It’s that time of the year again… the NY State Fair!
UPDATED FOR 2023!
NY State Fair ticket, parking prices to rise in Hochul budget to address financial losses
The fair runs from August 23rd (Wednesday) to September 4th (Monday). The Fairgrounds will be open for public entrance 9:00am-11:00pm daily. On Monday, September 4, 2023 (Labor Day) entrance hours will end at 9:00pm.
New York State Fair Bucket List
Spending a day (or more) at the Fair can be an expensive outing (on average, visitors spend about $121). As the goal of this blog is to help save you money, usually I’d give ideas for spending less money. However, I think everyone is just happy that the Fair is back again!
Get answers to big questions about the New York State Fair
Tickets / Admission
Tickets for parking and admission are now on sale as of 7/27/2023
The 2023 Great New York State Fair is one of the most affordable state fair in the nation with admission tickets now on sale for $6 each, with parking costing $10 (doubled from last year).
With fees, the total cost to patrons will be $6.28 per ticket admission, $20.59 for the Frequent Fairgoer* option, and $10.37 for parking per vehicle.
*NEW FOR 2023* In addition, a “Frequent Fairgoer” ticket option will be available for $20. This is a new option for those those who attend The Fair regularly. This ticket allows the holder to enter the NYS fair once a day, everyday throughout the duration. It can only be bought online.
*Children 12 and under are admitted free every day of the Fair, as well as seniors 65 and over*
Even better, Fair admission also includes the ability to watch every performance in the Chevrolet Music Series.
St. Joe’s Amp concert tickets won’t get you free admission to NYS Fair this year
- Advance sale tickets
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Tickets are available online via the Fair’s official online ticket seller, Etix, or by calling Etix toll-free at 1-800-514-3849 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
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- At the Gate
- During the 13-day run – which begins Wednesday, August 23 – kiosks positioned at all gates will be used for electronic ticket purchases. Large signs featuring QR codes will be strategically posted, directing fairgoers to the Fair’s website to purchase tickets.
Tickets, parking passes on sale for 2021 NYS Fair: No cash at gates this year
^ This remains for 2023 ^
- Special Fair Days
- Student Youth Day (August 24) – Youths and students 18 years old and younger admitted free on this day.
- Law Enforcement Day (August 28) – Free admission to any active or retired law enforcement or corrections personnel who presents a badge or picture ID from the department from which they are or were employed.
- Fire & Rescue Day (August 29) – Free admission to any active or retired member of a fire department or emergency services organization who has a picture ID from that department or organization.
- Armed Forces Day (August 31) – Free admission to any active duty or veteran with military identification (Military ID Card, form DD-214 or NYS Driver License, Learner Permit or non-driver ID card with a veteran designation). Sponsored by Lockheed Martin.
- Native Americans Day (September 1) – Free admission to all members of Native American tribes
NOTE: There is no $1 admission day this year.
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2023 Suburban Park and Chevy Court Concerts
The Great New York State Fair Announces New Name For Its Largest Stage: Suburban Park
Perhaps the best FREE concert series in America, concerts at Suburban Park and Chevy Court are sponsored by Chevrolet and are all free to Fairgoers with your Fair admission! Seating areas in are limited to first come – first seated.
Chevrolet Music Festival concerts announced to date include:
Chevy Court:
| Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | 1:00pm | Chubby Checker |
| Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | 6:00pm | Salt-N-Pepa |
| Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 1:00pm | Alex Miller |
| Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 6:00pm | Quiet Riot |
| Friday, August 25, 2023 | 1:00pm | Mary Lambert |
| Friday, August 25, 2023 | 6:00pm | Doechii |
| Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 1:00pm | Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure |
| Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 6:00pm | Julio Iglesias Jr. |
| Sunday, August 27, 2023 | 1:00pm | The Prodigals |
| Sunday, August 27, 2023 | 6:00pm | Matt Stell |
| Monday, August 28, 2023 | 1:00pm | Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone |
| Monday, August 28, 2023 | 6:00pm | Anne Wilson |
| Tuesday, August 29, 2023 | 1:00pm | Tommy James and the Shondells |
| Tuesday, August 29, 2023 | 6:00pm | Bret Michaels |
| Wednesday, August 30, 2023 | 1:00pm | Danielle Ponder |
| Wednesday, August 30, 2023 | 6:00pm | Chapel Hart |
| Thursday, August 31, 2023 | 1:00pm | Avalanche |
| Thursday, August 31, 2023 | 6:00pm | Lee Greenwood |
| Friday, September 1, 2023 | 1:00pm | Crash Adams |
| Friday, September 1, 2023 | 6:00pm | The Fray |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 12:00pm | DJ Dretronix – JAMS Funk Fest 2k23 |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 12:30pm | JAMS Funk Fest 2k23 Youth Performances |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 1:30pm | Brownskin Band – JAMS Funk Fest 2k23 |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 2:45pm | Fallout From WAR – JAMS Funk Fest 2k23 |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 4:00pm | Trump Tight 315 – JAMS Funk Fest 2k23 |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 5:15pm | The Blacklites – JAMS Funk Fest 2k23 |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 6:45pm | Brick – JAMS Funk Fest 2k23 |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 8:15pm | Dazz Band – JAMS Funk Fest 2k23 |
| Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 1:00pm | Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza |
| Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 6:00pm | Joywave |
| Monday, September 4, 2023 | 12:00pm | The High Kings |
| Monday, September 4, 2023 | 4:00pm | Foghat |
Suburban Park Stage:
| Date | Time | Event |
| Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | 2:00pm | Steven Page |
| Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | 8:00pm | Lainey Wilson |
| Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 2:00pm | Tonic |
| Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 8:00pm | Theory of a Deadman |
| Friday, August 25, 2023 | 2:00pm | Rebecca Black |
| Friday, August 25, 2023 | 8:00pm | GAYLE |
| Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 2:00pm | Slick Rick |
| Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 8:00pm | George Thorogood and The Destroyers |
| Sunday, August 27, 2023 | 2:00pm | Boys World |
| Sunday, August 27, 2023 | 8:00pm | Bell Biv Devoe |
| Monday, August 28, 2023 | 8:00pm | REO Speedwagon |
| Tuesday, August 29, 2023 | 8:00pm | Tyler Hubbard |
| Wednesday, August 30, 2023 | 8:00pm | Ann Wilson |
| Thursday, August 31, 2023 | 8:00pm | Ludacris |
| Friday, September 1, 2023 | 2:00pm | Danielle Bradbery |
| Friday, September 1, 2023 | 8:00pm | J.I.D |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 2:00pm | Claire Rosinkranz |
| Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 8:00pm | Quinn XCII |
| Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 2:00pm | Elvie Shane |
| Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 8:00pm | Yung Gravy featuring bbno$ |
| Monday, September 4, 2023 | 1:00pm | Hairball |
| Monday, September 4, 2023 | 6:00pm | Skid Row |
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Travel
Save on gas and parking (and hassle, too) by taking the bus!
Centro will once again provide its popular direct service to the New York State Fair, providing passengers with transportation from the Centro Transit Hub Downtown to and from the Fairgrounds, as well as to and from Destiny USA and Long Branch Park. The Park-N-Ride locations and schedules can be found here (fares and times vary by location). Centro Ride Passes and transfers are accepted. For most of the locations, it is a one way $1 fare for adults (ages 10-64) and children 5 and under are free.
To expedite the boarding process, be sure to buy your round trip tickets before boarding the shuttle. Tickets may be purchased at the Centro tents which will be located at each State Fair Park-N-Ride location for the duration of the Fair.
Fares and times vary depending on location, and all valid Centro Ride Passes and Transfers will be honored. For more information, please contact Centro’s Call Center at (315) 442-3400.
The last shuttle of the day is at 11:40 pm. Masks are no longer required on all shuttles.
Click here for information regarding locations, fares and schedules.
To access location, fare and schedule information click on the links below:
PLEASE NOTE: Centro will NOT be running direct service from the Syracuse Transit Hub to the Amphitheater during the State Fair.
Park-N-Ride at Destiny USA
Related: Leave your ride behind: How to get to the NYS fair without a car (updated for 2019)
Entertainment
The Midway will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, except on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, when it will close at 9 p.m.
Wade Shows Midway
Featuring roughly 60 exciting rides as well as games and food.
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Daily • 11:00am – 11:00pm
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Labor Day • 11:00am – 9:00pm
- Please note, The Midway’s closing time is subject to change with little notice in the event of inclement weather or other uncontrollable situations.
The Wade Shows Midway will maintain the tradition of offering all Midway rides for $1 on Labor Day.
On Two Dollar Tuesday, August 29, all rides will cost $2.
Coming Soon – 20/20/20 Flash Sale: Wade Shows will bring back its successful 20/20/20 flash sales on Thursday, August 3, to coincide with 20 calendar days until the start of The Great New York State Fair. For 20 hours – starting at 4:00 a.m. and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 3 – fairgoers will be able to purchase ride-all-day wristbands for $20 each. This deal represents a savings of up to $25 per wristband.
Individual ride tickets can be purchased at any Wade Shows ticket booth on the Midway during the New York State Fair for $6.25 for five tickets.
Wristbands, which grant “Ride All Day Access,” can be purchased online at a discount cost of $25/person until 12 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23. Click here to purchase tickets online. After the Fair starts, the cost of wristbands goes up to $35 on weekdays, and $45 on weekends.
A Mega Pass option is also available online through Wade Shows’ Website, which grants fairgoers unlimited rides all day every day for $85. Note, this must be purchased by 12 p.m. on August 23 as well.
Ride List (Over 60 rides)
There was a flash sale for $20 wristbands in the past
Attractions/Exhibits/Misc.
In terms of exhibits, fairgoers don’t want to miss the following NEW THIS YEAR:
- Asian Village: The Great New York State Fair is excited to announce the addition of Asian Village, wherefairgoers are invited to immerse themselves into Southeast Asia, as they experience the smells, flavors, and experiences that Asian and Pacific Islander communities are known for. Asian Village, located closest to the Gate 4 entrance, not far from the Youth Building (and identified as #40 on the accompanying map), opens Wednesday August 23 and continues through the first Saturday of The Fair, August 26. Asian Village recognizes the contributions, history, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through food, music, dance and more. Fairgoers will be able to sample traditional Asian cuisine, take in singing, drumming and Lion Dance, and watch fashion shows representing the styles of 20 different nations.
- Dinosaur Expedition Exhibit: Go back in time to the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth as more than 60 true-to-life-size, prehistoric, life-like dinosaurs fill The Expo Center. The must-see exhibit features dinosaurs that range in size from babies (still 3-feet tall!) to 35-foot tall mammoths, spanning as long as 80 feet. With moving heads, necks, tails and wings, visitors will feel like they really are among the dinosaurs. Interactive features include photo booths and selfie spots, dinosaur dance parties, and a fossil dig. Educational components include a fossil dig, and Storytime every hour. You can find these pre-historic creatures inside the Expo Center for the entirety of The Fair.
- Voice of the Farmer Garden: The Great New York State Fair is the first state fair in the United States to host the Voice of the Farmer Gardenexhibit. Visitors can learn about the variety of crops grown here in New York State and across the county and gain an appreciation and understanding of the economic and environmental impacts of Agriculture in America. Located near the Goat Pavilion, kitty-corner from the Family Fun Zone, the Voice of the Farmer Garden offers opportunities to see and smell what’s “growing on.”
- Digital Kiosks: As guests explore The Fairgrounds, they’ll see ten new interactive kiosks in their paths. The kiosks are designed to make wayfinding and schedule planning a little easier. Touch the screen to access maps, daily schedules outlining concerts, agriculture attractions, and grounds entertainment acts. Visitors are encouraged to use The Fair’s Showcase of Stars Entertainment Map as a planning tool as well. Stars mark the locations where to find your favorite performers, while music notes denote places to listen to live music.
⇒ You can play mini golf for free anytime from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily throughout the fair (located between Chevy Court and the Horticulture Building)
⇒ Free tram rides with nine stops, starting in front of the main gate and continuing around the fairgrounds.
⇒ There are dozens of other attractions at the New York State Fair, including free shows and exhibits.
Check out the full list here
- Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy is arguably the favorite of all the Fair’s entertainers. The hilarious and sarcastic juggling comedian performs at 11:30 a.m., 3:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. outside the Science and Industry Building along Chevy Court, starting Monday, August 29;
- Bandaloni, the One Man Band, rockin’ and rollin’ with the full band he carries on his back, joins the Fair line-up starting Thursday, August 25. Crowds will gather for Bandaloni at 2 p.m.., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. daily along Restaurant Row;
- Sea Lion Splash returns with weekday shows at 11:00 am, 2:30 & 5:00 pm, weekends at 11:30 am, 1:00, 2:30 & 5:00 pm. In the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center near the Talent Showcase.
- Birds of Prey land in the State Park at the Fair for a new season of amazing education, at 11:00 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily;
- Team Sandtastic’s Sand Sculpture returns to the Center of Progress Building with a sculpture of…well, we can’t tell you, yet. You’ll have to see it for yourself, and if you come in the early days of the Fair, you can watch the sculptors work as they complete the masterpiece.
Talented entertainers, such as perennial favorites Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy and Bandaloni will perform around the grounds.
Attractions in the Horticulture Building
The Horticulture Building exhibits some of the very best growers, producers, and manufacturers from across the state. A variety of interactive and product booths highlight the diversity and quality of agriculture found across New York State. Exhibitors, including the Empire State Honey Producers, SUNY Cobleskill, Syracuse Rose Society and others, will set up shop within the Horticulture Building through the Fair’s 13-day run.
Fairgoers can look forward to the following attractions:
- Butterflies by Sky River
- Flower Show Competitions
- Forage and Grain Competition
- The NY Maple Center, where you can buy candy, syrup, and ice cream made with New York maple syrup
- Taste NY Sampling
Food / Drink
Popular beer and ‘moonshine slush’ stand pulls out of 2023 New York State Fair
NYS Fair Food Hall of Fame #1: Pizze Fritte, a ‘Syracuse thing’ known round the world
- Milk – Keeping with tradition, fairgoers will enjoy perfectly chilled cups of $.25 cent milk, when the New York State Fair kicks off. Get a delicious 7 ounce cup of chocolate or white milk for 25 cents at the Rainbow Milk Bar. Strawberry milk will be offered the last 3 days (Dairy Building)
- How to Pay: Since 2017, fairgoers redeem milk tokens to purchase their $.25 milk. They receive milk tokens by inserting coins and bills ($1, $5, $10) into various token machines set up around the Dairy Products Building.
- Baked Potato – Get a baked or sweet potato with for only $1 at the Great Potato Booth (NE corner of Horticulture Building); add toppings for .50 each
- Hot Dogs – There are various food stands that offer $1 hot dogs (i.e. Emmi’s Hots)
Bonus tip: If you go on a hot day and/or tend to get thirsty often, plan on purchasing from a vendor who offers free refills. For example, you pay $10 upfront but get unlimited refills throughout the day. If possible, never pay more than $1 for a bottle of water or a soda.
Do you know of any other ways to save money at the Fair? Please comment below!
Latest Fair News
Here’s everything you need to know for the 2023 NYS Fair: food, animals, rides, music, new attractions and more
We tried it all: 100+ things to eat, drink, see, do and ride at the 2022 NY State Fair
Adopt-A-Family Nonprofit Application
Since its inception in 2014, the Adopt-A-Family Program has helped more than 2,500 struggling families enjoy a fun day at the Great New York State Fair by providing vouchers for free Fair admission, free parking, and free food for families who otherwise would not be able to afford a visit to The Fair.
NYS Fair to include trade, manufacturing exhibit to showcase careers, recruit employees
How far $20 can get you at the NYS Fair
Find a Job at the Fair
New ‘taste’ festival to celebrate international food at NYS Fairgrounds
101 things you must do at this year’s New York State Fair
20 free, family-friendly activities:
1. The Chevrolet Music Series will bring 48 national recording artists to audiences over The Fair’s 13-day run. Household names representing every musical genre will perform at Chevy Court and Suburban Park. All performances are included in the price of admission.
2. Talent Showcase Returns: Talent Showcase, back at The Fair for the first time since 2019, will bring dozens of the brightest young stars from 20 New York Counties to perform in a competition that kicks off August 24 and continues through August 29. Then, fairgoers are encouraged to cheer for their favorite aspiring stars on September 1 and 2 during Talent Showcase Finals. Click here to see the full schedule.
3. The Regional Showcase will shine a spotlight on nine well-known musical acts representing a number of regions throughout New York State. Check the schedule to coordinate your calendars to sing and dance along to your favorite hometown celebrities.
4. Dinosaurs Stomp In: The Dinosaur Expedition in the Exposition Center will take fairgoers back in time to the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth. There are more than 100 true-to-life size, life-like dinosaurs, ranging in size from babies, measuring three-feet tall, to full grown massive creatures standing as tall as 35-feet tall.
5. Unlock the Entertainment Finder: From a streetscape perspective, street-level surprises, strolling performances, and other great shows are spread throughout The Fairgrounds. Laugh with fan-favorite Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, dance with Bandaloni the One Man Band, and gasp with anticipation as a new-to-The-Fair entertainer, Lady Houdini escapes from an impossible situation. Cheer for racing pigs, take a selfie with a Sea Lion, and walk with the dinosaurs. Click here for a recap of all of the exciting Grounds Entertainment acts available at The Fair, and bookmark The Fair’s Entertainment Finder on your browsers and smartphones.
Pro Tip: Use The Fair’s Showcase of Stars Entertainment Map to plan your Fair activities! Stars mark the locations where to find your favorite performers, while music notes denote places to listen to live music.
AGRICULTURE AND EDUCATION:
6. Attractive, Active Animals: With eight barns and several animal tents distributed throughout The Fairgrounds, visitors have ample opportunities to interact with animals and meet new furry and feathered friends. Take a selfie with a llama, cheer as goats and chickens strut their stuff in costume contests and parades, and take in the wonder of an “udder miracle” by witnessing the birth of calves in the Dairy Cow Birthing Center.
7. Hoof It to a Horse Show: Whether it’s Showmanship in the 4H Arena, or Barrel Racing in the Toyota Coliseum, there are dozens of opportunities to watch majestic animals show off their skills at Horse Shows. Fairgoers should check the Agricultural Attractions Schedule to plan which events to watch.
8. Agriculture Attractions: One of the best kept secrets about the Great New York State Fair is the countless educational opportunities it provides, and the “behind the scenes” exposure to what it’s like to work in the Agriculture and Entertainment industries. Careers in Farming, Veterinary Science, Food and Beverage Services, Emergency Management, Event Planning, and more are on full display throughout all 13 days. And, there’s even a Special Day dedicated to learning about what it’s like to work in the Agricultural sector!
9. What’s Hatching in The Youth Building? Visit 4-H to watch children and teens from all over New York State show off their skills – whether it’s explaining a successful science project, cooking, singing or dancing. Plus, one of the best kept secrets at The Fair are the fuzzy friends who inhabit the Youth Building. This is the home of an exhibit where you can hold a baby chick.
10. Discover a Hidden Talent – It just might be Blue Ribbon worthy! The Fair is well known for showcasing the best that the state has to offer in food, beverage, entertainment and agriculture – and it’s a place where visitors can show off their hidden talents too! With competitions involving singing, hay bale throwing (held at 12:00 p.m. on August 23 and 1:00 p.m. on August 29), daily rooster crowing (Pro Tip: Check out the championships held Monday, September 4 at 11:00 am), arm wrestling and more, there’s plenty of friendly competitions to engage in. Peruse the Daily Schedules on The Fair’s website to get the lowdown.
11. Voice of The Farmer Garden Tour: New to The Fair in 2023, The Great New York State Fair is the first state fair in the United States to host the Voice of the Farmer Garden exhibit. Visitors can learn about the variety of crops grown here in New York State and across the county, and gain an appreciation and understanding of the economic and environmental impacts of Agriculture in America. Located near the Goat Pavilion, kitty-corner from the Family Fun Zone, the Voice of the Farmer Garden offers opportunities to see and smell what’s “growing on.”
Pro Tip: Take the Garden Tour in person and/or virtually, and scan the QR codes at each stop to hear from farmers in their own words.
12. Follow Your Noses to the Flower and Produce Show: For the first time since 2019, the Daily Flower and Produce Show is back in Center Court of the Horticulture Building. Each day, a different theme will be highlighted, enhanced with demonstrations and talks led by representatives from Cornell Cooperative Extension, regional Flower Societies, and Future Farmers of America (FFA) groups. Fairgoers are encouraged to visit this link to plan the best time(s) to take their noses on a tour.
Pro Tip: On select days at 8:00 p.m., flowers will be given away for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the schedule for more information!
13. Meet & Greet with Micron at The Fair: For one day only, Opening Day of The Fair on August 23, Micron Technology – an Idaho-based semiconductor company that will soon have headquarters in Central New York too, will introduce an educational, interactive exhibit in The Exposition Center. The exhibit’s focus is to educate fairgoers about the semiconductor industry and peel back the curtain to show people what it’s like to work at Micron. Organizers want to raise awareness about the skills needed to pursue a career in the technology field, and educate the public about the training and tools needed to be successful in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). There will be opportunities to participate in interactive exercises and win prizes. A “Memory Race” will challenge fairgoers to put their memories, computer skills, and reflexes to the test as they see how fast they can install Micron memory modules into a motherboard.
Pro Tip: The first 3,000 children to visit the exhibit will receive a free STEM activity kit, which contains everything needed to build their own LED lights at home.
14. Sand Art Marks Milestones: The Sand Sculpture located in the Center of Progress Building is a fan favorite exhibit and stopping by to watch artists at work is a beloved tradition for many Fair families. Watch as sculptors carve New York’s bounty to honor Taste NY’s 10th Anniversary, and pay homage to hip hop which started in The Bronx 50 years ago.
15. Butter Sculpture: “Dairy Every Day is a Healthy Way – Keeping Kids’ Health on Track” is the theme of the 55h Annual Butter Sculpture, which was revealed earlier today in the Dairy Products Building. The sculpture depicts a train conducted by a cow, carrying young passengers who are fueling up on dairy foods. This year’s kid-focused sculpture incorporates colors onto the station sign and rail cars. Artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania constructed the sculpture over 11-days using more than 800 pounds of butter from O-AT-KA Milk Products in Western New York. After The Fair, the sculpture will be deconstructed, with help from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, and taken to Noblehurst Farms in Western New York where it will be recycled into renewable energy.
Pro Tip: While you’re waiting for a turn to view the Butter Sculpture, dare to be dairy and see what you’d look like in butter form. Scan this link to see what you’d like as a Butter Sculpture and share it on Facebook and Instagram.
THE FAIR IS A SHOWCASE OF PEOPLE TOO:
As much as The Fair is a showcase of New York agriculture, food, and entertainment – at its core, it’s a celebration of all people. The Department of Agriculture and Markets and the administrative team at The Great New York State Fair has made it a priority to ensure The Fair is a welcoming place for all visitors, and a place where we can celebrate our unique heritage and cultural backgrounds, while learning about our neighbors too.
16. Asian Village: “Breaking through the Bamboo Ceiling” – in the words of Superintendent Tai Shaw – has become a metaphor for establishing Asian Village at The Great New York State Fair. New this year, fairgoers are invited to immerse themselves into Southeast Asia, as they experience the smells, flavors, and experiences that Asian and Pacific Islander communities are known for. Starting tomorrow, August 23 at 10:00 a.m. to Saturday, August 26 at 10:00 p.m., fairgoers will be able to sample traditional Asian cuisine, take in singing, drumming and Lion Dance, and watch fashion shows representing the styles of 20 different nations. A full entertainment line-up of what’s planned in Asian Village will soon be posted to The Fair’s website at a page dedicated to Asian Village. For planning, Asian Village is located closest to the Gate 4 entrance, near the Youth Building.
17. Latino Village, established in 2018, will be back for its fifth year. The vibrant area was established by Elisa Morales, Superintendent of the Village and Executive Director of La Liga, the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County to provide a sense of place for people with Latin roots and inspire people who may come from non-Latino backgrounds to experience special parts of the Latin community. In Latino Village, fairgoers can taste authentic dishes, browse Latin-infused creations, and of course, listen and dance to regional and national recording artists playing through a variety of Latin music styles. One of the most vibrant elements of Latino Village is its Drag Show, which promotes diversity beyond race and ethnicity. Latino Village returns to the Fair on Friday, September 1 through Monday, September 4. Fairgoers will find it in the same place as Asian Village, closest to the Gate 4 entrance, near the Youth Building. Visit this link for a full entertainment line-up planned in Latino Village.
18. Pan African Village, established in 1996, has grown tremendously in its 27 years. Positioned closest to Gate 11A—in between the Center of Progress Building and the Art and Home Center—Pan African Village is the place to go to participate in drum circles, shop for handmade crafts, feast on delicious African and Caribbean meals, and listen to live music. In 2018, Pan African Village was renamed to honor and recognize former Syracuse Common Council President Van Robinson, whose life mission is community activism and service. Pan African Village runs all 13 days of The Fair. Visit this link for a full entertainment line-up happening in Pan African Village.
19. Indian Village, established in 1928, will celebrate its 100th year at the Great New York State Fair in 2028. For generations, people of Native American descent, friends, and visitors come here to immerse themselves in the culture and heritage of the original New Yorkers. The Village, positioned at Gate 4 behind the Youth Building, is dedicated to Six Nations programming. The Turtle Mound—built to resemble a turtle, an animal that is sacred to the Iroquois—serves as a stage for daily social dances. Fairgoers may walk through longhouses to go back in time to see how the Iroquois lived long ago. Indian Village continues all 13 days of The Fair. Social Dancing takes place at 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Indian Village every day. A full schedule is posted here.
20. History of the Great New York State Fair: For those who like history, The New York State Fair History Exhibit in The Grange Building might be one of the best kept secrets at The Fair. See replicas of Butter Sculptures through the years, find out if your city hosted The Fair before it made Syracuse its permanent home, and reminisce on the hundreds of entertainers who have graced The Fair’s stages.
Money Saving Quest 