wanted to try it so bad but every time I was near the stand the line was so ridiculously long I decided I could try it next year when (hopefully) the hype has died at least a bit.

That food would be the Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing from LuLu's Public House!

It kind of reminds me of a cream cheese wonton but instead of cream cheese, it's ranch. And now you can try it at the state fair's Kickoff to Summer! I'd imagine the line for it won't be nearly as bad since they limit how many people can come in each day of the Kickoff to Summer.

If you try it, or if you tried it at the state fair last year, let me know how it was!

The Minnesota State Fair Kickoff to Summer will be on Thursday, May 22nd and Friday, May 23rd from 4 - 9 PM and Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th from 11 AM - 7 PM.

Maybe deep-fried ranch should be added to my list of the best Minnesota comfort foods.