Here’s what you need to know about the MSRA’s Back to the Fifties Weekend

Molly Guthrey, Pioneer Press
·3 min read
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The Minnesota Street Rod Association’s Back to the Fifties Weekend has rolled into the State Fairgrounds once again.

The event, a showcase of vehicles from 1964 and earlier, is considered the biggest in the nation.

Running through Sunday, here are some details:

The cars

At the Fairgrounds, the public can check out more than 10,000 street rods, hot rods and custom cars — from 1964 or older — that roar in to Minnesota from around the country.

Other highlights

There also will be commercial vendors, swappers, crafters, entertainment and much more.

The proclamation

In honor of the 50th anniversary of this event, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has declared June 21-23, 2024 as “MSRA 50th Annual Back to the Fifties Weekend” in the state.

Hours

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday; 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Location

The Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights.

Admission

$15 at the door (kids ages 15 and under get in free with each paid adult).

Transit

Through an event partnership, the public can grab free rides all weekend on Metro Transit (excluding the Northstar train) to avoid parking hassles. Here are the links:

Saturday shuttles

There will be free shuttles from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Saturday only — from two locations:

1. Energy Technology Center at1450 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul.

2. The Minnesota Department of Education at 1500 Minnesota Highway 36 West, Roseville

Happening all weekend:

• NAPA Auto Parts display (Home Improvement Building).

• 200+ commercial vendors (Indoors and outdoors, throughout the Fairgrounds).

• Ladies’ Showcase – (North End Event Center).

Marketplace

A classic car and truck sale that is open to all vehicle years and located at the Miracle of Birth Center (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday). More info at classiccarmarketplace.com.

Craft fair:

Cruise-N-Arts Craft Fair (Education Building): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Decor, gifts, wearables and more.

For kids:

Kids World presented by Select Heartland Chevy Dealers (Machinery Hill): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Flyover:

A military salute flyover is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Model cars

A model car show and contest will be held in the Education Building from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Live music

There will be live music at the Bandshell from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Swap meet

There will be a huge swap meet from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Church service

A church service featuring The Memories will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at the North End Event Center/Ladies Showcase.

Closing ceremony

A closing ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Bandshell.

Info

To get a full schedule and map for the Back to the 50s event, visit msrabacktothe50s.com. Or follow along on Facebook at Facebook.com/Back.to.the.50s/

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