Planning a visit to the Great New York State Fair? It's always a good idea to get the dates and times locked down so you don't miss a moment of the fun. For those looking ahead, the 2026 New York State Fair is scheduled to run from Wednesday, August 26, all the way through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. If you're thinking even further out, mark your calendars for 2027: Wednesday, August 25, to Monday, September 6. And for 2028, it's Wednesday, August 23, to Monday, September 4.
Once you're there, you'll find the fairgrounds buzzing with activity from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Just a heads-up, though: you won't be able to enter or re-enter after 9:00 p.m. on most days. Labor Day has slightly different hours, wrapping up general operations at 9:00 p.m., with no entry or re-entry after 8:00 p.m.
Many of the buildings open their doors at 10:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m., though some, like the Center of Progress, Horticulture Building, and Expo Center, stay open until 9:00 p.m. The Eatery & Dairy Products Buildings have a bit more flexibility, open until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and extending to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The Midway, where all the thrilling rides are, typically opens at 11:00 a.m. and runs until 11:00 p.m. daily, closing at 9:00 p.m. on Labor Day. Keep an eye on their social media for any last-minute changes, especially due to weather.
When it comes to getting in, adult admission is $8.32 (including fees) if purchased online in advance for 2025. The good news is that children 12 and under, and seniors 65 and older, get in free every day. There are also special days offering free admission for students and youths. Parking vouchers can be snagged online for $12.41 (including fees) per day, or you can pay by credit card upon arrival. Remember, EZPass Plus is no longer an option for parking.
Finding your way around is pretty straightforward. The Fairgrounds are located in Syracuse, New York, easily accessible from major routes. For drop-offs and pick-ups, there are designated areas for both regular vehicles and ridesharing services. And if you need a little help getting around the grounds, scooter and wheelchair rentals are available, though booking in advance is highly recommended.
