Special Fair Days

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Opening Day • Governor's Day

The state’s largest party begins! Join in on the opening day of the 2023 New York State Fair.

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Student Youth Day sponsored by SUNY Cobleskill

Youth and Students under 18 years of age are admitted free on this day. ID showing date of birth may be requested.

Agriculture Career Day

Agriculture Career Day is an opportunity to get young people excited about the many possibilities for future jobs in agriculture and give them a chance to learn about a wide variety of career options and connect directly with industry representatives.

Friday, August 25, 2023

Pride Day

The first state fair in America to host an official Pride Day to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

New Americans Day

Witness approximately 100 people as they complete a long and challenging process to pledge their allegiance to the United States and become Americans. Ceremony will be held at Daniella’s Seafood & Pasta House in the Art & Home Center.

Family Fishing Day

Free Fishing Fun! Join members of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for free fishing fun at The Great New York State Fair. There will be a free fishing event on Friday, August 25 from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm at the pond in the Experience Area, near Suburban Park. No fishing license is required, and loaner rods are available too! All ages and abilities are welcome.

Monday, August 28, 2023

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 Noon at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building at 12:00 noon.

The Law Enforcement Parade steps off from the back of the Exposition Center at 6:00 p.m., and moves counterclockwise following the perimeter of  the building down Broadway, around Cayuga Avenue, and back to Iroquois.

Maple Day

Celebrate Maple Day with the New York Maple Association! The Mobile Maple Classroom will be parked in front of the administration building for fairgoers to visit between 10 am and 6 pm. Plus, the Maple mascot “Leafy” will make appearances as well. Sample Pure New York Maple Syrup at the classroom on Maple Day, and all Fair long in the Maple Center in the Horticulture Building.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

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 11:00am.

The Fire, Rescue & EMS Day Parade steps off from the back of the Exposition Center at 6:00 p.m., and moves counterclockwise following the perimeter of  the building down Broadway, around Cayuga Avenue, and back to Iroquois.

Beef Day

Beef Day celebrates the vibrant beef industry in New York State and pays tribute to the hardworking beef producers who work diligently to provide high quality and nutritious protein to the millions of beef-loving New Yorkers.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Women’s Day sponsored by Fidelis Care

A mini-fair will be held from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Chevy Court Pavilion featuring many advocacy groups for women… feel free to stop by to get information, learn, and ask any questions.

Thursday, August 31, 2023

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 11:00am.

The Armed Forces Parade steps off from the back of the Exposition Center at 6:00 p.m., and moves counterclockwise following the perimeter of  the building down Broadway, around Cayuga Avenue, and back to Iroquois.

Dairy Day

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-cent glass of New York milk and view the 55th 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.

Stomp Out Stigma Day

First introduced in 2018, The Fair is pleased to collaborate with the BRiDGES Council to bring back Stomp Out Stigma Day. The event is meant to promote hope and recovery, to help make sure those who may be struggling with addiction feel loved, supported, and provide education about available services. As part of some of the special activities planned for the day, BRiDGES invites fairgoers to “Chalk  the Walk” and light lanterns in remembrance of loved ones. Stomp Out Stigma Day coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day, which is observed on Thursday, August 31.

Friday, September 1, 2023

Native Americans Day

We honor all members of Native American tribes with free admission on this day. ID is not required. Make sure to visit the Indian Village throughout the day for cultural performances and crafts.

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Apple Day

Come visit the New York Apple Association exhibit in the Horticulture Building to find out more about New York’s official state fruit! There will be apple industry trivia, games and apple sample giveaways.

Monday, September 4, 2023

Labor Day

On Labor Day, we honor the working women and men who make America strong.

Join organized labor members as they lead a parade that steps off from the Expo Center at 10:30am. The parade route follows the perimeter of the building down Broadway, around Cayuga Avenue, and back to Iroquois.