Attractions & Experiences

There are many great shows and street-level surprises spread out all over the fairgrounds for you to see! Laugh with Hilby the German Juggle Boy, dance to Bandaloni the One Man Band or thrill to the wonders of Circus Hollywood. You can also watch sea lions do amazing tricks, get up-close to some wild birds of prey, or squeal with delight watching the Hollywood Racing Pigs! Check out all the details below.

Visit our Daily Schedules page to help plan your trip to the Fair!

Most of the attractions & experiences provided below are listed in alphabetical order for your sorting convenience.

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  The Butterizer

  Fairgoers are encouraged to participate in a fun, interactive social media exercise where they can see what they’d look like as a Butter Sculpture. By scanning a QR code – which will be accessible on signage in the Dairy Products Building, and on the 2022 State Fair Map – fairgoers can cue up a “Butterizer” filter in Instagram, which will superimpose their face onto a display of a Butter Bust. Fairgoers are encouraged to share the information on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags, #NYSFair and #ButterizeMe. The Butterizer feature will work anywhere – you don’t necessarily have to be on the Fairgrounds to participate in this fun.

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   New York State Energy & Environment Experience

  From wind turbines to electric vehicles to smart homes, fairgoers will see the many ways that energy is enhancing our lives and helping the environment. Presented by various state agencies including The New York Power Authority, Energy Research and Development Authority, Public Service, Canal Corporation and the Department of Environmental Conservation, the exhibit is located in the Center of Progress Building.

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   Sea Lion Splash

   An all time favorite is back... come see these playful sea creatures perform and delight all ages! Weekday shows at 11:00 am, 2:30 & 5:00 pm, weekends at 11:30 am, 1:00, 2:30 & 5:00 pm. In the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center near the Talent Showcase.

Sponsored by Toyota

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   Skilled Trades & Manufacturing Exhibit

   Fairgoers may find their first or their next career at the Science and Industry Building, where companies will be looking for workers in the skilled trades and manufacturing industries. They’ll offer hands-on demonstrations showing fairgoers what it’s like to work in the fields of general, mechanical and electrical construction, industrial processing and manufacturing. Presented by C&S Companies, different companies will be represented every day during the Fair’s 13-day run.

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   Steve Trash, Eco-Magician

   Eco-magician Steve Trash is new to the entertainment line-up this year. His mix of comedy, music, and magic makes use of recycled or discarded items to weave a unique ecological message throughout his show. The Rockin’ Eco-Hero and host of the PBS series “Steve Trash Science” will perform three times daily in the Empire Theater of the Art & Home Center, at 11am, 3pm and 5pm. No 3pm show on Friday, August 26.

 

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   World of Horses Exhibit

   Fairgoers will have a chance to learn about the lives and needs of horses at the newly revived World of Horses exhibit during the 2022 Great New York State Fair, with opportunities to see these majestic animals up close. In cooperation with the non-profit organization, SaddleUpNY!, World of Horses will provide training and education to fairgoers, spanning everything from how to keep a horse as a pet, to the knowledge needed for competitions, to what it looks like for horses to engage in police work and what happens after their racing days are done.

World of Horses takes place in the barn along Sioux Avenue near Gate 4 from 10:00am - 6:00pm daily, and from 10:00am - 2:00pm on Labor Day. Special presentations are as follows:

• Meet the Horses presentations, featuring a rotating list of horses of various breeds, take place daily at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm.

• Demonstrations and talks take place at 12:00pm, 2:00pm and 4:00pm daily. Talks will cover topics such as safety around horses, college and career opportunities, training issues and more.

• “Law Officer and First Responder Clinic Sessions on ‘Working Safely Around Horses’” will be presented on Monday and Tuesday, August 28 and August 29 from 10:00am to 4:00pm in the Toyota Coliseum. This is a partnership between SaddleUpNY!, the New York State Police Mounted Patrol, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue and One Fine Equine.

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   Antique Tractor Display

Learn about New York’s agricultural heritage through this fascinating collection of antique farm tractors. Most of these machines have long retired from the field and were produced before 1960. Most have been restored; some to better-than-new condition. The tractors are on exhibit every day of the State Fair across from the Beef Barn on the corner of Broadway.

 

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   Armed Forces Day - Thursday, September 1

Thursday, September 1 is Armed Forces Day and will, as always, honor the contributions of those who served and who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Make sure to attend the Armed Forces Day ceremonies at 11:00am at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building. Join the State Fair community as we honor and give tribute to all members of our Armed Forces.

Armed Forces Day allows free admission to any active duty or veteran with military identification (Military ID Card, form DD-214 or NYS Driver License, Learner Permit or non-driver ID card with a veteran designation).

Sponsored by National Grid

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   Art & Craft Exhibitions

From fine arts and photography to homespun crafts like quilting, woodworking and needlepoint, work created by some of New York’s most talented artists will be on display and competing for ribbons and prize money. Located in the Art & Home Center.

 

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   Wegmans Art & Home Center

This is the home of culinary demonstrations, photography exhibits, arts and crafts, a variety of entertainment and much more. The Empire Theater is packed with historic, entertaining and family-friendly programming – including performances from Steve Trash, Eco-Magician – throughout the Fair. Click here for a complete schedule.

You can also enjoy a beverage in air-conditioned comfort at Daniella’s Catering and Events Steakhouse (formerly the Empire Room).

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   Bandaloni the One Man Band

Bandaloni is an amazing, jaw dropping, 100% live musical one-man-band show with loads of audience interaction, humor, and astounding novelty tricks executed on his custom made guitar and drum rig. A One Man Band? That means bass & rhythm guitar, harmonica, plus a kick drum, 2 high-hats, snare drum, cowbell, tambourine, and singing with live harmonies... all performed at the same time! This top-notch show is great fun and entertaining for people of all ages.

Shows daily at 2:00, 4:00 and 7:00 pm along the Restaurant Row area.

Sponsored by Sleep & Spas

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   Beef Day - Tuesday, August 30

The Great New York State Fair will celebrate the beef industry in New York State and fairgoers are encouraged to join in on the special events and activities planned for Beef Day, Tuesday, August 30. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to interact with producers of New York’s high-quality beef and to learn more about this important industry for New York agriculture. Events being held throughout the day include a hay-throwing contest at 1pm, watch the Supreme Female Show at 3pm and opportunities to take selfies at the Beef Barn.

Activities in the Beef Barn will help attendees learn more about the beef industry, which is critically important to the agricultural economy.

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   Birds of Prey

See majestic birds up close and learn about them. Shows daily at 11:00 am, 2:15 & 4:30 pm in the State Park area in front of the Horticulture Building. Educational exhibit open daily 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Sponsored by Strong Spas

 

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   Broadway Skyliner

Fairgoers will get a graceful and unique view of the Great New York State Fair aboard the Broadway Skyliner as the chairlift ride returns to the Wade Shows Midway. The Skyliner will lift riders approximately 34 feet in the air and take them on a seven minute, 1400 foot ride from one end of the Midway to the other. Tickets for the ride can be purchased on the Midway for $5 for a one-way ride and $8 for a roundtrip ride.

 

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   Butter Sculpture

Visit the Dairy Products Building to see the finished masterpiece after hundreds of pounds of butter were turned into art. The 2022 Fair marks the 54st anniversary of this State Fair tradition. In the Dairy Products Building, you can also see blocks of New York State cheese carved into artwork before your eyes. Make sure to check out our Dairy Day festivities on Thursday, September 1.

Sponsored by Wegmans

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   Chevy Court

Thirteen days of free entertainment with two shows daily is scheduled for the Stan Colella Stage at Chevy Court for the 2022 New York State Fair. The lineup provides a wide-ranging mix of musical talent from country to nostalgia to today's popular music. Concerts at Chevy Court are sponsored by Chevrolet and are all free your Fair admission!

• 2022 Chevy Court Stage schedule

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   Chevy Park Experience

Thirteen days of entertainment will be featured on the Chevy Park stage, located toward the back of the Fairgrounds in the New York Experience area. National touring acts will make up a diverse lineup of talent and entertainment - all sponsored by Chevrolet and are allfree with your Fair admission!.

• 2022 Chevy Park Stage schedule

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   Circus Hollywood

The Coronas family are 4th generation of circus performers working in Europe until bringing their show to America in 1952. Going strong after 60 years and still innovating and bringing the highest quality shows to the American Public. They are also pleased to bring their Animal Encounters Petting Zoo and the famous Hollywood Racing Pigs! Circus Hollywood is located in the Family Fun Zone, between the Expo Center and the Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center.

Shows daily at 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30 pm in the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center.

Petting Zoo open daily 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Sponsored by Chevrolet

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   Dairy Cow Birthing Center

Witness first-hand the miracle of life daily by watching a dairy cow give birth to a calf. The New York Animal Agriculture Coalition is providing this opportunity for the public to learn more about the dairy industry, the care farmers provide their animals, as well as the birthing process. View a 24-7 live stream of the Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center. Located in the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center, near the Youth Building.

Open daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm.

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   Dairy Day - Thursday, September 1

Come celebrate the dairy industry with the New York State Fair and New York dairy farmers on Thursday, September 1. Guests can enjoy family fun and educational activities, including the local celebrity Milkshake Contest to see who makes the best shake, at 10:30 a.m. at the Chevy Court Pavilion.

Fairgoers can check out the famous Butter Sculpture in the Dairy Products Building which will be on display all 13 days of the Fair. While visiting the Dairy Products Building, fairgoers can sample and purchase a variety of cheese from across the State and buy a cup of perfectly chilled white or chocolate milk at the Milk Bar. Fairgoers will also have the chance to meet and chat with the State and county Dairy Ambassadors.

Visitors may witness live births of baby calves in the Dairy Cow Birthing Center, where more than 200 farmers, veterinarians, business representatives and agricultural students volunteer to assist with the births and explain the process to the public.

Dairy cows will strut their stuff in the Dairy Cattle Building and the day’s events will wrap up with the Dairy Day Parade beginning at 6 p.m. and featuring floats, the Dairy Ambassadors, and tractors.

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   Dairy Products Building

A moo-moo here, a moo-moo there that's the only way to describe the home of everything milk and dairy at the Fair which is meant to highlight the importance of the dairy industry within New York's farm economy. While there you can check out the world famous butter sculpture made from 800 pounds of creamy New York butter, have a 25¢ glass of cold white or chocolate milk, sample delicious cheese and yogurt, or have a yummy in your tummy milk shake. As a treat, during the last weekend of the 2022 Fair, Strawberry Milk will be poured instead of White Milk. The New York State Milk Bar is operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension this year.

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   The Eatery

Use your taste buds to celebrate New York's traditional role as a gateway for immigrants and a melting pot of diverse cultures. The Eatery – formerly known as the International Pavilion – is home to specialties from around the world. Whether you crave Caribbean empanadas, German bratwurst, Japanese tempura, Greek baklava, vegan delicacies or another delicious dish, you'll find it here... Eat locally, internationally, fairly.

 

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   Fire & Rescue Day - Tuesday, August 30

We honor the brave men and women of fire and emergency services agencies with free admission to any active or retired member of a fire department or emergency services organization who has a picture ID from that department or organization.

Join us for our National Grid Fire & Rescue Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building. Ceremony starts at 11:00am with featured speaker NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Sponsored by National Grid

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   Fireworks presented Majestic Fireworks

Majestic Fireworks from Clinton, NY has provided Fireworks at the New York State Fair for the last six years. With the trill of a truly spectacular fireworks display, they have lit up the skies for over 30 years and have created memorable firework shows that make ordinary events extraordinary. Seen over the Fairgrounds on two nights, opening day and Labor Day at approximately 9:00pm.

Sponsored by Tessy Plastics on Opening Day • Sponsored by AAA of Western & Central New York on Labor Day

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    Hilby - The Skinny German Juggle Boy

Each show with Hilby is best described as one without boundaries! While being an expert in juggling all sorts of objects and subjects as well as countless circus and variety skills, he really gets his audience involved and creates magical and hilarious moments through their participation. Watch out for catapults, marshmallows, lots of velcro and the bowling-ball of terror. Hilby has training in modern dance and mime and his body is as expressive as the spoken words he speaks. Poetry in motion, a fusion of an epileptic fit, and... Yes all that and more... the long and short of it is that you will love this Skinny German Juggle Boy!

Beginning Monday, August 29th with shows daily at 11:30 am, 3:15 & 5:00 pm. In front of the C&S Companies Science & Industry Building across from Chevy Court.

Sponsored by Camping World

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   Historic Train Exhibit

One of the most popular historic attractions at the State Fair is the Train-Railroad Exhibit behind the Horticulture Building. The exhibit is open and free throughout the Fair. Visitors can relax in seated comfort in the restored vintage 1920s era passenger cars or browse through the classic 1916 model restored wooden New York Central caboose. These hidden gems look as they did when they first went on line, with authentic, original colors. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions while visitors can view the restored historic equipment.

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   Hollywood Racing Pigs

Porky performers stage a hilarious race. Shows daily at 12:00, 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm in the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center near the Youth Building.

Sponsored by Chevrolet

 

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   Horticulture Building

Experience the sights and smells of the spectacular arrangements of colorful plants and flowers. Visit the Taste NY Market where you can sample, purchase and learn about New York made products. Get up close and personal with a working bee colony, butterflies, and taste New York’s finest beverages. Check out the Great Potato Booth to score a large white or sweet potato – with all of the fixings - for just $1.00.

 

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   Iroquois Indian Village

Come learn about, celebrate and immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the original New Yorkers at the Iroquois Indian Village, located closest to the Gate 4 entrance. This section of the Fairgrounds has been dedicated to Six Nations programs since 1928. Every day, experience the traditional music, dance, crafts and customs of the Iroquois. Be sure to check out the new Turtle Mound, where traditional dances take place daily. The Turtle Mound was built to resemble the turtle, an animal sacred to the Iroquois. Visit the Cookhouse for great food.

 

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   Latino Village Weekend

The growing celebration of Latino food, music, and culture starts Friday, September 2 and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. Highlights of the stage performances this year include a return visit from recording artists Grupo Karis and the Divas at the Fair Drag Show.

 

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   Law Enforcement Day - Monday, August 29

We honor the men and women of law enforcement in New York State with free admission to any active or retired law enforcement or corrections personnel who presents a badge or picture ID from the department from which they are or were employed.

Join us for our Law Enforcement Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building. Ceremony starts at 12:00 noon with featured speaker NYS Attorney General Letitia James.

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   The Mighty Mike Show

He's so strong and so funny! Watch some hilarious feats of strength. Shows daily at 11:00 am, 2:30 & 4:00 pm in the area between Chevy Court and the NYS Parks Pavilion.

Sponsored by Mattress Firm

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   Milking Parlor

Be sure to visit the Dairy Cattle Barn's newly renovated milking parlor observation room where almost every day you can watch cows being milked and learn about milk's journey from moo to you! Closed on August 29 for the dairy cattle show change over.

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   New York State Fair History Exhibit

Maybe you’re attending the Fair for the first time, or maybe you’ve come here for decades. Either way, chances are, there’s a lot about the Great New York State Fair that you don’t know. Walk down Memory Lane and stop into the Grange Building, to view displays that tell the story of where the Fair began, where it traveled, who came to the Fair, who performed at the Fair and much more. The exhibit begins when the New York State Fair – the oldest State Fair in the country - was founded, in 1841, and takes attendees through the present day.

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   New York State Lottery Players’ Pavilion

The Lottery Players’ Pavilion houses the Lottery’s expanded retail and prize payment operations throughout the duration of the Fair. The space is also used to showcase various programs sponsored by the New York State Lottery as part of the agency’s mission to support education. Find the Players’ Pavilion in the southeast corner of the Toyota Coliseum, across from the Dairy Cattle Building.

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   New York State Police Exhibit

The New York State Police Exhibit, one of the most popular stops and live demonstrations at the Fair is located near the Horticulture Building, across from The Midway. The area includes two buildings and a steel tower that Troopers use for their daily demonstrations to showcase rappelling techniques. Inside one of the buildings, a log cabin, fairgoers can check out a simulator that puts the dangers of texting while driving into perspective, and peruse a forensic crime scene area. There, fairgoers will also find a Wall of Honor dedicated to fallen Troopers, and a place to sign-up for the Trooper exam.

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   The Van Robinson Pan-African Village

Located between the Center of Progress Building and the Art & Home Center, the Van Robinson Pan-African Village is one of the Fair’s most popular destinations to eat, listen to music, and shop for crafts. Taste African and Caribbean inspired food, sip southern-style lemonade and browse booths filled with cultural items. The Pan-African Village Stage hosts performances every day. A full list of musical entertainment is provided here.

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   Pride Day - Friday, August 26

The first state fair in America to host an official Pride Day to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, the annual event includes a morning flag raising ceremony at the main gate.

Come celebrate the culture, community and other special events that day.

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   The Pure New York Maple Center

Come enjoy the sweet tastes of maple syrup, maple cotton candy and other maple treats while learning about the fascinating and age old process that is used to make maple syrup. The Maple Center is located in the Horticulture Building.

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   Special Days Parades

On four of our Special Fair Days, be sure to line up at 6:00pm along our new parade route for our grandest parades yet! See marching bands, local organizations, and displays themed towards each special day. The parade route begins at the end of Broadway across from the NY Experience area and goes up the road along the Wade Shows midway, it then winds in front of The Eatery, and then back down Iroquois Street ending next to the back of the Expo Center. Parades will be held on:

- Pride Day Parade - Friday, August 26

- Law Enforcement Day Parade - Monday, August 29

- Fire & Rescue Day / Beef Day Parade - Tuesday, August 30

- Armed Forces Day / Dairy Day Parade - Thursday, September 1

- Labor Day Parade - Monday, September 5 (starts at 10:30am)

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   The Strolling Piano

The piano is moving, and who’s making the music? Shows daily at 3:00, 6:00 & 8:00 pm out and about around Restaurant Row and the Expo Center!

Sponsored by Beak & Skiff

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   Taste NY Marketplace

Visit the Taste NY Marketplace inside the Horticulture Building for free samples of food and beverage products, and meet the people who make these delicious items! Featured vendors change daily throughout The Fair, offering ample opportunities to sample local products. Click here for a list of participating vendors. Taste NY is dedicated to providing a showcase of the best products grown and made in New York.

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   Team Sandtastic Sand Sculpture

The amazing sand sculpture will return to the Center of Progress Building. Watch as 180 tons of sand (that’s 360,000 pounds) is sculpted into a masterpiece by Team Sandtastic!

Sponsored by Tully's Good Times

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   Veterans and 9/11 Memorial

Located in front of the Horticulture Building, the Veterans Memorial held its opening at the 1999 Fair and was expanded in 2001. It features an eternal flame, flag poles with bricks of all the wars at its base and stones for each branch of the service with individual bricks placed from the service branches. The 9/11 Memorial honors all those that lost their lives in the September 11th terrorist attacks. Unveiled at the 2002 Fair, the Memorial is located between the two phases of the Veterans Memorial.

Make sure to attend Armed Forces Day ceremonies at 11:00am on Thursday, September 1 at the memorial. Join the State Fair community as we honor and give tribute to all our Veterans.

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   Wool Center

The State Fair Wool Center is the home of statewide wool competitions and demonstrations. The center features old-fashioned wool-making, providing the fairgoer an opportunity to experience the proper preparation for market and/or hand spinning, and to show the various commercial grades as well as the best quality fleeces of the different breeds of sheep. See displays and demo’s on how other fibers can complement wool when blended and used... and make sure to play the "Guess the Fiber" game. Located on restaurant row between the Main Horse Barn and Goat Park.