New York State is the setting for an amazing month of music, culture, history, sports, food, and the arts. From free outdoor movies beneath the New York City skies to savoring bagels and picking sunflowers in the Catskills, enjoying a taste of honey on Long Island, indulging in Spiedies in Central New York, exploring classic boats in the Thousand Islands, cycling the Hudson Valley, and laughing it up in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, there are fun, exciting, and entertaining activities for everyone this August! Check out the full calendar to find even more free and ticketed events happening in New York State. Photo Credit: @eggypan on Instagram.

Attend a County Fair (Multiple Regions) 

🗓️When: Dates vary 
📍Where: Locations vary
💲Cost: Prices vary

An aerial view of the bustling Erie County fairgrounds at sunset with colorful tents, food stands, carnival rides, bright lights, and crowds of people.

Take part in a beloved summertime tradition at county fairs happening across New York State. 

  • The 150th Schoharie County Sunshine Fair in Cobleskill (August 11-16) offers agricultural events, chainsaw sculptures, demolition derbies, harness racing, and live music featuring headliner Joe Nichols. 

  • In Palmyra, the 169th Annual Wayne County Fair (August 10-16), has something for everyone, from animals and exhibits to live music, thrilling rides, and action-packed grandstand events! 

  • In Rhinebeck, the 180th Annual Dutchess County Fair (August 25-30) features an action-packed lineup of carnival rides, concerts, livestock shows, and competitive, historical and educational exhibits, along with an endless supply of tasty food and beverages! 

  • The Tioga County Fair in Owego features thrilling rides and grandstand events all for $16 (August 11-15). 

  • The 186th Erie County Fair in Hamburg brings you the “best 12 days of summer” with rides, midway games, competitor exhibits, and performances by The Marshall Tucker Band, Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors, and more (August 12-23).  

  • The Delaware County Fair in Walton promises family-friendly fun with rides, livestock contests, and great food (August 17-22).

Black Arts & Cultural Festival (Capital-Saratoga)

🗓️When: July 31 - August 1 
📍Where: Albany
💲Cost: Free

A female trio performs on stage in front of a large audience at Empire State Plaza during the Black Arts & Cultural Festival.

Credit: NYS Office of General Services

Revel in the richness of Black heritage at this exciting two-day event packed with live music, art, food, and community spirit. It all kicks off with Gospel Night on Friday evening and culminates in a soulful concert finale on Saturday featuring R&B artist Lloyd. Daytime activities include a kids zone, arts showcase, soca dance demos, and food competition. Whether you're drawn by the music, the culture, or the sense of unity, this festival is a summer highlight you won’t want to miss.

Sodus Bay Lighthouse Artisan Festival (Thousand Islands-Seaway) 

🗓️When: July 31 - August 2 
📍Where: Sodus Point
💲Cost: Free; separate standard admission required to enter the lighthouse museum.

Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum - Photo Courtesy of Wayne County

Photo Courtesy of Wayne County

Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking Lake Ontario, this juried fine art and craft event transforms grounds of the historic Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum into an open-air gallery celebrating local creativity alongside regional maritime history. Stroll past curated exhibitor booths showcasing original handmade jewelry, functional pottery, textiles, and fine woodworking while soaking up remarkable waterfront views, sampling gourmet food options, and enjoying local craft brews and wines right by the historic 1871 lighthouse.

Antique Boat Show and Auction (Thousand Islands-Seaway) 

🗓️When: July 31 – August 2 
📍Where: Clayton
💲Cost: Various prices from $10 to $30

Antique Boat Museum

Ahoy, boat lovers! Celebrate the design, craftsmanship, engineering, and beauty of antique, historic, and classic boats and engines of all makes and models at the 62nd Annual Antique Boat Show and Auction. This is the longest running boat show in North America and it’s all taking place at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. This year’s event features "A Century of Centuries," highlighting Century Boats as the marque class. The annual live auction takes place on Saturday, August 1 at 1:00 PM, featuring a variety of boats and unique boating objects. 

Join a Cycling Event

🗓️When: Dates vary
📍Where:  Locations vary
💲Cost: Prices Vary

Cycle the Hudson Valley riders pass over the Rosendale Trestle surrounded by stretches of lush green trees.

Credit: Parks & Trails New York

Grab your bicycles and gear up for adventure at one of New York State’s exciting cycling events happening this August. From family-friendly rides in the “Carousel Capital of the World” to multi-day tours along the Empire State Trail, you’ll be pedaling in no time.

2026 Binghamton Bridge Pedal (August 1) - Join this family-friendly 9.5-mile bike ride to discover what’s new in Binghamton  and cap it all off with light refreshments and retro video games at TechWorks! $15 adults, $10 age 60 and over, 18 & under free.

Cycle The Hudson Valley (August 3-8) - Get ready for a rolling celebration of the Hudson Valley’s rich history, storied communities, and natural beauty on a fully supported, multi-day, 200-mile journey on the Empire State Trail  from the Albany area to New York City. This immersive ride blends paved paths, stone dust trails, and rural roadways, offering a dynamic mix of terrain and breathtaking views. There will be daily route support, rest stops, evening entertainment, and overnight camping with hot showers and meals. 

Tour of the Catskills Pro-Am Bicycle Road Race (August 8) – Discover the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains as you enjoy a challenging weekend of cycling ranging from a 27-mile ride to 74 miles. The famed Devil's Kitchen Climb has established this ride as one of America's toughest cycling events for amateurs and professionals alike. 

Buffalo Irish Festival (Greater Niagara) 

🗓️When: August 1-2 
📍Where: Buffalo
💲Cost: $10 per day, free admission for children 16 and under. If you attend the Irish Mass at the Famine Memorial on Sunday morning you will receive $5 off your admission on Sunday.

Celebrate all things Irish as the Buffalo waterfront transforms into a lively celebration of Celtic heritage at Buffalo River Fest Park! Marvel at the synchronized footwork of local step dancers, explore the heritage tent hosted by the Buffalo Irish Genealogical Society, and browse the open-air merchant lane for handcrafted Celtic wares, custom embroidery, and more. The festivities are paired with local food vendors and cold, authentic pints poured by Sullivan's Brewing Company. Also catch performances by the "Celtibilly" traditionalists The Steel City Rovers, West Coast folk-rock favorites The Fenians, contemporary Celtic rock powerhouses Kilrush, and iconic Irish rock stalwarts The Prodigals.

Harlem Week (New York City) 

🗓️When: August 1-16 
📍Where: Harlem
💲Cost: Free admission

A crowd of people wandering the streets at Harlem Week

Harlem is a state of mind, and whether you’re physically there, or anywhere in the world, you can experience its magic at this year’s Harlem Week with both virtual and live events. Celebrate one of the most vibrant destinations in New York City at this annual festival highlighting the rich heritage of the neighborhood and the people who call it home. Harlem Week showcases the African, Caribbean, and Hispanic history of the district with live music and dance performances, as well as dining and panel discussions. You’re invited to join the festivities and embrace the positive change, hope, and joy that Harlem has brought to generations!

Ticonderoga Area 33rd Annual Car Show (Adirondacks) 

🗓️When: August 2 
📍Where: Ticonderoga
💲Cost: Free admission for spectators

Outdoor car show with classic cars lined up on a grassy field under a sunny sky. People admire vehicles, creating a lively and nostalgic atmosphere at the Ticonderoga Area Car Show.

Rev up your engines for a celebration of classic cars, community spirit, and automotive excellence! Immerse yourself in the family-friendly atmosphere of Percy Thompson Bicentennial Park filled with stunning vintage vehicles, toe-tapping music, and delicious food. Admire meticulously restored classics, chat with fellow car enthusiasts, and soak in the American spirit that has defined this event for 33 years. With trophies awarded for outstanding vehicles and plenty of fun for all ages, the Ticonderoga Area Car Show is the perfect way to spend the day!

Movies Under the Stars (New York City) 

🗓️When: Dates Vary 
📍Where: Brooklyn and Manhattan
💲Cost: Free admission

Outdoor movie night in Brooklyn Bridge Park with a crowd sitting on blankets, watching a large screen. The New York City skyline glows in the twilight.

Grab a blanket and a friend and get ready to experience the magic of outdoor cinema in NYC. Movies With A View is back for its 26th season showcasing films like Jurassic Park (August 6), Do the Right Thing (August 13), and Bridesmaids (August 20) at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn. Meanwhile, Bryant Park in Manhattan hosts Paramount+ Movie Nights on August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, featuring Bridget Jones’s Diary, Catch Me If You Can, City of Gold, King Creole, and No Country for Old Men. Both events offer stunning city views, delicious food, and a perfect summer evening under the stars. 

Fillmore Days & Bathtub Races (Finger Lakes) 

🗓️When: August 6-8 
📍Where: Moravia
💲Cost: $1 admission fee at the event gate, plus a $5 New York State Park vehicle parking fee. 

People participate in the Fillmore Days & Bathtub Races, pushing a small, wheeled, boat-like vehicle around a track lined with hay bales. A crowd watches, smiling and cheering.

Celebrate local history with a dose of good, clean humor during this quirky summer festival honoring President Millard Fillmore, the native son erroneously rumored to have introduced the first bathtub to the White House. Held inside Fillmore Glen State Park, the multi-day celebration features a competitive "Forge the Gorge" trail run, outdoor movie nights, a cornhole tournament, and a dedicated Family Fun Field packed with free lawn games. The highlight of the weekend is Saturday's high-energy Parade of Tubs and the main Bathtub Races, where custom-built, wheeled bathtubs hurtle down a bystander-safe course. Spectators can browse local craft booths, enjoy a wide selection of regional food trucks, and catch a live performance by the popular Witchy Women of the Finger Lakes dance troupe.

35th Annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny) 

🗓️When: August 6-9 
📍Where: Jamestown
💲Cost: Prices vary

Crowds of people line up on a street with buildings lit up in purple lights at the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival Block Party in Jamestown.

Photo courtesy of Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau

Laugh it up in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown! Your favorite comedians will take the stage at dozens of venues throughout the city, including the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball – Desi Arnaz Museum. In addition to the 35th anniversary of the festival, this milestone year also honors the 30th anniversary of the museum and commemorates the 75th anniversary of I Love Lucy. The festival, headlined by comics Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer, and Seth Meyers, also features more than 50 live events and artists, including a tour of Lucy’s hometown, free block parties outside the National Comedy Center, and much more! 

Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally  (Central New York) 

🗓️When: August 7-9 
📍Where:  Binghamton
💲Cost: Ticket prices vary; free to watch morning balloon launches.

Multicolored hot air balloons flying above head at Spiedie Fest in Binghamton on a partly cloudy summer day

Credit: @eggypan on Instagram

Celebrate Binghamton’s hometown dish! The fun takes off in Otsiningo Park with hot air balloon rides, a children’s area, volleyball tournaments, the Kelly LaBare 5K Run/Walk, Puppy Pals Live, spiedie cooking contests, mouthwatering food, merchandise, and more! Don’t miss performances by country music star Brett Young, country duo LoCash, and free Billy Joel and Jimmy Buffett tribute concerts on Friday featuring "The Downtown Men" and "Changes in Latitudes.”

Bard Music Festival (Hudson Valley) 

🗓️When: August 7-16 
📍Where: Annandale-on-Hudson
💲Cost: Tickets start at $25.

Exterior of the Frank Gehry-designed Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College, a sculptural, metallic building with curved panels, reflecting light. Surrounded by green grass and trees, exuding a modern, artistic vibe.

The Bard Music Festival returns for its 36th season to the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts  with Mozart and His World. This intensive two-week exploration features 11 themed concerts examining the life, times, and towering legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, arguably the most celebrated and recognized name in classical music history.

Lake Placid Trail Challenge (Adirondacks) 

🗓️When: August 8 
📍Where:  Lake Placid
💲Cost: From $84 10k registration; from $129 half marathon registration; from $179 50k registration; spectator pass is free. 

Calling all runners! Get ready for an epic trail running adventure along the historic Mt. Van Hoevenberg site, once used for the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games. Participants can choose from three distances —10k, Half Marathon, or 50k— and experience stunning vistas, winding paths, and even a run within the current World Championship sliding track.

Adirondack Art Festival (Adirondacks) 

🗓️When: August 8 
📍Where:  Blue Mountain Lake
💲Cost: Ticket prices vary and are included with general admission. 

Entrance to the Adirondack Experience

Spend the day at the Adirondack Experience: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake at this special event dedicated to celebrating regional art and craft work. Browse original work and shop handmade goods inspired by the region. Your admission includes access to the festival, the museum’s exhibits, and scenic grounds. 

Lewiston Art Festival (Greater Niagara) 

🗓️When: August 8-9 
📍Where:   Lewiston
💲Cost: Free admission

Three people in white t-shirts color a vibrant mural with side walk chalk

Credit: @relevant_atoms on Instagram

Get artsy in Lewiston at this signature event, showcasing more than 175 exceptional artists and fine crafters including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, wood, mixed media, and photography. The festival features an Indigenous Market celebrating traditional and contemporary Native American art and crafts, “College Alley” spotlighting student work, an ArtZone with hands-on activities for kids of all ages, sidewalk chalk art competition, live entertainment, and food and drink vendors. 

Taste of Ellicottville (Chautauqua-Allegheny) 

🗓️When: August 8-9 
📍Where:  Ellicottville
💲Cost: Tickets are $1 each, with food items starting at $1. 

A person holds two dishes outdoors: one with vibrant nachos topped with salsa, jalapeños, and cheese, the other with crispy fried vegetables, garnished with herbs at Taste of Ellicottville.
Credit: @holidayvalley on Instagram

There's something for every palate when it comes to Ellicottville’s culinary scene. If you're a true foodie, you’ll want to be there to sample the local culinary talent of more than 20 eateries in this enchanting and walkable four-block village. Once you’ve filled up, stick around as the village’s hotspots come to life with music, and consider staying over at one of the area’s beautiful accommodations. 

The Bagel Festival (Catskills) 

🗓️When: August 9 
📍Where:  Monticello
💲Cost: Free admission

Celebrate your love of bagels in “The Bagel Capital” of New York State. Stroll down Monticello’s Bagel Boulevard to see the original prototype of a 1968 U.S. patent-holding bagel-making machine, roll, throw, and stack bagels for a prize, and browse over 100 local artisans, crafters and food vendors. Car enthusiasts can admire a massive lineup of unique vehicles at the Any-Make, Any-Model Car Show. There will be plenty of fun and games for the kids. plus live performances on The Radio Bold Music Festival Main Stage and Open Mic Stage.

Asian Food and Culture Festival (Greater Niagara) 

🗓️When: August 9 
📍Where: Buffalo
💲Cost: Free admission; food and marketplace items available for individual vendor purchase. 

A group performs a colorful dragon dance during the Asian Food and Culture Festival at Buffalo's Canalside. Spectators in bright clothing watch, seated on green grass against a backdrop of event tents and an overpass. The scene is lively and festive.

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of music, heritage, and flavor on the waterfront at Buffalo’s Canalside. Witness the best of Asian traditions through mesmerizing live mainstage performances like traditional dances and martial arts demonstrations, explore exhibits highlighting traditional arts, crafts, and customs, and indulge in a diverse array of authentic cuisine and street foods cooked up by local restaurants. Organized entirely by a passionate team of volunteers, this family-friendly gathering offers a perfect day of community connection and cultural exchange.

Broadway Fest (Hudson Valley) 

🗓️When: August 14-16 
📍Where: Kingston
💲Cost: Three-day passes start at $425/person, plus 6.9% booking fee. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @thebroadwayfest

An epic celebration of Broadway is about to take over the Hudson River waterfront at the historic Hutton Brickyards in Kingston. This first-of-its-kind, three-day extravaganza, officially billed as "The Festival," features a spectacular star-studded lineup including Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Christopher Jackson, and a highly-anticipated 30th-anniversary reunion of the original Rent cast. Catch mainstage concerts, educational panels, masterclasses, and unique late-night fan experiences like a campy Club Cumming piano bar, costume events, and a high-energy Broadway Rave dance party. There’s also a curated marketplace showcasing local Hudson Valley artisans alongside locally-loved food and beverage vendors.

Sunflower & Sangria Festival (Catskills) 

🗓️When: August 14-16 
📍Where:  Leeds
💲Cost: Tickets are $20, with free admission for kids 5 and under. 

Sunflower field at Meadowbrook Farm Catskills

Head to Meadowbrook Farm Catskills’ Sunflower & Sangria Festival and have your pick of more than 125,000 sunflowers in over 20 varieties and colors! Take Insta-worthy photos as you walk through the sunflower fields and pick your own and try a flight of Sangria or a local craft beer on this beautiful 120-acre farm. The festival features live music plus hayrides, and additional blooms available for purchase. There will be activities for the kids, and you can even bring your (well behaved and leashed) dog!

Family Night: Take Flight (Long Island) 

🗓️When: August 15 
📍Where: Old Westbury
💲Cost: $24–$34 per person (advance registration required for preferred showtimes).  

Brick Exterior of the Old Westbury House surrounded by bright green plants and pink and white flowers

Credit: @weatheramsey on Instagram

Old Westbury Gardens invites you to discover the fascinating world of nocturnal wildlife during this special after-hours experience inside its scenic, illuminated Gold Coast gardens! Families are invited to explore the majestic, oversized LEGO brick sculptures featured in Sean Kenney's Nature Connects exhibit and let their creativity loose in a designated free-play zone filled with LEGO bricks. The evening's main event includes interactive, educational Live Birds of Prey Shows that bring raptors up close, followed by an evening Bat Walk to spot local wildlife taking wing as dusk falls.

Harbor Jam (Capital-Saratoga) 

🗓️When: August 15-16
📍Where: Schenectady
💲Cost: Free admission

Aerial view of Harbor Jam at the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, a large, lively outdoor concert by a marina. Crowds fill the area, enjoying live music under colorful tents, with a festive atmosphere.

Harbor Jam returns to Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady with a brand-new afternoon format for a weekend of fantastic free music, delicious food trucks, and endless entertainment. Taking place at the Mohawk Harbor Amphitheater from 3-6 p.m. each day, the event pairs a lively lineup of local food trucks with legendary classic rock performances. Saturday kicks off with a live set from DJ Nick Papa Giorgio before handing the stage over to The Lords of 52nd Street, the iconic musicians who originally recorded and toured alongside Billy Joel. On Sunday, DJ RVMBA gets the crowd moving ahead of a high-octane headlining performance by premium Rolling Stones tribute act The Blushing Brides.

Lighthouse Weekend (Long Island) 

🗓️When: August 15-16 
📍Where: Montauk
💲Cost: Lighthouse admission is $15 adults; $10 ages 62+; $5 children under 12; free admission for children under 41 inches, but are not permitted to climb the tower; $8 vehicular parking fee until 4 pm. 

Aerial view of the Montauk Lighthouse at sunset

A weekend of heritage, entertainment, and enchantment is taking place at the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Witness history come alive as the Third New York Regiment (established 1775) proudly display their Revolutionary War uniforms and accoutrements, offering a glimpse into the past. Enjoy a lively performance by the swashbuckling Kings of the Coast Pirates on the Lighthouse stage, discover the artistry of yarn-spinning and weaving, and explore a booth filled with nostalgic toys and games that evoke simpler times. 

Adirondack Plein Air Festival (Adirondacks) 

🗓️When: August 17-22 
📍Where: Saranac Lake
💲Cost: Free admission to watch artists outdoors, $25 ticketed preview party, art sale pricing varies. 

A man in a white shirt paints a scenic landscape on an easel near a calm lake, surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers, under a sunny sky.

Immerse yourself in the creative process as 40 highly talented, juried artists from across the nation converge to capture the untamed beauty of the mountains, pristine lakes, and historic streets. Throughout the week, watch these outdoor painters work their magic live during unique events like the Nocturne Contest, the high-energy Quick Draw Competition, and a "Paint the Town" silent auction. Sponsored by Saranac Lake ArtWorks, this week-long visual celebration reaches its peak with a massive culminating Show & Sale where art enthusiasts can browse hundreds of fresh masterpieces and purchase an original piece of the wilderness to take home.

SerlingFest X: Destination Binghamton 2026 (Central New York) 

🗓️When: August 21-23 
📍Where: Binghamton
💲Cost: $60 general admission weekend pass, Sunday park presentation is free. 

Bronze statue of The Twilight Zone's Rod Serling in a suit holding a door frame with the inscription, "You Unlock This Door with the Key of Imagination," set outdoors in Recreation Park in Binghamton.

Photo Credit: Rod Serling Memorial Foundation

Step into another dimension and celebrate the enduring legacy of The Twilight Zone’s legendary creator, Rod Serling, in his very own hometown! Hosted by the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation, the 10th edition of this three-day weekend gathering brings together sci-fi fans, writers, and television historians from across the country. Held primarily at the DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton, the festival features exclusive episode screenings, expert panel discussions, rare archival displays, and a special Sunday presentation by the creator's likeness at the Rod Serling Statue in Recreation Park. Attendees can mix and mingle with series alumni, purchase rare memorabilia, and enter unique raffles for signed collector's items.

Low Sensory Morning at Animal Adventure Park (Central New York) 

🗓️When: August 22 
📍Where:  Harpursville
💲Cost: Children under 3: free admission, ages 3 – 11: $19.03, ages 12 & up: $21.99, ages 65 & up: $20. 

A giraffe licks a hand at Animal Adventure Park

Credit: @slevels07ec on Instagram

Animal Adventure Park’s Low Sensory Mornings are a special time for individuals with sensory sensitivities and other needs to visit and explore the park without the hustle and bustle of crowds. These morning events still provide access to all aspects of the park, including animal feedings, a keeper talk, concessions, and attractions, with the park opening at 8:30 am for participants and opening to the public at 10am.

Hudson Valley Caribbean Festival (Hudson Valley) 

🗓️When: August 22 
📍Where:  Kingston
💲Cost: Free admission

Kingston Point Beach is coming alive with the rhythms, colors, and flavors of the Caribbean at this free, family-friendly celebration, now in its seventh year. Sway to the beats of reggae and soca, savor bold Caribbean flavors, and experience the artistry and heritage of the region’s rich mix of communities. Activities include face painting, a costume contest, DJ, arts & crafts, food vendors, a colorful parade, and more.

Honey Festival (Long Island) 

🗓️When: August 22-23 
📍Where:  Manorville
💲Cost: $20, kids 2 and under free admission. A portion of proceeds supports Camp Paquatuck, a summer camp for children with special needs. 

Celebrate the sweetness of summer at the Honey Festival, returning to Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden. This annual weekend event buzzes with family-friendly fun, including sunflower fields, honey-inspired treats from local vendors, and immersive exhibits about the vital role of bees and pollinators. You’ll enjoy festive music, bounce on jumbo jump pads, play mini golf, and meet barnyard animals like goats, emus, and Sulcata tortoises. 

Hampton Classic Horse Show (Long Island) 

🗓️When: August 23-30 
📍Where:  Bridgehampton
💲Cost: Daily admission is $25 per carload for parking. Monday: free general admission; Tuesday-Thursday: free admission for seniors, veterans and current members of the military, or if you bring 3 or more nonperishable food items for the Sag Harbor Food Pantry. 

A horse and jockey trots in front of the tent and Hampton Classic sign

Credit: @hamptonclassic on Instagram

Come watch the nation’s best equestrian athletes compete as one of the biggest social bashes on the Hamptons scene returns to Bridgehampton. The event features more than 200 competitions in six spectacular show rings, including the week’s culminating event – the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix, one of the most coveted titles in the sport. The Hampton Classic also features the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its world-class 60-acre show grounds. 

The Great New York State Fair (Finger Lakes) 

🗓️When: August 26-September 7
📍Where:  Syracuse
💲Cost: $8.32 (including fees) for adults, and free for those 65 and older, and 12 years and younger. Parking is $12.41 per vehicle. A Frequent Fairgoer ticket will be available for a $25 online purchase. Check special fair days for other daily admission offers. 

Two adults and two children pet a cow at the Great New York State Fair

The Great New York State Fair fills 13 days with fun and affordable celebrations of delicious food, eye-opening exhibits, captivating entertainment, and great fun. The fair boasts more than 375 acres of animals, exhibits and displays, games of skill and midway rides. You’ll enjoy performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment and virtually every music genre, including The All-American Rejects, Flo Rida, Sean Paul, Ashanti, Melissa Etheridge, The Commodores, and more!

Lewiston Jazz Festival (Greater Niagara) 

🗓️When: August 28-29 
📍Where:  Lewiston
💲Cost: Free general admission; premium seating available for purchase. 

Western New York’s largest outdoor jazz festival is coming to Lewiston’s Center Street, where over 150 musicians will perform across five stages, honoring the profound traditions of jazz while celebrating its vibrant, modern evolution. Catch the Paul Marinaro Quintet anchoring the festival's opening night with a masterful vocal performance and spectacular grand finale by internationally celebrated trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg. Saturday's lineup also highlights an incredible blend of music and movement with a special presentation by the renowned Zodiaque Dance Company, alongside celebrated acts like the Gabrielle Stravelli Quartet, the Laura Dubin Trio, and the Sally Terrell Trio. But it’s not just about the music – the event also includes culinary tastings, wine, and a great community atmosphere.

Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course (Capital-Saratoga) 

🗓️When: August 29 
📍Where: Saratoga Springs
💲Cost: Various prices

Action shot of a group of jockeys and horses competing at Saratoga Race Course

Head to Saratoga Springs for Saratoga Race Course’s most prestigious event – the 157th running of the legendary Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes! Also known as the “Mid-Summer Derby,” the Travers is one of the oldest stakes races for 3-year-olds in the United States, dating back to 1864, and is the traditional centerpiece of the Saratoga meeting. Come and see who takes home this year’s Man O' War Cup, which was designed by Tiffany & Co. and named for Samuel Riddle’s American Champion Thoroughbred racehorse, widely regarded as the greatest racehorse of all time.

M&T Bank Clothesline Art & Fine Craft Festival (Finger Lakes) 

🗓️When: August 29-30 
📍Where:  Rochester
💲Cost: $5 adults, free admission for Memorial Art Gallery members, children 12 and under, and University of Rochester students (with valid ID).  

A woman weaves colorful patterns on a loom at the M&T Bank Clothesline Art & Fine Craft Festival . Another woman plays a banjo, creating a lively and creative atmosphere.

The M&T Bank Clothesline Art & Fine Craft Festival returns to the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester for its 69th year, combining art, creativity, and entertainment for one festival weekend. Over 300 artists and tens of thousands of visitors are expected at this year's event. What began in 1957 with paintings strung on literal clotheslines is now a dynamic, open-air showcase featuring original artwork, live music, food trucks, hands-on art experiences, and free access to the gallery’s world-class galleries.

Binghamton Porch Fest (Central New York) 

🗓️When: August 30 
📍Where: Binghamton
💲Cost: Free admission

Get ready to enjoy a free, collaborative celebration of music and community created by and for residents of the Abel Bennett Historic Tract on the west side of Binghamton! The last Sunday each August, the tree-lined streets where Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling spent his youth come alive with the sounds of over 150 performances by local and regional musicians, staged on dozens of residential porches, yards, and driveways. Thousands of community members come out to dance in the streets, reconnect with old friends, and sip lemonade provided by the neighborhood’s youngest residents.

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