The Minnesota State Fair, a 12-day event running from August 21 through Labor Day on September 1, offers fairgoers a unique opportunity to access a wide variety of free promotional items, product samples, and educational materials. With admission set at $20 for adults, many attendees seek to maximize the value of their ticket by taking advantage of the hundreds of vendors and organizations distributing complimentary goods. This article provides a detailed overview of the free samples, brand freebies, and promotional offers available at the 2025 fair, based on official schedules, vendor announcements, and verified reports. The information is organized by category and location to assist consumers, deal seekers, and families in planning their visit.
Overview of Free Promotional Opportunities
The Minnesota State Fair features a diverse array of freebies, ranging from branded merchandise like hats and sporks to practical household items and educational materials. These offers are typically available at vendor booths, state agency exhibits, and promotional stands located throughout the fairgrounds. Most free items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with some requiring participation in simple activities like spinning a prize wheel or answering trivia questions. According to reports, popular items often have limited daily supplies, prompting early arrivals for high-demand giveaways.
Fairgoers should note that while many freebies require no purchase, some are tied to educational demonstrations or informational sessions. The fair’s official schedule highlights daily themes and special events, some of which include complementary items. For example, STEM Day on August 21 features science-related activities that may include take-home materials. Additionally, several state agencies and non-profit organizations use the fair as a platform to distribute promotional goods while sharing information about their programs.
Free Samples and Brand Freebies by Category
Food and Beverage Freebies
Several food and beverage brands offer free taste tests and branded merchandise. A notable example is Bush’s Beans, located on Underwood Street near the Great Giant Wheel. They provide free taste testing of their products between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Additionally, they distribute customizable bucket and trucker hats, with staff reporting that people line up as early as 8 a.m. for these limited-supply items. A prize wheel at their booth offers a chance to win bean-themed bucket hats even for those who arrive later.
Other food-related freebies include Swedish dishcloths and seed packets at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) exhibit. Visitors can vote for their favorite way to support local farmers and receive a free Swedish dishcloth. The MDA also provides native seed packets through a prize wheel activity, where participants answer trivia questions about Minnesota’s native plants.
Household and Practical Goods
Multiple vendors distribute practical items for home and daily use. The Minnesota Blue Flame Gas Association, located on Nelson Street between Carnes and Dan Patch Avenues, offers air-conditioned respite and freebies such as yardsticks, water bottles, coloring books, key chains, and can koozies. This booth is across from the Giant Slide.
Minnesota Rusco, at the Lower Grandstand, provides free estimates for home improvement projects and gives away back scratchers, rain ponchos, and rubber ducks. Project Turnabout, in the Education Building, distributes backpacks, rain ponchos, pens, and fly swatters alongside informational materials on compulsive gambling and chemical dependency recovery.
The Minnesota Star Tribune booth, on Carnes Avenue in front of the Grandstand, gives away free lip balm daily. This year’s flavor is Norway Pine.
Educational and Nature-Related Materials
Several state agencies and organizations distribute educational items. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) booth, across from the Education Building, allows visitors to spin a wheel, answer a trivia question, and receive a packet of native Minnesota seeds for planting in yards and gardens. They also provide free Minnesota road maps.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s exhibit, in the North Hall of the Agriculture/Horticulture Building at the northeast corner of Underwood Street and Judson Avenue, offers a range of educational materials. From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily, children’s “read and grow” story times provide free bookmarks with scannable QR codes linking to agriculture-themed books. The booth also features a prize wheel with questions about invasive species, offering Junior Entomologist kits and personal insect repellent as prizes. Additionally, visitors can receive temporary tattoos to show Minnesota Grown pride.
Minnesota Native Landscapes, on the west side of Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee Avenues, educates visitors on making yards pollinator-friendly and provides native seed packets.
Family and Child-Focused Freebies
The KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center, located on the west side of Underwood Street between Carnes and Judson Avenues, offers a climate-controlled environment for parents with infants. Freebies include reusable hot/cold packs, mini bubble wands, fidget toys, and push pops.
Visit Bemidji, in the Education Building, provides information on tourism in Bemidji, Minnesota, along with a Babe the Blue Ox foam hat, tote bag, and guide book.
The MDA’s “read and grow” story times are specifically designed for children, offering free bookmarks and engaging activities.
Merchandise and Collectibles
Beyond practical items, several vendors distribute branded merchandise. myTalk 107.1 FM, located next to Bush’s Beans on Underwood Street, gives away a new and improved spork (spoon and fork combination) that is dishwasher safe and features a serrated edge. Staff may need to be asked for this freebie.
Free Activities and Events with Complimentary Elements
The fair’s schedule includes numerous free events and activities that often involve take-home materials or educational giveaways. On STEM Day (August 21), the University of Minnesota Physics Force performs at 9:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., and the Raptor Center presents at 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. at Dan Patch Park. These performances are free with admission.
Other free events include: - Comedy magician Chipper Lowell at the Family Fair Stage in Baldwin Park (12:30 and 3:30 p.m. on multiple days). - Wool-spinning and felting demonstrations at the Sheep & Poultry Barn (2 to 4 p.m. on most days). - A puppet performance of “The Lorax” at The DIRT demonstration stage in the Agriculture-Horticulture Building (4 p.m. daily). - Singer-songwriter Rachel Platten at the Bandshell (8:30 p.m. on August 21 and 22). - Llama obstacle courses at Compeer Arena (8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 22). - The “living beard of bees” demonstration by the University of Minnesota Bee Lab at the Agriculture-Horticulture Building (1 p.m. on August 22 and other days). - Performances by Chicago reggae band Gizzae at the Summit Stage in the Bazaar (3:15, 4:30, and 5:45 p.m. on August 22 and 27).
Some events, like the Metro Food Justice Network’s activities at The Common Table (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on August 22, 25, and 30), focus on education but may include informational materials.
Daily Deals and Themed Days
The fair offers daily admission deals and themed activities that can enhance the experience. For example: - August 21 (Opening Day): Adults $18, kids and seniors $15. - August 22: Early-bird specials on rides and games until 1 p.m. - August 28: Seniors Day ($15 admission for those 65+). - August 22 is also Governor’s Fire Prevention Day, with safety demonstrations around the fairgrounds. - August 28 is UCare Stretch & Stroll Day, featuring wellness programming at Dan Patch Park.
While these days focus on activities, some associated booths may offer freebies. For instance, the MDA exhibit’s prize wheel and seed packets are available throughout the fair, regardless of daily themes.
Eligibility and Participation Rules
Most freebies are available to all fairgoers who pay admission. No purchase is typically required for samples or merchandise, though some items have limited daily supplies. For example, Bush’s Beans hats are distributed starting at 9 a.m., and early arrival is recommended due to high demand and limited quantities.
Some activities require participation in simple tasks. At the MNDOT booth, visitors must spin a wheel and answer a trivia question to receive a seed packet. Similarly, the MDA’s prize wheel for invasive species questions requires answering a question, with kid-oriented options available. The “read and grow” story times are open to children, and free bookmarks are provided without any additional requirements.
For events like the bee demonstration or llama obstacle courses, attendance is free, but no physical items are guaranteed unless specified. The KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center’s freebies are available to parents using the facility.
Geographic restrictions are not mentioned for any offers; all are available on the fairgrounds during operating hours. The fair runs daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Labor Day hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tips for Maximizing Freebies
To make the most of free opportunities at the fair: - Arrive early for high-demand items like Bush’s Beans hats, as lines form as early as 8 a.m. - Check the daily schedule for themed events that may include giveaways or educational materials. - Visit booths like the MDA and MNDOT early in the day to ensure availability of seed packets and other materials. - Bring a bag or tote to carry items, as many freebies are small but cumulative. - Note that some booths, like the Minnesota Blue Flame Gas Association, offer a comfortable break spot with free items.
Conclusion
The 2025 Minnesota State Fair provides a wealth of free samples, brand freebies, and promotional offers across food, household, educational, and family categories. From branded hats and sporks to seed packets and practical goods, fairgoers can access a variety of items by visiting specific booths and participating in simple activities. While supplies are often limited and early arrival is advisable for popular items, most freebies are available without purchase. The fair’s daily themes and free events further enhance the experience, offering educational and entertainment opportunities alongside tangible takeaways. By planning visits around key locations and times, consumers can effectively maximize the value of their admission ticket.