Special Fair Days

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Opening Day

The state’s largest party begins! Join in on the opening day of the 2024 New York State Fair.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Student Youth Day • Sponsored by Molina Healthcare of New York, Inc.

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.

State Parks Day

State Parks Centennial Celebration! In honor of the agency’s 100th anniversary in 2024, Thursday, August 22 has been designated as “State Parks Day” at The Fair. The special day will include free admission for fairgoers who present one of the following 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).

Friday, August 23, 2024

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 State Fair! There will be a free fishing event from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 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 26, 2024

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.

Maple Day

Celebrate Maple Day with the New York Maple Association!

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

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.

Sensory Friendly Day

The Fair will offer a sensory friendly day on Tuesday, 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.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Governor’s Day

Join Governor Kathy Hochul as she visits The Great New York State Fair.

Women’s Day • Sponsored by Fidelis Care & Wellcare 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.

You can also join us for a special Women’s Day Brunch from 9–11 am. For just $35, your ticket includes parking, admission, and exclusive entry to The Empire Room where you’ll enjoy a delectable spread and inspiring speeches from “Women in Agriculture”. Tickets go sale July 16 at 9 am and you can purchase them here – Secure yours early, as there are limited tickets available.*

Should you have any questions, please free to reach out to any of our Women’s Day Planning Committee members:

tanshaneka.williams@agriculture.ny.gov, piper.cooper@agriculture.ny.gov, or katy.varno@agriculture.ny.gov.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Women’s Day Brunch!

* Please email receptionist.nysf@agriculture.ny.gov if this event sells out and you would like to be added to the wait list. Any additional tickets will then be released for sale in the same order that requests are received.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

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 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.

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. Later in the day at 2 p.m., the Empire Theater will offer a free group Narcan training led by the Onondaga Health Department that will include a free overdose rescue kit. Fairgoers can also stop into a providers’ showcase between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to learn more about available resources and to speak to industry professionals. 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 30, 2024

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 2, 2024

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.