NOTICE: Hay Days 2020 has been cancelled due to COVID-19. To read the official statement, click HERE. 

Your ultimate guide to attending Hay Days in North Branch, Minnesota in September!

 

Hay Days logo

Website: www.haydays.com

Date: Sept. 11-12, 2021 (*New Date*)

Location:

38740 Oriole Ave, North Branch, MN

google map

 

For those of you who haven’t been to Hay Days before, this post is for you! The event marks the unofficial start of winter and the snowmobile season, and it gives snowmobile enthusiasts everywhere something to look forward to. Hosted by the Sno Barons Snowmobile Club in North Branch, Minnesota, this year marks the 54th anniversary of the world’s largest snowmobile and power motorsports related swap event. This event is near and dear to our heart because its one we've been staffing for years for dozens of clients in the snowmobile industry. For information about booking promotional staff for this event, click here. 

Hay Days is a giant reunion for snowmobilers across North America, all wrapped up into two days of craziness. The key to conquering Hay Days is to make it yours – you have the ability to customize your Hay Days experience so you get the most out of this event. When we first attended Hay Days as guests, we weren't sure what to expect and didn’t really prepare. We went with an open mind, no expectations, and a backpack full of what we thought were the basic necessities needed to survive a weekend at the grass drags. Little did we know that the event is so much more than grass drags; it’s a massive swap meet, motocross freestyle, demo rides, BMX shows, product launches, athlete appearances, parties, entertainment, free swag, comradery, and who knows what else. The event is often a blur, and at the end, you rely on the pictures to put together the pieces of the weekend so it can all make sense. For us, we've have met some life long friends, organized some epic trips, and had the time of our life, all at HayDays.

Hay Days

For those of you who are new to Hay Days, here are some tips on how to prepare for the coolest, craziest snowmobile event you will ever go to. Whether you are a group of friends road tripping across the Midwest, a family with small kids, or hardcore sled heads, there is absolutely something for everyone. Tickets go on sale June 1st, including swap site reservations as well. 

 

What to Expect

  • You are going to walk – a lot
  • You are going to get dirty – the venue can be dusty if its hot out so best to wear close-toed shoes
  • It might get hot (like really hot) - Wear layers and strip down throughout the day
  • It might get really cold, especially at night – wear layers
  • Come early to get the best deals – a lot of things are sold or run out quickly!
  • Check out parking ahead of time – click here for more information

 

What to Bring

  • Cash for the swap meet (ATM’s are available on site if needed)
  • Water & Snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Rain Jacket
  • Camera
  • Backpack or wagon (to carry purchases)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Hay Days Program

 

How to Prepare

  • Make a list of things you want to see, do and buy
  • Eat a good breakfast! You’ll need the energy throughout the day
  • When you arrive, take a minute to check out the map to get yourself oriented
  • Head to the swamp meet first, as items sell out quickly
  • Pack light, but pack the necessities to get you through the weekend

 

Things to Check out:

  • Hay Days Craze – this activity is great for kids! Grab your Hay Days program, visit vendors, and drop off a completed card for a chance to win great prizes!
  • Grass Drags – the grass drags is where it all began so make sure you check out the races. The finals are a must see!
  • Swap Meet – you never know what you are going to find here!
  • Freestyle events – action packed motorsports fun for the entire family. Check out the program for show times.
  • Club Row – support your local club and buy a $1 ticket for a chance to win a snowmobile. 80% of the proceeds are donated back to local snowmobile clubs to assist with trail expenses.
  • Vendor Area – hundreds of vendors attend the show, including four main manufacturers: Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, Yamaha, Polaris. For a complete listing of vendors, click

 

Resources:

Event Information

Hay Days Grounds Map

Parking/Road Map