Special Fair Days

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

• Opening Day

Join the State’s largest party as we open the gates for the 2026 Great New York State Fair, presenting nonstop entertainment, agricultural exhibits, rides, and fun for all.

Thursday, August 27, 2026

• Student Youth Day

Youth and students age 18 and under receive free admission on Student Youth Day. ID showing date of birth may be requested.

• Agriculture Career 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.

• STEAM Day

STEAM Day at The Fair invites fairgoers to explore hands-on activities that bring science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to life. Visit the Syracuse City School District booth at the Chevy Court Pavilion to learn how STEAM education inspires curiosity, creativity, and learning for all ages, and discover the District’s new Syracuse STEAM School—the first school of its kind in the region.

• Grape Day

Grape Day returns to the Great New York State Fair in 2026 with new events and high-quality grape products, including New York State wines, that will be sampled and sold across the Fairgrounds. Grape Day will include fun-filled activities to educate fairgoers about the State’s superfruit and to promote New York’s wine and grape industry.

Friday, August 28, 2026

• Pride Day

Celebrate Pride Day as we welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy The Fair with a flag-raising ceremony and resource fair The New York State Fair was the first state fair in America to host an official Pride Day to celebrate this community.

• New Americans Day

The 2026 State Fair is proud to once again host New Americans Day, which honors New York’s diverse immigrant communities. The day includes a resource fair, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Expo Center.

Monday, August 31, 2026

• Law Enforcement Day

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.

As we shine a spotlight on our law enforcement friends and heroes today, we hope you’ll join us for our annual Law Enforcement Ceremony where we honor fallen officers. The ceremony starts at 11:15 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building.

• State Parks Day

Did you know that New York’s smallest state park can be found within the State Fair? It’s true! To celebrate the State Park at The Fair, admission on this day will be free for fairgoers who present one of the following New York State Parks passes at the gates: Empire Pass, Access Pass, Lifetime Liberty Pass and Golden Park Program (people 65 years old and older are admitted free every day of the Fair).

• Maple Day

The Great New York State Fair is celebrating New York’s growing maple with the return of Maple Day at the Fair!  Maple Day is sponsored by the New York State Maple Producers Association and will give fairgoers an opportunity to not only taste the delicious goodness of pure maple syrup but also to learn about it too. From educational opportunities to tasty, sweet maple snacks, Maple Day introduces fairgoers to all things maple!

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

• Fire, Rescue & EMS Day

Sponsored by National Grid

We honor the brave men and women of fire, emergency services and EMS agencies with 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.

On this Fire, Rescue & EMS Day, an annual ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building recognizes those who keep us safe. The ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m.

• Beef Day

Beef Day celebrates 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.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

• Women’s Day

Sponsored by Fidelis Care & WellCare by Fidelis Care

Presented on Women’s Day at The Great New York State Fair, the Women’s Day Breakfast honors and celebrates the vital contributions of women across New York’s agricultural sector.

During the Breakfast, The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets shines the spotlight on inspiring female leaders who are shaping the future of the industry by presenting the Women In Agriculture Awards. With honorees selected in 10 different categories, we are excited to celebrate the efforts of the 13 award recipients for 2026 who reflect the excellence of agriculture throughout New York State during the event.

Hosted by State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball and Fair Director Julie LaFave, the breakfast is presented with support from Fidelis Care. The program will include remarks from Stephanie Morningstar, writer, community herbalist, land justice activist, and biocultural researcher.

This year’s celebration is especially meaningful, following the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer—an effort to recognize, celebrate, and empower women in agriculture around the world.

All are invited to join us for the Women’s Day Breakfast as we celebrate the 13 recipients of this year’s Women In Agriculture Awards. With limited space – and more than 200 attendees anticipated – be sure to book your seats well in advance for this annual celebration of Women In Agriculture! Buy your tickets here.

Also, a Women’s Day Health & Wellness Mini-Fair will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Chevy Court Pavilion featuring many advocacy groups for women… feel free to stop by to get information, learn, and ask any questions.

• Sensory Friendly Day

Sponsored by Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

The Fair will offer a sensory friendly day on Wednesday, September 2 from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. During that time, many rides on the Midway will operate without lights while sounds, music, and public address announcements throughout The Fair will be reduced or limited to accommodate those with sensitivities.

Thursday, September 3, 2026

• Armed Forces Day

Sponsored by National Grid

We celebrate all members of the military with 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).

Every Armed Forces Day, we recognize active duty and veteran members of the military. Thank you for your service to our country, and for keeping us safe. A ceremony will take place at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building at 11:00 a.m.

• Dairy Day

Sponsored by Garelick Farms

Celebrate New York’s dairy industry for Dairy Day with demonstrations, trivia, and delicious dairy beverage and food products made here in New York! As you “moove” through the Fairgrounds, see how cows are milked at the Milking Parlor in the Dairy Cattle Barn. For a refreshing treat, stop by the Dairy Products Building for a 25-cent glass of New York milk and view the 58th Annual Butter Sculpture or check out who won the “Best NY Milk, Best NY Cheese and Best NY Ice Cream Awards.” Join the fun at the annual Undeniably Dairy Shake-Off Milkshake Contest, where media teams will compete to create the best looking and tastiest milkshake… held at the Wegmans Creative Arts Center at 10:30 a.m.

• Stomp Out Stigma Day

The Fair is thrilled to host Stomp Out Stigma Day again this year in an effort to provide resources and support to those suffering with addiction. Numerous activities are planned beginning with Chalk the Walk at 9:00 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 Creative Arts Center to create overdose awareness and remembrance ornaments.

Stomp the Stigma is a national movement, which promotes hope and recovery and helps to make sure those who may be struggling with addiction feel loved and supported and are aware of available resources and services.

Friday, September 4, 2026

• Native Americans Day

On Native Americans Day, we honor all members of Native American tribes with free admission. ID is not required. Guests are invited to visit the Haudenosaunee Village throughout the day for cultural performances and crafts!

Monday, September 7, 2026

• 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. The parade steps off from the Expo Center at 10:30 a.m. The parade route follows the perimeter of the building down Broadway, around Cayuga Avenue, and back around the other side of the Expo Center.