Post-grunge rock artist Better Than Ezra will show fairgoers what’s “Good” as they take the Chevy Court stage at The Great New York State Fair on Friday, September 4, at 1 p.m.
Formed in New Orleans in 1988, the quartet Better Than Ezra rose to prominence with their blend of alternative rock and catchy melodies. Their breakthrough hit “Good” from their 1995 album Deluxe became a chart-topping success and remains an enduring classic of 90s rock. Over the years, the band has released multiple albums, including How Does He Do, Paper Empire, and 2024’s Super Magick, and has toured extensively, earning a reputation for energetic live performances and a loyal fan base. Named one of Billboard’s “100 Greatest Alternative Artists of All Time,” their timeless sound and songs like “Desperately Wanting,” “In the Blood,” “King of New Orleans,” and “Rosealia” continue to resonate with audiences today.
“We’re excited to welcome Better Than Ezra to the fairgrounds,” said Fair Director Julie LaFave. “As a fan of all-things 90s music, I’m pumped to jam along to these iconic hits and relive some great memories!”
The Fair starts Wednesday, August 26, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. All concerts are included in the price of admission, which will go on sale later this summer. The Great New York State Fair is the most affordable state fair in the country. Tickets are $8 for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older.
In total, The Fair’s 2026 Chevrolet Music Series will feature 41 national recording acts. There will be a daily 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. concert at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1), and an 8 p.m. concert each evening at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway). The Fair will also host two special shows at 9 p.m. on Friday, August 28 and September 4 at Chevy Court.
All concerts announced thus far are provided in the chart below. Fair staff will continue to update schedules on The Fair’s website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park.
Suburban Park:
| Wednesday, August 26 | 8:00 p.m. | The All-American Rejects |
| Thursday, August 27 | 8:00 p.m. | Sean Paul |
| Friday, August 28 | 8:00 p.m. | Melissa Etheridge |
| Monday, August 31 | 8:00 p.m. | Ashanti |
| Thursday, September 3 | 8:00 p.m. | ZZ Top |
| Saturday, September 5 | 8:00 p.m. | Trace Adkins |
Chevy Court:
| Wednesday, August 26 | 1:00 p.m. | The Commodores |
| Wednesday, August 26 | 6:00 p.m. | Quiet Riot |
| Friday, August 28 | 9:00 p.m. | DJ Pretty Mess |
| Wednesday, September 2 | 6:00 p.m. | Priscilla Block |
| Thursday, September 3 | 1:00 p.m. | Herman’s Hermits |
| Thursday, September 3 | 6:00 p.m. | Jesse McCartney |
| Friday, September 4 | 1:00 p.m. | Better Than Ezra |
| Friday, September 4 | 9:00 p.m. | Shrek Rave |
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, TikTok, and Instagram.
###