How To Experience The North Dakota State Fair Like A Local

The North Dakota State Fair will be here before we know it, and since they started announcing all of the great acts this year, we've been getting pretty excited.

It recently occurred to me that from all of the times I've gone to the ND State Fair, I've gathered some pretty useful info.

Allow me to share some of my North Dakota State Fair wisdom. If this is your first year going, here's how you can experience it like a local.

(Pssst - The North Dakota State Fair is July 18th - 26th.)

1. Go for the Free Stuff

A lot of times the exhibit halls have promotional items they give away, like t-shirts, keychains, koozies, etc. Who knows, you may end up getting mustard from your jumbo corn dog all over the shirt you came in with. Scoop up all the free things you possibly can.

2. Get a Hotel

If you're not from Minot, you should get a hotel. You drove all the way up there, so you might as well stay a couple of days, see a couple of shows, and hit every ride you can.

3. Get the Mega Ride Pass

You might think $80 is a little expensive, but trust me, you're going to want one. In all likelihood, you will end up going back for more tickets, and it will cost you that much anyway. That's not to mention how easy it is to lose tickets while you're running around. Just get the pass.

The Mega Ride pass gets you unlimited rides for the full nine days. The Daily Ride Passes get you unlimited rides for the day for only $42.

4. Win Tickets to the Shows

You know what's better than seeing your favorite artists in your backyard? Seeing them for free. We'll probably have your chance to win tickets to several of the shows. Listen for those chances to win and get hooked up.

5. Check Out the Farmer's Market

North Dakotans like to make the most of a trip, so if you're going to the fairgrounds, you should also stop at the Minot Farmer's Market in Oak Park. Farmer's Market for mom and dad, then after, rides and fair food for the kids.