Frequently Asked Questions

⋅ What are the dates of the New York State Fair?

The 2023 New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, August 23 through Labor Day, Monday, September 4

• The dates for 2024 are Wednesday, August 21 through Monday, September 2
• The dates for 2025 are Wednesday, August 20 through Monday, September 1
• The dates for 2026 are Wednesday, August 26 through Monday, September 7

⋅ What are the hours of the State Fair?

Fairgrounds hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00am-11:00pm, Friday through Sunday 9:00am - 12 midnight, with no entry or re-entry after 10:00pm on any day. On Labor Day (Sept. 4) the grounds will fully close at 9:00pm.

• Buildings will be open daily Monday through Thursday from 10:00am-9:00pm, Friday through Sunday 10:00am - 10:00pm. On Labor Day (Sept. 4) buildings will close at 9:00pm.

• At designated closure times, all Fairgoers must exit the grounds.

Wade Shows Midway Hours: Weekdays (Mon.-Fri.) from 10:00am-11:00pm, Weekends (Sat.-Sun.) 11:00am - 12 midnight • Labor Day 11:00am – 9:00pm (Closing time subject to change without notice)

⋅ What are daily admission prices?

Daily admission ticket sales will be available for purchase online only and must be purchased prior to arrival. More information about how to purchase tickets will be announced in the spring.

• Daily admission is $6 for adults

• Children 12 and under are admitted free every day of the State Fair

• Seniors 65 and older are admitted free every day of the State Fair

Admission tickets and $10 vouchers for parking in the Fair’s parking lots will be available online later this year. Find out more about State Fair parking here.

To learn more about other admission offers, please visit our Special Fair Days page.

Unused 2022 admission tickets will not be accepted during the 2023 State Fair.

⋅ Where is the Fairgrounds located?

The New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York is adjacent to Route 690 West. The Fairgrounds is accessible from the New York State Thruway, exit 39 (from the West) and 34A (from the East), and Route 81 from the North and South. Click here for driving directions.

⋅ Where can people/riders be dropped off and picked-up at the Fair?

There are separate pull off areas for non-ridesharing vehicles to drop off and pick-up people that are located on either side of State Fair Blvd. near gate 3.... just look for the signs in these areas.

Ridesharing and taxi services will utilize an area located inside the Pink Parking Lot, entering and exiting from State Fair Boulevard between gates 3 and 4. Click here to view a map highlighting the rideshare drop-off and pick-up area. This area is not to be used for drop-off and pick-up by non-service type vehicles.

There is no drop off or pick-up at the main gate at any time!

⋅ Is there scooter, wheelchair, stroller or wagon rentals?

Scootaround is proud to be the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental service for the Great New York State Fair in 2022. Rental hours will be 10:00am until close daily. Equipment will be available at three convenient locations: Inside the Main Gate (Gate 1), inside Gate 3 and outside Gate 10. Rent a scooter or wheelchair by reserving online or calling toll free ⋅ Quantities limited - Early reservations recommended. Click here for pricing and other rental details.

⋅ What are the details for tram service around the Fairgounds?

Fair Trams run continuously from 10:00am to 10:00pm every day, free of charge, thanks to sponsorship by Chevrolet. Fairgoers are able to make use of the Fair’s internal tram network to travel around the grounds, stopping at nine scheduled stops. In addition, a dedicated ADA shuttle will travel daily between the Gray Accessible Parking Lot located outside Gate 10 to Tram Stop #3 at the rear entrance of the Horticulture building from 9:00am to 12:00 am (midnight) to assist neighbors. Click here to view all nine tram stops identified on this map.

⋅ What are the details for the Wade Shows Midway?

Make sure to visit our Wade Shows Midway page for more information about ticket choices, purchase options and midway ride list with attraction details.

Wade Shows Midway Hours: The midway opens each day of the State Fair at 11:00am and closes at 11:00pm, except on Labor Day when it closes at 9:00pm. (Closing time subject to change without notice)

Weather Policy: Due to weather conditions, not all rides may operate. The operating rides may have slippery surfaces, please use extra caution. Purchase at your own discretion, refunds or rainchecks are not offered.

⋅ Where can I find the Chevrolet Music Series concert schedule?

The Chevrolet Music Series schedule, featuring international recording artists and local and regional acts, is provided at the State Fair’s website and is free with Fair admission. Click here to view the Chevy Court schedule. Click here to view the Chevy Park schedule.

⋅ What is the difference between Chevy Court and Chevy Park?

The Chevy Court Stage is located in front of the Fairgrounds, not far from Gate 1. Concerts at Chevy Court are set for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily, except for Labor Day. Chevy Court is known for its more intimate, bleacher-style seating.

The Chevy Park Stage is located in the rear of the Fairgrounds in the Experience Area., closest to Gate 10 and 11. At Chevy Park, concerts start at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., except on Labor Day. At Chevy Park, bleacher style seats are available on a first-come, first-served bases, but there are also Adirondack Chairs to choose from. This venue provides more of a “park feel” than Chevy Court.

On Labor Day, Chevy Court concerts start at 12 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Chevy Park concerts start at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

⋅ Where can I find a list of other entertainers at the Fair?

The Fair keeps a running list of attractions on its website, found under the “Entertainment” tab. Here, fairgoers will find a list of Grounds Entertainment – including the return of Hilby, the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Bandaloni the One Man Band, and the Sea Lion Splash Show, which is returning after a six-year hiatus.

There are also stages located in the Pan-African Village, Latino Village (September 2 – September 5) and Indian Village.

Daily Schedules are continuously updated, and are provided here, found under the “Your Visit” tab on the Fair’s website.

⋅ Are parades returning? When are they?

Parades will step off from the Exposition Center on the following days and times:

Pride Day, August 26 at 6 p.m. • Law Enforcement Day, August 29 at 6 p.m. • Fire & Rescue Day, August 30 at 6 p.m. • Armed Forces Day, September 1 at 6 p.m. • Labor Day, September 5 at 10:30 a.m.

⋅ What if someone gets lost at the Fair?

If you or someone in your group gets separated from each other, please contact the nearest New York State Trooper who will assist you until both are reunited. Make sure to grab a Wegmans Lost Kid Tag which provides quick identification for those who become separated from their group. Tags are available at most gates or from any New York State Trooper.

⋅ Where is first aid available during the Fair?

There are two Infirmary/First Aid places identified on this map. The main Infirmary facility is located directly behind the Horticulture Building. Another is located within the Fire Station near the Youth Activity Center. Here, only emergency aid is available.

⋅ Where do you find general information during the Fair?

Fairgoers can use any of our Guest Relations Centers for information on all aspects of the Fair. They are open from 9:30am to 8:30pm every day. At Guest Relations, you can ask questions, report non-emergency concerns, and/or provide ideas and recommendations for future years. Guest Relations center are located :

Inside Gate 1 behind the Chevy Court stage
East side entrance of the midway (across from The Eatery Building)
Inside Gate 4
Inside Gate 10

⋅ What if I lose something at the Fair?

During the Fair, please contact the New York State Police barracks at 315.487.7711. After the Fair, you can contact the New York State Police in North Syracuse at 315.455.2826.

⋅ What do I have to wear at the Fair?

Each visitor to the New York State Fair will be required to wear a shirt and footwear.

⋅ Are pets allowed at the Fair?

No, unless they are a trained service animal that does work or performs a task for a person with a disability. They are also allowed if the animal is in a competition. Guests with these animals must retain control of their animals at all times and must keep them on a leash or harness while visiting. Pets are not allowed to be kept in vehicles while attending the Fair.

⋅ What is the Fair’s policy on smoking on the grounds?

Smoking is prohibited by law inside the Fair’s buildings and by policy at The Fair’s Chevy Court and Chevy Park concert venues. Beginning with the 2022 Fair, smoking will only be allowed in one of six confined areas designated for smoking as seen on this map. Any product that is legal to smoke in New York State can be smoked in the designated area.

⋅ What are the Fair's other policies?

Please click on the policy from the list below to view:

⋅ Can I bring my own food/beverages to the Fair?

While Fairgoers can and are encouraged to bring coolers with food and drink, they will not be allowed to carry any alcoholic beverages through the gates. All coolers and bags are subject to New York State Fair Bag Check Policy.

⋅ Are there jobs available for the 2023 State Fair?

All details for 2023 summer and State Fair employment can be found on our Employment Opportunities page when available.
PLEASE NOTE – The New York State Fair does not hire for any of the food vendors or concessionaires. If you are interested in a job with a food vendor or concessionaire you must apply with them directly.