Every June, thousands of vintage vehicles (and the people who love them) converge on the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair to go “Back to the ’50s” for the weekend. Think of it as the State Fair for people who love old cars.
It’s not all about the 1950s, but you’ll find reminders of that period everywhere.
If you’re even the slightest bit interested in old cars, this is an event worth attending. With what seems like an astounding variety of vehicles at the site, you are sure to see something that makes you want to take a closer look. And, if not, there’s always plenty of non-automotive attractions to keep you busy, including concerts, food, seminars, and vendors selling crafts and other items.
The 2026 Back to the ’50s weekend is June 19-21.
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What is Back to the ’50s?
Each year “Back to the 50s” draws around 12,000 vintage vehicles (1964 and earlier) and the people who love them together for a busy, family friendly weekend. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Street Rod Association and features a mix of passenger and commercial vehicles. Vehicles range from full restorations that look like they just came out of the dealer’s showroom to funky rat rods that lean into destruction wrought by time — and everything in between.
While it’s called “Back to the 50s,” there’s no limit to how old a car can be. It just can’t be any newer than 1964.
Visitors are welcome to wander through the thousands of cars, admiring them and asking the owners for more information about their cars. . . Information owners are usually delighted to provide in great detail! (Just don’t touch the cars without permission.)
Everyone is happy to tell you about their vehicle.
Some owners will let you sit in their vehicle so you can pretend for a moment that you’re about to hit the road. But maintaining these beauties in pristine condition is a lot of work — and fingerprints mess up a shiny finish, so ask before touching.
It takes a lot of polishing to keep a car looking its best!
Back to the 50s offers more than just looking at cars
Own a classic car? There’s a swap meet where you can find parts, car art, and other goodies. Of course, there are also vendors selling almost anything car- or 1950s-related you can think of. And there are presentations on all things both automotive and 1950s.
Wish you owned a classic car? There are always a few for sale on the grounds.
Want to see more options all in one place. Check out the “Classic Car Corral,” where you can buy (or sell) a classic vehicle. It’s open throughout the weekend in the Dairy Building. And, if you can’t get to Back to the 50s, you can always bid online!
Cars for sale by owner at a previous Back to the 50s.
But “Back to the 50s” isn’t just about the cars.
There’s also 1950s-themed clothing, food, and music. (Even the cars get into the spirit of the event with 1950s-inspired accessories!)
If you can’t find a 1950s drive-in, you can always set one up wherever you are!
If that’s not enough to keep you busy, there’s also a craft fair, seminars, workshops, and other activities that may or may not be related to either cars or the 1950s.
Saturday features a T-6 flyover with aircraft used during WWII for training and in the Korean War.
What you might see at Back to the ’50s
Although my brother has spent most of a weekend at this event each year for years, it took me a while to get beyond just watching participants cruise the streets near my house.
But eventually I got smart and started tagging along when my brother headed over early in the morning with his usually-running-but-not-really-restored 1947 International pickup truck.
The KB could use some work, but it’s mostly all original, and it runs most of the time.
Here’s what I’ve discovered over the years. . .
Registered vehicles line up well before the gate opens. That’s because everyone has a favorite spot they (and their friends) want to snare — and all spots are first-come, first-serve; leave and you lose it. That means finding a spot close to the action and with lots of shade is usually a higher priority than finding a spot near other vehicles like yours. However, a few car clubs get together and find spots where they can gather.
But mostly it’s a jumble of makes, models, vintages, and levels and types of restoration.
If you’re interested in a particular make, model, or vintage, you’ll find them scattered across the fairgrounds individually or in small groups.
You’ll find cars of all makes and vintages parked everywhere.
Plenty of vehicles park in about the same spot every year (that’s how you know where to look for your friends), but there’s really no telling what vehicles might be sitting next to each other, let alone what might be around the corner.
You never know what you might find on the other side of a building!
You’ll find a colorful mix of makes, models, and vintages
The variety of vehicles participating was a bit of a surprise at first.
When I think of a classic car show (especially one with a Back to the 50s theme), I think of classic colors and big tail fins.
You’ll find plenty of tail fins at Back to the 50s.
And there are plenty of those.
But Back to the 50s is more about the variety of cars you might see if your time machine actually took you back to the 50s or 60s. And that covers a broad range of vehicles and interpretations.
And the event is run by the Minnesota Street Rod Association, so there’s really no limit to how you modify that old vehicle!
Elaborately painted beauties of all vintages
Some owners of vintage vehicles meticulously restore their cars to as close to factory condition as possible.
Yes, the car looked exactly like the model sitting in their window. Both look like they just rolled out of the factory.
There are plenty of beautiful restorations sporting original colors. . . And there are a lot of lovingly restored or modified vehicles in colors far from the original.
The colors may not be original, but they certainly make a statement!
You’ll also find plenty of bold patterns. (After all, street rods tend to be very colorful.)
It’s easy to find a colorful mix of vehicles at Back to the 50s.
But both full restorations and street rods tend to be primped and polished right down to the engine block.
Many cars are painted and polished right down to the engine!
Maybe you’d like a little rust for “authenticity”
Not all the cars on display are polished up to perfection.
No doubt this vehicle has seen a lot in its time!
Instead of trying to restore their vehicles back to original condition or gussying them up with a snazzy paint job, some owners do the opposite. They maintain their vehicles to preserve (or create) a patina that makes it look like the vehicle has been neglected for decades. (“Barn fresh” covers a wide range of vehicle aging!)
Maybe you’d like a little deconstruction along with your rust
And then there are the Rat Rods. (Imagine a steampunk street rod, and you should have the general idea.)
Every Rat Rod has a style all its own.
Although they begin with the key components of an old vehicle, Rat Rods are created rather than restored. Rat Rod designers cut down, strip off, and add a mix of automotive and other elements to build a car that is more motorized sculpture than collector vehicle.
You never know what you might find incorporated into one of these vehicles!
Watch the never-ending parade pass by
If all this sounds like a lot of walking, consider bringing a blanket or lightweight chair and then find a spot to sit and watch the show go by. That’s what the owners of many cars displayed here do!
This group found a great spot to relax and watch other car owners drive by.
Or find a friend with a car on display and join the parade!
Expect a very slow-moving traffic jam if you decide to cruise the grounds.
Cars move v-e-r-y slowly through the fairgrounds. But that also opens up all sorts of cruising options.
You can walk through the fairgrounds faster than you can drive through, but why walk when you can ride?
Plan your trip Back to the ’50s
The Minnesota Street Rod Association holds its Back to the 50s event in mid-June each year. The 2026 event runs Friday-Sunday, June 19-21.
They’ll be at the fairgrounds rain or shine unless severe weather is in the forecast. (A little rain doesn’t hurt most vehicles, but hail is another matter.)
Back to the ’50s is open to the public, with an admission fee charged to enter the grounds. (Children under 15 are free with a paid adult admission.) Once on the grounds, there are many free concerts, exhibits, and other special events. And there are many options to purchase typical state fair food, as well as food with a more retro vibe.
- Tickets are available in advance (at a discounted price) at some NAPA Auto stores in the region.
- Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but only with cash.
- Get information on hours and tickets and more on the “Back to the 50s” website.
Back to the 50s is one of the largest collector car gatherings in the country, and it is extremely popular. Expect crowds in any weather.
You’ll probably be outdoors most of the time, and shade is very limited. Bring water and sun protection and be ready for big crowds. And check the weather before you arrive. In 2024 you needed an umbrella and rain jacket, as we got quite a downpour. (I saw it coming and spent it eating BBQ and drinking beer inside while watching people and vehicles move around in the rain just beyond my open window. It was fun.)
You also need really good shoes, as you will do a lot of walking and standing.
As you can see, whatever your interest in cars, you should be able to find something you like at “Back to the 50s.” Just be prepared for a long day. There is so much to see!
It can get to be an exhausting day!
Getting to the event
“Back to the 50s” is held at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds in what is actually Falcon Heights, but usually described as Saint Paul. With something like 12,000 vehicles and 150,000 people attending over the three-day event, actually getting to the site can be a challenge. And, once you get there, parking is also even more of a challenge. There is some parking available outside the fairgrounds, but it fills quickly.
Expect very slow drive times anywhere near the fairgrounds (or along Snelling generally) throughout the weekend as cars registered for the event come and go from the site. And be extra alert for stalled vehicles blocking traffic just about everywhere in this part of the metro area all weekend!
Take the bus
Metro Transit is offering free bus passes all weekend. This is often the easiest way to get there. However, you do have to go to the website and download a pass to take with you.
Take the shuttle on Saturday
Two remote parking lots are available on Saturday only with shuttle service to the fairgrounds.
Once you arrive
Entry tickets can be purchased at the gate for $15 per adult. (Cash only!) But you get a discount if you purchase your ticket in advance. Best of all, you get to skip the ticket line.
Pets are NOT allowed on the site. Service animals, and only service animals, are allowed.
Bring a water bottle.
Both water to refill water bottles and regular restrooms are available on the site. There are also portable toilets in some farther-flung areas of the fairgrounds.
Smaller mobility scooters, strollers, wagons, and electric wheelchairs are allowed. Mobility scooters can be rented on-site or in advance. (I’d recommend reserving in advance.)
Bicycles, Segways, hoverboards, and skateboards are not allowed on the site. There is usually some bike parking just outside the gate, but not a lot.
Lodging options during Back to the 50s
I have bad news for you if you’re coming from out of town for Back to the 50s and want to stay right by the fairgrounds: There really isn’t any lodging within walking distance.
On-site camping is only available for registered Back to the 50s participants. (If you are registering a vehicle to participate in the event, you are eligible to camp. Otherwise, no.)
Depending on many factors, there may be nearby houses available to rent through Airbnb or VRBO. But the only hotel within a mile of the fairgrounds is the Midway Motel. It used to have decent reviews for a sort of dive motel, but it seems pretty iffy these days. I wouldn’t recommend it.
That means you’ll need to go north into Roseville or southwest to the Prospect Park area in Minneapolis (or farther) if you are looking for a hotel. Prices seem pretty high in both areas, but check the map for options. And keep in mind that many people participating in Back to the 50s stay up in Roseville, so don’t expect to find any discounts up that way during that weekend.
Also be aware that both Expedia and Booking.com seem to have a number of private homes or apartments relatively near the fairgrounds and farther south near the soccer stadium, but some of those areas can be a little iffy. Read reviews carefully before booking.
Be sure to put your dates in to begin your search!
A lot of the people participating in Back to the 50s stay up in Roseville, so don’t expect to find any discounts up that way during that weekend.
Want a taste of what to expect? Check out Mecum Auctions’ On the Move Episode 1.
Head over to CindyCarlsson.com for more photos from Back to the 50s.
This story is a major update of one first published in 2015.
Awesome photos! Old cars are beautiful.
Thank you, Gunilla. I agree that old cars are beautiful – such wonderful lines and details!
I have died and gone to heaven… First can I just say one thing. YOU have a gift… your photography is breathtaking.
But oh how I love old classics! You made me feel like I was right there with you… Thank You!
I do love old cars but my real loves are the old trucks and maybe a few tractors sitting out in a field. I need to make a post of all the ones I have captured over the years!
Thank you, Nancy. You are very kind. Maybe we need to go out on an old vehicle photo shoot sometime when I get down your way! Keep searching them out.
Wow! That is so beautiful.