34 Questions About The State Fair Answered

It’s all here at the Fair! With the start of The Great New York State Fair now just days away, Fair staff continue to field a variety of questions each day. To help fairgoers plan their visit as efficiently as possible, we’ve logged 34 of the most popular inquiries below, and have sorted them according to five topics:

• General Information & Admission-Related Questions
• Parking, Transportation, Ride-Share & Accessibility
• What’s New and What’s Coming Back?
• Midway & Entertainment
• General Policy

General Information & Admission Related Questions:

Q: What are the hours of operation for The Fair?
The Great New York State Fair begins on Wednesday, August 21 and continues through Labor Day, September 2. The Fair’s hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, except for Labor Day, when The Fair closes at 9 p.m. Gates open to the public at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. with no re-entry after 9 p.m. every day except for Labor Day, Monday, September 2, when no entry will be permitted after 8 p.m.

Q: What are the building hours at The Fair?

 

• Buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Exceptions, also noted in the Master 2024 State Fair Map, include:

• • The Wegmans Art & Homes Center, which closes daily at 8 p.m.
  • The Daniel Witter Parish Agriculture Museum, which closes daily at 7 p.m.
  • The Exposition Center, which closes at 9 p.m. daily

Q: How much is admission? How can I purchase admission tickets to The Fair?

• Admission to the Fair is $8 (plus fees), and free for those who are 65 years old and older, and free for children 12 years old and younger.
• A Frequent Fairgoer pass is available for $25 (plus fees). This ticket is geared toward those who are planning to be at The Fair at least four or more days.
• There are three ways to purchase admission: In-advance online, in-advance over the phone, and in-person during the Fair at all gates through electronic kiosks.

• Online: The link to purchase tickets is live at this link: NYSFair.NY.Gov.
• Over the Phone: Tickets may also be purchased over the phone by calling Etix toll-free at 1-800-514-3849 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
• At the Gate: Kiosks positioned at all gates will be used for electronic ticket purchases. Large signs featuring QR codes will direct fairgoers to the Fair’s website to purchase tickets.

Q: If my age allows me to get into The Fair for free, do I need to show I.D. at the gate?

• Please be prepared to show identification at the gate. Children are permitted free entry on the honor system.

Q: Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I purchase admission tickets at the entrance? 

• Yes, tickets may be purchased at gates, but note, there are no cash sales at the Fair’s entrance gates or in parking lots.

Q: Will there be a $1 Admission Day?

• No, there will be no $1 dollar admission days to The Fair this year. At $8 (plus fees), admission to The Great New York State Fair is the most affordable state fair admission in the United States.

Q: What about free admission on “Special Days?”

• Student Youth Day: Youth and students, ages 18 years old and younger, will receive free admission on Thursday, August 22. In some cases, they may be asked for photo identification to verify their birthday.
• Law Enforcement Day: Those who are active and retired members of police and/or corrections departments – paid and volunteer – will receive free admission with photo identification on Law Enforcement Day on Monday, August 26.
• Fire, Rescue, EMS Day: Those who are active and retired members of fire departments or emergency medical services organizations – paid and volunteer – will receive free admission with photo identification on Fire, Rescue, and EMS Day, on Tuesday, August 27.
• Armed Forces Day: All members of the military – active duty and veteran – will receive free admission with proper military identification (Military ID card, form DD-214 or a government issued I.D. with a veteran designation) on Armed Forces Day, on Thursday, August 29.
• Native Americans Day: All people who identify as Native American will receive free admission on Friday, August 30.

 

Q: Am I required to print out my admission ticket?

• Printing is not required. You may show admission tickets and parking tickets on your phone at gate entrances and parking lot entrances.

Parking, Transportation, Ride-Share & Accessibility:

Q: How do I purchase parking for the State Fair?

• Parking ($12, plus fees) tickets may be purchased online in advance through Etix. On the day(s) you visit, you may show your ticket to parking attendants electronically on your phone or show a printed copy.
• EZPass Plus is no longer an option for parking.
• Parking may also be purchased in-person in the parking lots using a debit or credit card.
• Note, there are no cash sales at The Fair’s entrances or in parking lots.

Q: Where do I park?

• The New York State Fairgrounds has parking for over 23,000 vehicles. Parking is available in designated Orange (starting at 9 a.m. daily), Brown, Pink, and Gray lots (starting at 6:00 a.m. daily), and during the weekends – and in overflow situations – at the Willis Avenue lot.
  • Additional information about parking lots, hours, and parking costs can be found on the State Fair’s Website. Click here to view a Parking Map, broken down by colors.

Q: I (or someone in my party) has an accessible parking tag/license plate. Where do I park?

• Fairgoers living with disabilities – or transporting those living with disabilities – may park in either of the Fair’s two paved accessible parking lots:

• The Pink Accessible Parking Lot is located on State Fair Boulevard, across from Gate 3.
• The Gray Accessible Parking Lot is located on the west end of the Fairgrounds, off of State Fair Boulevard. Enter through Gate 6.
• Please note, a limited number of parking spaces are reserved for those living with disabilities in the Orange Lot and unpaved Brown Lot.

Q: Where are the Centro pick-up and drop-off locations?

• Fairgoers will recognize the Centro drop-off and pick-up points, which are just to the left of the Main Gate.
• Centro buses will run continuously to and from the Main Gate from the Syracuse Transit Hub in Downtown Syracuse, and Park-N-Ride locations at Destiny USA in Syracuse, and Long Branch Park in Liverpool.
• Cost: A one-way ride costs $1, and $.50 for people living with a disability, senior citizens, and children 6 to 9 years old. Centro is free for those who are under 6 years old.
  • Parking at a Park-N-Ride location is free of charge.

 

Q: Are there designated Ride Share locations?

• Yes, ridesharing and taxi services may pick-up and drop-off fairgoers inside the Pink Parking lot, positioned along State Fair Boulevard between Gates 3 and 4. There is no pick-up or drop-off at the Main Gate at any time, and the Ridesharing/ Taxi area is not to be used for drop-off and pick-up by non-service type vehicles. Click here to view a map outlining the area.

Q: What about transportation on the Fairgrounds?

• For the convenience of fairgoers, trams run continuously on the Fairgrounds, stopping at ten stops from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• A dedicated ADA shuttle runs continuously between the Gray Accessible Parking lot, located outside Gate 10 to Tram Stop #3 at the rear entrance of the Horticulture Building from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Click here to view all 10 tram stops.

Q: Where are the Accessible Restrooms?

• The Fair has a variety of restrooms distributed throughout the Fairgrounds. For locations of all restrooms, pick up one of the maps of the Fairgrounds found at any Guest Relations Booth while you’re at The Fair.
  • The State Fair’s Accessible Restrooms are depicted in blue, and its All-Gender/Family Restrooms are depicted in purple.

 

Q: Are there electric wheelchairs available to rent?

• There are scooter and wheelchair (standard and HD) rental services available at The Fair. Rental hours are from 9:00 am until close daily. Equipment is available at three locations, all outlined on the attached map: Inside the Main Gate (Gate 1), Inside Gate 3, and outside Gate 10. You may also rent a scooter or wheelchair by reserving online at this link or by calling 888-441-7575. Early reservations are recommended. Click here for more information about accessibility offerings while at The Fair.

Q: Which entertainment areas have reserved accessible seating?

• Reserved accessible seating areas are available at Chevy Court, Suburban Park, and at the Talent Showcase/Regional Showcase Stage. There is also reserved accessible seating inside the Toyota Coliseum, Youth Building, and Empire Theater. Please view this map to see the locations.

Q: I (or someone in my party) is deaf and/or hard of hearing. Are there interpreter services available?

• The Great New York State Fair has interpreter services at many of the scheduled events and activities throughout The Fair, including the major concerts. Fairgoers are encouraged to visit the Guest Services Center (located behind the Chevy Court Stage at Gate 1) to inquire about interpreter events, and how to contact/reserve an interpreter.

What’s New and What’s Coming Back? 

Q: What’s new at The Fair this year?

 

• There are many new things to see at The Fair this year and fairgoers won’t want to miss the following:

• Sensory Room: Located inside The Wegmans Art and Home Center, the sensory room will be available to all fairgoers who need a quiet space during The Fair’s 13-day run. The room, which will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m., was created after consulting with local non-profit organizations that specialize in providing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and developmental limitations programming. The room will provide fairgoers with a peaceful environment that includes gentle music, soft lighting, projectors, weighted lap pads, stuffed animals, bean bag chairs, and more.
• Cornhole tournament: August 24-25
• Co-Ed Volleyball tournament: August 31
• The Nerveless Nocks Sway Pole Show: A pioneer in the thrill and stunt industry, Nerveless Nocks Productions has been captivating audiences worldwide for nearly 175 years. Nerveless Nocks debuted in the United States in 1954 after headlining The Greatest Show on Earth with their original Sway Pole extravaganza – a death-defying display of balance, courage, and mastery of gravity. Today, Nerveless Nocks has earned universal acclaim for their breathtaking aerial show that will leave audiences in awe. Be sure to check out their world-famous finale that features a free fall plunge to the ground below. Daily shows are at 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Look for The Nerveless Nocks Sway Pole Show in the Central Park area across from The Poultry Barn.
• Ally Walker Inks Chalk Artist: specializes in transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary through breathtaking designs transposed onto pavement. Experience the magic of vibrant hues and intricate designs as Ally Walker Inks showcases unparallelled talent at The Great New York State Fair. Watch is awe as pavement comes to life with whimsical creations and stunning masterpieces, each stroke adding a touch of wonder to The Fair’s bustling atmosphere. Engage with the artist, witness the creative process up close, and capture the moment by taking selfies that can help make your visit even more memorable. Look for Ally Walker Inks’ designs throughout The Fairgrounds.

Q: What is coming back that hasn’t been at The Fair in a while?

• Talent Showcase & Regional Showcase: After a three-year hiatus – in part because of the pandemic – The Fair is excited to announce the return of both showcases.
  • Talent Showcase will bring dozens of the brightest young stars from several counties to perform in a competition that kicks off August 22 and continues through August 30. Then, fairgoers are encouraged to cheer for their favorite aspiring stars during the Talent Showcase Finals scheduled for August 31.
  • Regional Showcase shines a spotlight on some of the best well-known regional acts spread throughout the state. Sing and dance along to your favorite hometown celebrities.
• Full Flower & Produce Show: Flower Shows are back! During The Fair, the Flower and Produce Show is a staple sight – and smell – at the center court area of the Horticulture Building. For the first time, this year, there will be daily demonstrations and featured speakers, covering topics ranging from gardening tips and tricks, to tick education, to how to make a garden container or fill a vase. Fairgoers don’t have to be Master Gardeners to attend. These 15-minute presentations are geared toward anybody who enjoys being outside! We hope you’ll peruse the schedule to see what’s “growing on” and what might be of interest to you! View the full schedule of State Fair Flower Shows and Flower Show Horticulture Talks & Demonstrations.

Midway & Entertainment:

Q: How much is it to ride Midway rides? / How do I purchase Midway tickets?

• Individual ride tickets can be purchased at any Wade Shows ticket booth on the Midway during the Fair for $7.00 for five tickets.
• Wristbands, which grant “Ride All Day Access,” can be purchased online at a discount cost of $28/person (plus fees) until 12 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21. 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 $90, plus fees. Note, this must be purchased by 12 p.m. on August 21.
• Wade Shows continues to use “Fair Pass,” a digital ticketing app, that allows fairgoers to purchase tickets electronically through the FunTagg App and avoid waiting in line. The FunTagg App is available through the App Store or Google Play. While at The Fair, fairgoers can look for FunTagg Kiosks to load credit onto a card electronically. More information is available at Wade Shows’ website. Scroll down about halfway to learn more.

Q: Are there any more discounts or special deals planned?

• Save these dates for cost-saving options: On Two Dollar Tuesday, set for Tuesday, August 27, all rides cost $2. Dollar Day, where all rides cost $1, returns to The Midway Monday, September 2.

Q: How many rides does the Wade Shows Midway have? Anything new this year?

• The Wade Shows Midway currently has more than 60 rides and more information about new rides will be provided soon. Click here to read descriptions.

Q: How many tickets do the rides take?

• Each ride takes between three and six tickets to ride.

Q: Where is the Chevrolet Music Series Concert Schedule posted?

• The full Chevrolet Music Series schedule, featuring 39 national recording performances that are free with Fair admission, is provided at The Fair’s website. Click here to view the Chevy Court schedule. Click here to view the Suburban Park Schedule.

 

Q: Will more concerts be announced?

• Every concert that is a part of the Chevrolet Music Series has been announced. Links to the full schedules are provided above.

Q: What is the difference between Chevy Court and Suburban Park?

• The Chevy Court Stage is located at the front of The Fairgrounds, not far from Gate 1. Concerts at Chevy Court are set for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily, except for Labor Day*. Chevy Court is known for its more intimate, bleacher-style seating.
• The Suburban Park Stage is located at t he rear of The Fairgrounds in the Experience Area, closest to Gates 10 and 11. At Suburban Park, concerts start at 8 p.m., except on Labor Day*. At Suburban Park, bleacher style seats are available on a first-come, first-served base, but there are also Adirondack Chairs to choose from. This venue provides more of a “park feel” than Chevy Court.

*On Labor Day, Chevy Court concerts start at 12 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Suburban Park concerts start at 6 p.m.

Q: Where can I find a list of other entertainment at The Fair?

• Fairgoers can use the Entertainment Finder QR code found on the map that’ll direct them to a list of all Ground Entertainment at The Fair.
• The locations for entertainment are marked on the map with a star, and any place that hosts live music is marked with a music note.
• The Fair also keeps a running list of attractions on its website, found under the “Entertainment” tab. Here, fairgoers will find a list of grounds entertainment acts, including fan favorites such as Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Bandaloni the One Man Band, and the Sea Lion Splash Show, as well as new acts including Nerveless Nocks and Ally Walker Inks.
• There are also stages located in the Asian Village (August 21 – August 25), Pan-African Village (August 21 – September 2), Latino Village (August 29 – September 2) and Indian Village.
• Daily Schedules are continuously updated, and provided here, accessible under the “Your Visit” tab on the Fair’s website.

Q: When and where are special ceremonies scheduled?

• Special ceremonies will be held on the following days and times:

• August 23: Pride Day Flag Raising Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. at the Empire Theater.
• August 26: Law Enforcement Day Ceremony at 12:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial.
• August 27: Fire, Rescue, EMS Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial.
• August 29: Armed Forces Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial.

Q: When and where are parades scheduled?

• Parades will step off from the Exposition Center on the following days and times:

• August 23: Pride Day Parade at 6 p.m.
• August 26: Law Enforcement Day Parade at 6 p.m.
• August 27: Fire & Rescue Day Parade at 6 p.m.
• August 29: Armed Forces Day Parade at 6 p.m.
• September 2: Labor Day Parade at 10:30 a.m.

Q: Will there be any horse shows this year during The Fair?

• There are many horse shows planned throughout The Fair, taking place almost every day in both the Toyota Coliseum (identified as 37 on the Fair Map) and the 4-H Youth Arena (identified as 19 on the Fair Map). Some of the more popular horse shows that The Fair is consistently asked about include:
  • Barrell Racing is scheduled to take place all day Saturday, August 26 in the Coliseum. The show starts at 8:00 a.m. but come at 9:00 a.m. when gates open!
  • Western and English Dressage is scheduled, starting at 9:00 a.m. Friday, September 1 and 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 2 in the 4-H Horse Arena.

Q: What are the best values at The Fair?

Midway Deals:

• Dollar Day on The Midway: On Labor Day, Monday, September 2, all the rides on the Wade Shows Midway will cost $1 per ride (excluding the Broadway Skyliner). On Labor Day, The Midway is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Last Call for “Dollar Day” Midway Sales is at 7:30 p.m. Note, ride tickets are only available for purchase at Wade Shows’ Ticket Booths on The Midway.

• New this year, Wade Shows is offering a “Two Dollar Tuesday” sale where all rides will cost $2 on Tuesday, August 27.

Favorite Fair Foods:

• • A family of four can enjoy four perfectly chilled cups of milk for $1 at the Dairy Products Building. The tradition of $.25 Milk continues thanks to the New York State Milk Bar Operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension. White Milk and Chocolate Milk will be poured daily during The Fair. On the Fair’s final weekend, White Milk will be swapped out for Strawberry Milk.
  • Fairgoers can enjoy a $1 Baked Potato or Sweet Potato with all the fixings at The Great Potato Booth, located in the Horticulture Building.
• Free Entertainment: Between international and national recording artists at Chevy Court and Suburban Park, grounds entertainment, and live music at various bars and restaurants located throughout the Fairgrounds, there are ample opportunities to enjoy free, world class entertainment. Start to plan your Fair Day(s) by clicking here.

General Policy

Q: What is The Fair doing to help ensure the safety of visitors and provide peace of mind?

• The Fair takes matters of safety and security very seriously. Year-round, The Fair’s Emergency Management Office holds exercises with partners at the local, state, and federal level to identify ways to make a strong system even stronger. The Fair works with law enforcement agencies to conduct threat assessments and is always upgrading security-related infrastructure to ensure the safety of fairgoers. Keeping fairgoers, vendors, and all Fair staff safe is the top priority. Click here to read The Fair’s Rules of Conduct policy.
• The Fair is also dedicated to ensuring the safety of fairgoers through high-level partnerships with the Department of Health, ride inspections services, and the National Weather Service.

 

Q: What is the Fair’s policy on smoking on the grounds?

• Smoking is prohibited by law inside all Fair buildings and under tents on The Fairgrounds, and by policy throughout The Fairgrounds. This policy is consistent with the experience visitors have at other large, outside public spaces including New York State public parks and beaches. The Fair has five “Designated Smoking Locations” outside Pedestrian Gates 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11A, 50 feet from gate entrances, identified in green on the master map. Signs and smoking receptacles will be placed at these locations.
  • Any product that is legal to smoke in New York State can be smoked in those designated areas.

The Fair begins next Wednesday, August 21, and continues through Monday, September 2. Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest state fair in the United States, and the third-largest fair in the country.

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