It’s all there at the Fair! With the start of the New York State Fair now just one week away, the Press Office continues to field hundreds of questions each day. We have logged our 25 most popular inquiries below, and have sorted them according to five topics:

Q: What’s new at The Fair this year?

The Great New York State Fair is thrilled to present a “Full Fair Experience” following challenges presented by the pandemic. Fairgoers can expect to see all of their favorite exhibits, including the Sand Sculpture (which is back in the Center of Progress Building), the Butter Sculpture (in the Dairy Products Building), and all of the animals in their respective barns to highlight New York agriculture.

In addition, there are two new exhibits to look forward to, and one interactive social media experience.

PS: Throughout this FAQ documentation, look for “New this year,” to signify other exciting, new details.

Q: Glad to hear animals are back! Is there anything else that fairgoers haven’t seen in a few years that’s returning?

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

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

Q: Is there a $1 Admission Day This Year?

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

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

Q: Where do I park?

Q: What if I have an accessible parking tag, or license plate?

Fairgoers living with disabilities – or transporting those living with disabilities – may park in either of the Fair’s two paved accessible parking lots for $5:

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

Q: What about transportation on the Fairgrounds?

Q: Are there designated Ride Share locations?

Q: Are there Accessible Restrooms?

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

Q: How many rides does the Wade Shows Midway have?

Q: How many tickets do the rides take?

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

Q: Will more concerts be announced?

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

Q: Where can I find a list of other entertainers at the Fair?

Q: Are parades returning? When are they?

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

Q: What are the best values at The Fair? With $3 admission, The Great New York State Fair remains one of the most affordable State Fairs in the country, but that’s not where the deals stop!

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

Q: What COVID protocols are The Fair implementing?

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

The Fair begins next Wednesday, August 24, and continues through Monday, September 5.  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 oldest state fair in the United States, and the third largest fair in the country.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. A udiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair  online , and follow the fun  on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram.  Guests are invited to see photos from the Fair on  Flickr  and ideas are always welcome. New Yorkers are encouraged to send suggestions via email to  statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov .   

Receive emails or texts with concert announcements, events, competitions and NYS Fair news. Enter your email address or cell phone number below.

Something went wrong! Make sure the email address you entered is valid. Try the format XXX-XXX-XXXX for your phone number.