Special Fair Days

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Opening Day

The state’s largest party begins! Join in on the opening day of the 2025 New York State Fair.

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Student Youth Day

Youth and Students 18 years of age and under 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 22, 2025

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.

Monday, August 25, 2025

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.

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.

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: Empire Pass, Liberty Pass, or Access Pass.

Maple Day

Celebrate Maple Day with the New York Maple Association!

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Fire, Rescue & EMS Day

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 27, 2025

Women’s Day

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.

Sensory Friendly Day

The Fair will offer a sensory friendly day on Wednesday, August 27 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, August 28, 2025

Armed Forces Day

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 57th 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.

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 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 Art & Home 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, August 29, 2025

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.

Monday, September 1, 2025

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.