There are many great shows and surprises spread out all over the fairgrounds for you to see! Marvel at the sculpture made from over 150 tons of sand, laugh with Hilby the German Juggle Boy, or thrill to the wonders of Circus Hollywood. You can also watch the miracle of life at the Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center, 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.
Ice Age Experience 
Daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Expo Center
Step into a breathtaking journey through time with the Ice Age Experience, a captivating adventure that brings the prehistoric world to life! This immersive exhibit features life-sized animatronic creatures, meticulously crafted to showcase the grandeur of the Ice Age. Witness the extraordinary animals that once roamed our planet, from towering Woolly Mammoths with lifelike fur and movements to the majestic yet elusive Megatherium, a giant ground sloth, whose sheer size is awe-inspiring.
The exhibit combines cutting-edge animatronics, immersive soundscapes, and educational facts to transport visitors to the Ice Age, where they can learn about these incredible animals' habits, environments, and struggles for survival. Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs, the "Frozen Wonders of the Past" invites you to explore a world where giants ruled the earth and ice sculpted the land.
Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show
From America’s Got Talent, the Canine Stars Stunt Show will amaze audiences with highly trained rescue dogs performing incredible stunts, daring tricks, and jaw-dropping feats of agility and obedience. Combining entertainment, skill, and heart, this show is perfect for all ages and promises a memorable experience filled with excitement and canine talent.
Shows daily at 12:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. in the Central Park Area across from the Poultry Building.
Sponsored by Strong Spas
Jon Stetson – The Mentalist
Experience the extraordinary talents of Jon Stetson, the renowned mentalist who inspired the CBS show of the same name, as he not only displays his astonishing intuitive powers but also guides audiences toward a more fulfilled life. Through his captivating performances, he helps you develop self-awareness, intuition, self-empowerment, and unlock your greater potential—making his show both entertaining and inspiring for all.
Shows daily at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. in the Empire Theater at the Wegmans Art & home Center.
Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
Experience the thrill of the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, where expert lumberjacks demonstrate impressive axe throwing, wood chopping, and log rolling skills in an action-packed, family-friendly performance. Celebrating the rugged spirit of the logging industry, this show offers entertainment, education, and a touch of Americana for audiences of all ages.
Shows daily at 11:30 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. in the Central Park Area across from the Poultry Building.
Sponsored by Camping World
Stilt Circus
Experience the magic and wonder of Stilt Circus, where talented performers showcase gravity-defying stilt walking, acrobatics, and captivating acts in a dazzling display of skill and artistry. Stilt Circus brings a lively, colorful atmosphere that will enchant audiences of all ages.
Shows daily at 1:15 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. along Broadway along the midway.
Sponsored by National Grid
The Tiki Shack
Adding a tropical touch to the Great New York State Fair this year is The Tiki Shack! This lively and colorful bamboo hut on wheels is bringing an island vibe, with live music and hula hoops for the kids – so sing along with some island favorites!
Shows daily at 12:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. along the streets of Restaurant Row.
The Wheels of Agriculture featuring Trivia Tractor
The Wheels of Agriculture offers a fun-filled, interactive experience that celebrates agriculture with an engaging stage game show featuring trivia on local farming, animals, and food, providing both entertainment and educational insights for visitors of all ages. Complementing this, the Trivia Tractor is a lively mobile game show with audience participation, giant foam dice, and prizes, capable of popping up anywhere at the Fair to deliver dice-driven questions about farming in a fun and unpredictable way – a perfect pairing for the Great New York State Fair!
Shows daily at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:45 p.m. next to the NY Voice of the Farmer Garden.
Sponsored by Beak & Skiff
Antique Tractor Exhibit
Daily hours 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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.
Armed Forces Day • August 28
Thursday, August 28 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 11:00 a.m. 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
Art & Craft Exhibitions
Wegmans Art & Home Center daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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 Wegmans Art & Home Center.
Asian Village Weekend • August 20-24
Asian Village, established in 2023, recognizes the contributions, history, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through music, dance, traditional food, and a number of special events. Entertainment offerings include singing, drumming and Lion Dance — a traditional dance performed at celebrations, business openings, and festivals with performers working together in a stylized lion costume. Fairgoers will find the Asian Village closest to the Gate 4 entrance, not far from the Youth Building.
Wegmans Art & Home Center
Daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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 Jon Stetson ‘The Mentalist’ – throughout the Fair. Click here to find a complete schedule.
Baby Care Cottages
Our air-conditioned and private Baby Care Cottages provide nursing mothers with a secure, convenient place to nurse infants and a separate area to change diapers and perform other simple care. Located in four areas: next to the Chevy Court Pavilion, outside The Eatery building near the State Parks pond, next to the restrooms across from the Beef Barn, and next to the Agriculture Museum.
Presented by NY 529 College Savings Program
Beef Day • August 26
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 26. 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 1 p.m. 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.
Birds of Prey
Experience the thrill of getting closer than ever to amazing birds of prey as majestic raptors from around the world soar overhead! Renowned for its engaging educational programs and award-winning conservation efforts, Hawk Creek Wildlife Center provides a second chance for 90 permanent residents and reconnects thousands of visitors with nature through interactive presentations. Featured on PBS, named a “Blue Planet Hero” by National Geographic, and seen on Rachael Ray and NBC Today, Hawk Creek’s animal ambassadors and naturalists inspire audiences with their passion for wildlife and conservation. Fly over to the State Park at The Fair (in front of the Horticulture Building) to see these majestic birds up close!
The Birds of Prey exhibit is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day, with daily discussions and demonstrations taking place at 11:45 a.m., 2:15 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. daily.
Sponsored by Cutco
Broadway Skyliner
Fairgoers will get a graceful and unique view of the Great New York State Fair aboard the Broadway Skyliner. The Skyliner lifts riders approximately 34 feet in the air and takes them on a seven-minute, 1,400-foot ride from one end of the Midway to the other. Tickets for the ride can be purchased on The Midway for a one-way ride. Please note, the Broadway Skyliner is not affiliated with the Wade Shows Midway.
Butter Sculpture
Visit the Dairy Products Building to see the finished masterpiece as more than 800 pounds of pounds of butter were turned into art. The 2025 Fair marks the 57th anniversary of this State Fair tradition, and the 23rd year that Jim Victor and Marie Pelton have been carving magic. The Dairy Products Building is also home to The Milk Bar, presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension.
PS: Make sure to check out all the Dairy Day festivities planned for Thursday, August 28.
Sponsored by Wegmans
Chevy Music Series at Chevy Court
Thirteen days of free entertainment with two shows daily is scheduled for the Stan Colella Stage at Chevy Court for the 2025 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!
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Chevy Music Series at Suburban Park
Thirteen days of entertainment will be featured on the Suburban Park stage, located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway. National touring acts will make up a diverse lineup of talent and entertainment - all sponsored by Chevrolet and are all free with your Fair admission!.
• Suburban Park Stage schedule
Circus Hollywood
Come one, come all: Aerial acrobatics, juggling clowns, flying motorcycles and more amazing feats await under the Big Top. The Coronas family are 4th generation circus performers, and are still going strong after more than 60 years!
Daily Shows at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Look for Circus Hollywood in the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center!
Plus, visit The Coronas Family Petting Zoo offers a delightful hands-on experience with friendly farm animals, including pony rides, camel rides, and animal exhibits – perfect for family fun and animal lovers of all ages. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Located next to the circus in the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center.
Sponsored by Chevrolet
Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center
Daily hours 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center at The Fair is celebrating its 12th Anniversary at the Great New York State Fair and providing access to uddermiracles. The Fair welcomes the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition to help provide a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. The Fair is all about fun, farming, family, and food – and the Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center weaves together all of these elements. This experience provides fairgoers with a place to witness the miracle of life, meet farmers and agriculture industry professionals, and learn about the dairy industry. More than 200 farmers, veterinarians, business representatives and agricultural students volunteer to assist with the births and explain the process to the public. The exhibit also offers calves for petting and educational exhibits about the dairy industry. This year, cows that represent the Birthing Center come from six different dairy farms: Locust Hill Dairy, Stein Farms, Pine Hollow Dairy, Patterson Farms, Twin Birth Dairy and Walnut Ridge Dairy. Click here for more information.
The Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center is positioned behind the Circus in the Family Fun Zone!
Can’t make it to The Fair, but want to check in on the Mamas to Be? Remember you can always tune into the live feed provided by the New Yok Animal Agriculture Coalition.
Sponsored by SUNY Cobleskill
Dairy Day • August 28
Celebrate the dairy industry and the delicious dairy beverage and food products made here in New York! As you "moove" through the Fairgrounds, thank a dairy farmer by visiting the Dairy Cow Birthing Center to witness the "udder" miracle of calves being born and 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¢ glass of New York milk and view the 56th 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 Milkshake Contest at 10:30 a.m. and root for your favorite team as they compete to see who can create the tastiest milkshake. The day wraps up with the Dairy Day Parade at 6:00 p.m. at Chevy Court featuring representatives from New York's great dairy industry as well as milk trucks, tractors and more.
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. The New York State Milk Bar is operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Daniel Parrish Witter Agricultural Museum
Daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The history of agriculture in New York State is the history of the state itself. The Witter Agricultural Museum at the Fair is meant to underscore that history as it includes within its walls an actual, fully furnished log cabin from the area’s homespun days. More than that, the museum’s exhibits, coupled with demonstrations by local craftspeople, let you experience what New York farm life was like in the 18th century.
Click here for a full schedule of events in the Museum
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.
The Empire State Theatre & Musical Instrument Museum
Daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A fixture and popular attraction for nearly 60 years, friendly volunteers are on-hand to visit and demonstrate the antique musical instruments for public enjoyment. Visitors are encouraged to sit and pump a roll on a 120+ year old player piano. Located on the third floor of the Wegmans Art & Home Center.
In addition to the Mighty Syracuse Wurlitzer in the Empire Theatre, the music museum is also open for fair visitors every year in addition to the public programs year-around.
Fire, Rescue & EMS Day • August 26
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 Fire, Rescue & EMS Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building. Ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m.
Sponsored by National Grid
Fireworks presented by Majestic Fireworks • Sept. 1
Majestic Fireworks from Clinton, NY has provided Fireworks at the New York State Fair for the last seven years. With the thrill 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 closing day at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Tessy Plastics
Flower & Produce Shows
Flower Shows are back! During The Fair, the Flower and Produce Show is a staple sight – and smell – at the center court area of the Horticulture Building. For the first time this year, there will be daily demonstrations and featured speakers, covering topics ranging from gardening tips and tricks, to tick education, to how to make a garden container or fill a vase. Fairgoers don’t have to be Master Gardeners to attend. These 15-minute presentations are geared toward anybody who enjoys being outside! We hope you’ll peruse the schedule to see what’s “growing on” and what might be of interest to you!
View the full schedule of State Fair Flower Shows
View the full schedule of daily Flower Show Horticulture Talks & Demonstrations
Grange Building
Daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy performances on the Grange Stage by old-country party bands, line dancers and lots of cloggers. In addition come in and see what programs the NYS Grange are involved with.
Click here for a full schedule of events in the Grange Building
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!
Limited engagement • Shows start on Tuesday, August 26
Shows at 12:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. on the west side of Chevy Court, in front of the C&S Companies Science and Industry Building.
Sponsored by Toyota
Historic Train Exhibit
Daily hours 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Historic Train Exhibit is sponsored by the Central New York Chapter, National Railway Historical Society as a free attraction open every day of the fair. Tour through five vintage passenger railcars all with historical ties to New York State. The restored New York Central wooden caboose was made in nearby Oswego and served the railroad starting in 1912. The New York Central bay window caboose features an operating model railroad for the kids! This railroad equipment display is restored and preserved in the appearance of while in service in New York State. More information is found at www.cnynrhs.org.
Hollywood Racing Pigs
Speaking of entertainers who like to “ham it up,” how can fairgoers not squeal with delight when they watch the Hollywood Racing Pigs face off in races three times a day? Porky performers stage a hilarious race daily at 12:15 p.m., 3:00 p.m. & 5:45 p.m. in the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center near the Youth Building.
Sponsored by Signature Spas
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.
Iroquois Indian Village
Daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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.
Latino Village Weekend • August 28 - September 1
The growing celebration of Latino food, music, and culture starts Thursday, August 28 and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. Highlights of the stage performances this year include a return visit from the Divas at the Fair Drag Show. A full list of entertainment is provided here.
Sponsored by The Alzheimer's Association
Law Enforcement Day • August 25
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 p.m.
Milking Parlor
Daily hours 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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 25 for the dairy cattle show change over.
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.
New York State Fair History Exhibit
Daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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.
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.
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. Make sure to also come visit on Maple Day, Monday, August 25.
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. A full schedule of demonstrations is provided here.
New York Voice of the Farmer Garden
Daily hours 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The garden, which is located across from the Expo Center near the Goat Pavilion, is a living, interactive learning space for visitors to see many of the major crops grown in New York, learn about important agricultural issues, and watch engaging videos of farmers and others in the food supply chain telling the story of agriculture.
The New York Voice of the Farmer Garden features over 35 varieties of vegetable crops, herbs, fruits and pollinator plants. Learn about New York State agriculture on a walking tour with QR codes that visitors can scan to watch videos on their mobile phones. Visitors can talk with CCE Master Gardener Volunteers and CCE Onondaga staff. CCE Master Gardener Volunteers planted and maintain this exhibit..
A full schedule of demonstrations is provided here.
The NAACP Van Robinson Pan-African Village
Located between the Center of Progress Building and the Wegmans Art & Home Center, the NAACP 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.
Pride Day • August 22
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 at 10:00 a.m.
Come celebrate the culture, community and other special events that day!
Sand Sculpture by Sandman Matt Long
Since 2001, and featured on the Travel Channel’s Sand Masters, Sandman Matt Long has created innumerable sand sculptures around the world for every type of event imaginable. From small but impressive table-top sand sculptures at trade shows to sculptures well over a hundred tons, they are always well thought out and skillfully designed. The 120-ton sand sculpture can be viewed in the Micron Center of Progress Building starting at 10:00 a.m. each day. Fairgoers can catch Matt in action from August 20 to 24, with the final design coming to life by August 25.
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.
Special Days Parades
On four of our Special Fair Days, be sure to line up at 6:00 p.m. 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 Suburban Park 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 22
- Law Enforcement Day Parade - Monday, August 25
- Fire & Rescue Day / Beef Day Parade - Tuesday, August 26
- Armed Forces Day / Dairy Day Parade - Thursday, August 28
- Labor Day Parade - Monday, September 1 (starts at 10:30 a.m.)
State Park at the Fair
Visitor Center & Programs Daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
While visiting the New York State Fair this summer, be sure to stop by the State Park at the Fair—an oasis of fun nestled around the reflecting pool in front of the Horticulture Building. Although the smallest park within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, it offers engaging activities for all ages, showcasing the diverse interpretive and recreational opportunities available across New York’s 180 state parks and 35 historic sites. Explore hands-on demonstrations, interesting exhibits, and enjoy our popular mini-golf course, a favorite for families year after year.
Meet knowledgeable park staff, learn about upcoming adventures, and discover live Birds of Prey—including eagles, hawks, and owls—and participate in the interactive Environmental Education exhibit to build birdhouses or bee pollinators.
Don’t forget to visit the State Parks store for exclusive merchandise, including Parks gear, Fair souvenirs, and I Love New York items!
Taste NY Marketplace
Explore Taste NY at The Great New York State Fair! Taste NY is the official eat-local, drink-local program for New York State offering food, beverages, and gifts at nearly 70 retail locations state-wide. Visit the Taste NY Marketplace inside the Horticulture Building where you can meet the producers and enjoy free samples while you shop. Featured vendors change daily throughout The Fair offering fairgoers an opportunity to try local products from over 40 New York State producers over the 13 days of The Fair!
Taste NY is also excited to announce the return of the Taste NY Pop-up Market, located near the Taste NY Marketplace in the Horticulture Building. Featuring more than 300 unique products from 80 producers, the Pop-up Market gives fairgoers an opportunity to shop for food, beverage, and gift items sourced from the Adirondacks, Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley | Catskills, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York.
Fairgoers can also find Taste NY craft beverages each evening at the Tasting Yard in Suburban Park. A rotating selection of beer and cider will be available each night during the 8:00 p.m. concert.
Visit the Taste NY Marketplace inside the Horticulture Building from August 20 through September 1.
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 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 28 at the memorial. Join the State Fair community as we honor and give tribute to all our Veterans.
Wool Center
Daily hours 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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 in its new home in front of the new Sheep Barn at the west end of Broadway.