Celebrate These Special Days at The 2025 Great New York State Fair

The Great New York State Fair is a 13-day celebration of what makes New York unique, and there’s no better way to share in the best of the State than by attending Special Fair Days. From Opening Day on Wednesday, August 20, to Labor Day on September 1, fairgoers will enjoy a vibrant calendar of themed days packed with activities, recognition, and community spirit. Highlights include Pride Day, Agriculture Career Day, Family Fishing Fridays, and special tributes to our heroes – law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and military personnel – plus cultural celebrations honoring Native Americans and New Americans.

The 2025 Great New York State Fair promises an engaging lineup of special days and events. With daily special events, parades, ceremonies, and fun-filled activities that showcase New York’s rich diversity and heritage, this year’s Fair is set to be unforgettable. Mark your calendars and join The Fair for a year of culture, community, and tradition! Whether you're interested in agriculture, honoring service members, celebrating diversity, or simply enjoying the rides and food, there’s something for everyone. To learn more about Special Days at the Fair, visit The Fair’s website.

Special Days at the 2025 Great New York State Fair:

Wednesday, August 20 – Opening Day

• Join the State’s largest party as we open the gates for the 2025 Great New York State Fair, presenting nonstop entertainment, agricultural exhibits, rides, and fun for all. The Midway will feature its “Wacky Wednesday” Wristbands – a one-day, ride-all-day pass for only $30.

 

Thursday, August 21 – Agriculture Career Day and Student Youth Day

• Learn about exciting careers in agriculture and connect with industry representatives at Agriculture Career Day. The day will feature New York Agriculture in the Classroom (NYAITC) and a full slate of informational exhibits as well as a New York State agriculture-centric scavenger hunt.
• Youth and students 18 and under receive free admission on Student Youth Day.

 

Friday, August 22 – Pride Day, New Americans Day and Family Fishing Day

• Celebrate Pride Day as we welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy The Fair with a flag-raising ceremony and parade.
• Witness a naturalization ceremony for over 100 new citizens as part of New Americans Day.
• Fairgoers can also enjoy free fishing on Fridays near Suburban Park – no license required – courtesy of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

 

Monday, August 25 – Law Enforcement Day, State Parks Day, and Maple Day

• The Fair honors our dedicated New York State law enforcement with free admission for active or retired officers (presenting badge or ID upon entry), with programming including a ceremony for fallen officers and a parade in the evening.
• To commemorate State Parks Day, New York State Parks passholders will receive free entry by showing their Empire Pass, Access Pass, Lifetime Liberty Pass, and Golden Park Program at the gates.
• The first Monday of the Fair also marks Maple Day with sweet activities provided by the New York Maple Association.

 

Tuesday, August 26 – Fire, Rescue and EMS Day, Beef Day, and Tasty Tuesday

• Sponsored by National Grid, Fire, Rescue and EMS Day celebrates our emergency responders by providing free admission to any active or retired member of a fire department, emergency services, or EMS organization who has a picture ID from that department or organization and presents it upon entry. A ceremony and parade will also take place at the Fairgrounds.
• Tuesday of the Fair is Beef Day in recognition of the vibrant beef industry in New York. Check out a variety of beef cattle shows and the popular Hay Bale Throwing Competition, located in the Beef Barn, and visit an interactive booth where members of the NY Beef Council will share recipes and facts about this nutritious food. In addition, the first 1000 children through the gate will receive free cow ear headbands.
• Fairgoers can also take advantage of Tasty Tuesday, with select food vendors offering samples of their tastiest dishes at a discount – a great deal for those looking to try delicious food without breaking the bank!

 

Wednesday, August 27 – Women’s Day and Sensory Friendly Day

• Sponsored by Fidelis Care, Women’s Day provides fairgoers with the opportunity to connect with women’s advocacy groups at a heath and wellness mini-fair, and attend the Women’s Day Breakfast, recognizing women who grow, lead, and inspire New York State agriculture – tickets are on sale now.
• August 27 is also Sensory Day, where guests can enjoy a sensory-friendly experience with limited lights and sounds from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The Midway’s “Wacky Wednesday” returns with one-day, ride-all-day wristbands for only $30.

 

Thursday, August 28 – Armed Forces Day, Dairy Day, and Stomp Out Stigma

• Sponsored by National Grid, Armed Forces Day honors active-duty and veteran military members with free admission upon presentation of a military ID. A special ceremony honoring The Fair’ Veterans Memorial and the Armed Forces Parade steps off at 6 p.m.
• Celebrate New York’s dairy industry for Dairy Day with demonstrations, tastings, trivia, and the annual Undeniably Dairy Shake-Off Milkshake Contest, where media teams will compete to create the best looking and tastiest milkshake.
• The Fair is thrilled to host Stomp Out Stigma Day again this year to provide resources and support to those suffering with addiction. Numerous activities are planned, beginning with Chalk the Walk at 9 a.m. outside the Main Gate. While supplies last, fairgoers can grab some chalk and join others in drawing inspirational messages of hope. From there, head over to the Wegmans Art & Home Center to create overdose awareness and remembrance ornaments.

 

Friday, August 29 – Native Americans Day and Family Fishing Day

• On Native Americans Day, we honor all members of Native American tribes with free admission on Friday, August 29. ID is not required. Guests are invited to visit the Indian Village throughout the day for cultural performances and crafts!
• Fairgoers can reel in a nice catch with free fishing on Fridays near Suburban Park – no license required – courtesy of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

 

Monday, September 1 – Labor Day

• Celebrate the hardworking people who make America strong with a parade led by organized labor members, concluding the 2025 Great New York State Fair.

 

Reminders

• Children under 12 years of age are admitted free every day
• Seniors 65 years of age and over are admitted free every day
• Students and youth 18 years of age and under are admitted free on Thursday, August 21 for Student Youth Day
• Unused 2024 admission tickets will not be accepted during the 2025 New York State Fair

 

The Fair starts Wednesday, August 20, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. All concerts are included in the price of admission. Tickets are on sale now at The Fair’s website, nysfair.ny.gov. Packed with value, a single admission ticket costs $8 and includes access to all grounds entertainment and the Chevrolet Music Series. In addition, a Frequent Fairgoer ticket option is available for $25. The Fair continues to be one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, with admission remaining free for those aged 65 and older along with children 12 years old and under.

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 fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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