Bigger and better than ever, the fair returns for its 183rd year
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
The Great New York State Fair plans for yet another star-studded run on its performing arts stages this August.
Last year, 932,699 people attended the fair, an increase of 54,589 from 2022.
For some, it’s a chance to catch a free concert.
The Fair’s Chevrolet Music Series includes 39 nationally-known acts with daily concerts at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Chevy Court near Gate 1 and an 8 p.m. show daily at Suburban Park, just past the Midway. All of these concerts are free with admission to the fair. Both concert venues offer first-come, first-served bleacher seating.
This year, artists performing live at the fair for the first time include Backstreet Boys alum AJ McLean and former NSYNC member Joey Fatone; pop/contemporary Christian band CAIN; country vocalist RVSHVD; preschool performers Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour; Celtic rockers The Elders; Danielle Ponder, soul vocalist; doo-wop vocalist Little Anthony; Sister Sledge (known for the hit song “We Are Family”), and 90s R&B and hip hop performers Digital Underground, Tone Loc and Color Me Badd.
Favorites returning to the fair include Chubby Checker, Chapel Hart, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, Blue Oyster Cult, Drop Kick Murphys and Kidz Bop.
Other fair performers have included Hilby, the Skinny German Juggle Boy and Bandaloni the one-man band, typically performing twice daily on the grounds.
As always, the fair hosts special days, including Governor’s Day (Aug. 21), Student Youth Day (Aug. 22, free for students 12-17), Law Enforcement Day (Aug. 26), Fire, Rescue & EMS Day and Beef Day (Aug. 27), Armed Forces Day and Dairy Day (Aug. 29), and more.
In addition to free concerts, the fair’s 375 acres host non-stop activities, exhibits and presentations for all 13 days, all included in the price of admission. It’s easy to see why the fair is often ranked among the top five such events nationwide and is the oldest state fair in the US.
The Great New York State Fair is Aug. 21-Sept. 2. The gates are open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with no re-entry after 10 p.m.
The buildings are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Wade Shows Midway will be open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The fair operates tram service around the fairgrounds that provide nine stopping points and a dedicated ADA-compliant shuttle from the Gray Accessible Parking Lot to Tram Stop #3 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Fair offers Baby Care Cottages for nursing mothers near Chevy Court, Gate 10 and The Eatery.
Daily admission is $8 for adults; free for children 12 and younger and seniors 65 and older. Parking is $12.
Find pre-sale tickets, discount information and the daily schedule at www.nysfair.ny.gov. Watch the fair’s Facebook page for any timely announcements.
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