The Great New York State Fair, Syracuse
The Great New York State Fair
The glittering lights, the thrilling coasters, and the promise of new memories are just a few reasons that thousands are attracted to the State Fair each summer. Whatever your reason, there's a lot of fun in store. What started as a nod to the agricultural community in the 1800s has evolved into a colorful 12-day celebration of New York's outstanding food, entertainment, and technology. So whether you're here for a cultural awakening or to eat fried Oreos by the handful, the Great New York State Fair will take you on a journey. Buy your tickets now!
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3 Attractions You Can't Miss
Sculptures Galore: The State Fair offers sculptures in unique mediums, some carved before your very eyes. Whether you prefer sculptures made from 800 pounds of butter, New York State cheese, 180 tons of sand, or—new in 2017—hollow wood (created with chainsaws!), you are guaranteed to be impressed by the artistry on display.
The New York State Fair Drone Film Festival: Filmmakers can submit their drone films in eight different categories including "New York State Drones" for films made within the state and "Student" for films made by entrants in high school or college.
Taste NY Events and Samples: Farm-to-fork cuisine is at the heart of Taste NY where free samples of food and beverage products are available daily in the Horticulture Building. Meet the people behind the products and learn from the experts with daily cooking demos. Find the full cooking schedule and event list here.
Day-by-Day Guide
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ay 1 - Wednesday 8/22: Governor's Day | Opening Day
Admission is just $1 for the opening day ceremonies and a musical performance by Blondie, headlined by legend Debbie Harry. Find the full Chevy Court music line up here!
Day 2 - Thursday 8/23: $3 Thursdays
All day admission for only $3, that's a pretty sweet deal, right? Thanks to the fair's $3 Thursday special, you'll enjoy attractions and live musicians without breaking the bank! During the day, Dave Mason and Steve Cropper perform.
Day 3 - Friday 8/24: Pride Day | New Americans Day
New Yorkers have a lot to be proud of. New York is the only State Fair in the United States to host its own Pride Day. Friday is filled with annual, all-day events including the flag-raising ceremony, performances in the afternoon, and a parade. Be witness to a touching ceremony at the Empire Room restaurant in the Art & Home Center where 100 people from around the world will become new American citizens.
Days 4 and 5 - Saturday 8/25 and Sunday 8/26
Use this weekend to explore all of the State Fair and be sure to catch some must-see attractions from the Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center to the Birds of Prey exhibit with 15 birds and three daily flying shows. Saturday performances include +LIVE+ at 2pm and Counting Crows at 8pm. Hunter Hayes will perform at Chevy Court on Sunday at 8pm.
Day 6 - Monday 8/27: Wade Shows Midway Monday | Law Enforcement Day | Senior Citizen's Day 
Midway Monday is the day for deals when you purchase a special wristband that gives you 10 rides for only $10! Use it to check out the new-in-2017 Broadway Skyliner (a ski lift-style ride that travels 1400 feet across the Midway) and the fair's first-ever water ride, White Water, a flume ride that takes you down two water slides to a splash of cool water. In honor of those in public service, Law Enforcement Day allows free admission to active and retired law enforcement personnel. Plus, any visitor age 60 and up will enjoy free admission with an ID that shows your birth date. Enjoy the rides and when you’re ready, head to Chevy Court for Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone at 2pm and a live performance by Smokey Robinson at 8pm.
Day 7 - Tuesday 8/28: Beef Day | Fire & Rescue Day | Senior Citizen’s Day
Celebrating New York's beef industry and farmers, Beef Day, will include some fun events at the Chevy Court pavilion. In honor of active and retired fire department members, this day will allow free admission with a valid department ID and commemorate those involved with a special ceremony in front of the Horticulture Building at 11am. In addition, those age 60 and up will enjoy free admission to the fair. Come for the events, the food, and live performances.
Day 8 - Wednesday 8/29: Women’s Day
101 years ago, women earned the right to vote in New York State. Special programs and a Women's Day Luncheon (reservations required) will be offered throughout the day. A mini-fair will be held from 10am to 4pm featuring many advocacy groups for women. In the evening, rapper Lil Yachty will take the stage at Chevy Court.
Day 9 - Thursday 8/30: Armed Forces 
Day | Diary Day | $3 Thursday
Chocolate milk and thick shakes are, to any dairy-lover, the crème de la crème of beverages. As the state's official drink, "Milk" is center stage on Dairy Day, as is the official state snack, "Yogurt". It's a good day to visit the famous butter sculpture. Whether you’re a milk lover or not, this day is full of deals including $3 Thursday admission as well as free admission for active duty or military veteran personnel with a valid ID. Join the community in honoring our armed forces with ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial at 11am and the Special Day Parade at 6pm.
Day 10 - Friday 8/31: Six Nations Day | Students' Day
In addition to a Special Day Parade in honor of Six Nations Day, all Native Americans will receive free admission to the fair. ID is not required, but the fair kindly requests that attendees enter through Gate 4 on this day. Plus, students age 18 and under receive free admission—an ID with date of birth may be requested at the gate. The evening musical performers at Chevy Court will be Big & Rich at 8pm.
Day 11 - Saturday 9/1: Grange Day
Grange Day, celebrates rural communities and agriculture across NY State so come enjoy special events throughout the day.
Day 12 - Sunday 9/2
Tasty BBQ, grilled PB&J, and specialty treats—if you haven't experienced the Taste NY Food Truck Competition, do your taste buds a favor and go this year. Sunday marks the second day of the annual event where more than 20 food trucks will bring snacks, samples, and more to the State Fair. Dance off those tasty treats with live music by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie in the evening at Chevy Court.
Day 13 - Monday 9/3: Labor Day | Summer Send-Off “Dollar Day”
Happy Labor Day! The Summer Send-Off "Dollar Day" makes the holiday that much sweeter with $1 adult admission all day. If you haven't yet had your dose of adrenaline, head to Wade Shows Midway jump on any ride (aside from Broadway Skyliner) for just $1. If you're looking for bursts of color and music that night, you've come to the right place as the closing firework show and live musical performances (by Maren Morris and Niall Horan) will be the perfect send-off to summer.
