Frequently Asked Questions

⋅ What are the dates of the New York State Fair?

The 2024 New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, August 21 through Labor Day, Monday, September 2

• The dates for 2025 are Wednesday, August 20 through Monday, September 1
• The dates for 2026 are Wednesday, August 26 through Monday, September 7

⋅ What are the hours of the State Fair?

Operating Hours at the State Fair are 9:00am – 11:00pm daily*, with no entry or re-entry after 9:00pm

Building Hours: Buildings will be open daily from 10:00am to 9:00pm with these exceptions:

• The Daniel Parrish Witter Agriculture Museum will be open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm

• The Wegmans Art & Home Center will be open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm

• The Eatery Building will stay open until 10:00pm on each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - Vendors have the option of staying open until 10pm

• The Dairy Products Building will stay open until 10:00pm on each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (The Milk Bar will still close at 9:00pm) - Vendors have the option of staying open until 10pm

* On Labor Day, September 2, the grounds will close at 9:00pm, with no entry or re-entry after 8:00pm – All buildings will close at 8:00pm

Wade Shows Midway Hours: The Midway will be open from 11:00am to 11:00pm daily, except on Labor Day, September 2, when it closes at 9:00pm. Please note, the Midway’s closing time is subject to change with little notice in the event of inclement weather or other uncontrollable situations. Please follow the State Fair’s social media accounts for updates in real time. The Fair’s Facebook story, Twitter feed, and Instagram story will be most up-to-date.

Guest Relations Hours: For the convenience of guests, there are four Guest Relations sites located throughout the Fairgrounds (see locations listed below). Hours of Guest Relations are 9:00am – 8:30pm daily.

Alcohol Policy Hours: The time for last pour of alcoholic beverages for all vendors shall be 10:30pm every day, except Labor Day when it will be 8:30pm.

⋅ What are daily admission & parking prices?

2024 Daily admission ticket sales are available for purchase online prior to arrival.

Daily admission is $8 for adults
Children 12 and under are admitted free every day of the State Fair
Seniors 65 and older are admitted free every day of the State Fair

To learn more about other admission offers, please visit our Special Fair Days page.

Daily advance sale parking vouchers for entrance into the Fair’s public lots will cost $12 per day and are available for purchase online.

Upon arrival, drivers must show their parking ticket to lot attendants electronically on their phones or through a printed copy. Daily $12 parking cost can also be paid for by credit card as you enter each public parking lot.

Please note, EZPass Plus is no longer an option for parking.

Unused 2023 admission tickets will not be accepted during the 2024 State Fair.
Empower FCU Amphitheater tickets no longer gain you free admission to the State Fair.

⋅ Where is the Fairgrounds located?

The New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York is adjacent to Route 690 West. The Fairgrounds is accessible from the New York State Thruway, exit 39 (from the West) and 34A (from the East), and Route 81 from the North and South. Click here for driving directions.

⋅ Where can people/riders be dropped off and picked-up at the Fair?

There are separate pull off areas for non-ridesharing vehicles to drop off and pick-up people that are located on either side of State Fair Blvd. near gate 3.... just look for the signs in these areas.

Ridesharing and taxi services will utilize an area located inside the Pink Parking Lot, entering and exiting from State Fair Boulevard between gates 3 and 4. Click here to view a map highlighting the rideshare drop-off and pick-up area. This area is not to be used for drop-off and pick-up by non-service type vehicles.

There is no drop off or pick-up at the main gate at any time!

⋅ Is there scooter, wheelchair, stroller or wagon rentals?

Scootaround is proud to be the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental service for the Great New York State Fair in 2024. Rental hours will be 9:00am until close daily. Equipment will be available at three convenient locations: Inside the Main Gate (Gate 1), inside Gate 3, and outside Gate 10.

• Click here for equipment pricing and other rental details

Rent a scooter or wheelchair today reserving online or by calling toll free 1-888-484-1804. Quantities limited - Early reservations recommended.

IMPORTANT! Reservations must be made at least a day prior to you coming to the Fair. They cannot be made the same day you plan to attend.

If you need a scooter on the day you arrive and don’t have a reservation, they will be on a first-come basis.

⋅ What are the details for tram service around the Fairgrounds?

For the convenience of fairgoers, trams will run continuously on the Fairgrounds, stopping at 10 stops from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.* every day free of charge thanks to sponsorship by Chevrolet. Plus, a dedicated ADA shuttle runs between the Gray Accessible Parking lot, located outside Gate 10 to Tram Stop #3 at the rear entrance of the Horticulture Building from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.* each day.

*Note, on Labor Day - Monday, September 2, the trams stop running one hour earlier.

⋅ Where can I find the Chevrolet Music Series concert schedule?

The Chevrolet Music Series schedule, featuring international recording artists and local and regional acts, is provided at the State Fair’s website and is free with Fair admission. Click to view the Chevy Court schedule. Click to view the Suburban Park schedule.

⋅ What is the difference between Chevy Court and Suburban Park?

The Chevy Court Stage is located in front of the Fairgrounds, not far from Gate 1. Concerts at Chevy Court are set for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily, except for Labor Day. Chevy Court is known for its more intimate, bleacher-style seating.

The Suburban Park Stage, formerly known as Chevy Park, is located in the rear of the Fairgrounds in the Experience Area, closest to Gate 10 and 11. At Suburban Park, concerts start at 8 p.m., except on Labor Day. At Suburban Park, there is limited bleacher style seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. With additional enhancements including a pond and Adirondack chair seating, the space provides a casual park-esque setting to enjoy concerts.

⋅ How early can I claim a seats at Chevy Court and Suburban Park?

Limited bleacher-style seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, accessible as early as the time that gates open (9:00am).

⋅ What time are concerts scheduled on Labor Day?

On Labor Day, Chevy Court concerts start at 12:00pm and 4:00pm. The Suburban Park concert starts at 6:00pm.

⋅ Are parades returning? When are they?

Daily parades for 2024 will step off from the Exposition Center on the following special days and times:

• Pride Day, August 23 at 6:00pm

• Law Enforcement Day, August 26 at 6:00pm

• Fire, Rescue & EMS Day, August 27 at 6:00pm

• Armed Forces Day, August 29 at 6:00pm

• Labor Day, September 2 at 10:00am

⋅ What if someone gets lost at the Fair?

If you or someone in your group gets separated from each other, please contact the nearest New York State Trooper who will assist you until both are reunited. Make sure to grab a Wegmans Lost Kid Tag which provides quick identification for those who become separated from their group. Tags are available at most gates or from any New York State Trooper. You can also contact the New York State Police barracks at 315-728-4200.

⋅ Where is first aid available during the Fair?

There are two Infirmary/First Aid places identified on this map. The main Infirmary facility is located directly behind the Horticulture Building. Another is located within the Fire Station near the Youth Activity Center. Here, only emergency aid is available.

⋅ Where do you find general information during the Fair?

There are four Guest Relations sites for the convenience of fairgoers. Guest Relations is open from 9:00am to 8:30pm daily. Guest Relations is the place to go to ask questions, report non-emergency concerns, and/or provide suggestions and recommendations for future years. Guest Relations Centers are located:

• Inside Gate 1 behind the Chevy Court stage

• East side entrance of the midway (across from The Eatery Building)

• Inside Gate 4

• Inside Gate 10

⋅ What if I lose something at the Fair?

During the Fair, please contact the New York State Police barracks at 315-728-4200. After the Fair, you can contact the New York State Police in North Syracuse at 315-455-2826.

⋅ What do I have to wear at the Fair?

Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times.

⋅ What is The Fair’s policy on smoking on the grounds?

The Great New York State Fair is a smoke-free event during its entire 13-day run, August 21 through September 2, 2024. Smoking and vaping are prohibited by law, and in compliance with the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act, in all outdoor areas within The Fairgrounds, inside of all Fair buildings, underneath any tents and pavilions located on the grounds and at Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

Designated smoking/vaping areas for all staff, volunteers, vendors, and fairgoers will be located outside of Pedestrian Gates 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11A. Any individuals found to be in violation of the Fair’s smoking policy will be asked to relocate to the designated smoking/vaping areas. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in removal from the fairgrounds, with no re-entry allowed for the duration of the event.

⋅ Are pets allowed at the Fair?

No, unless they are a trained service animal that does work or performs a task for a person with a disability. They are also allowed if the animal is in a competition. Guests with these animals must retain control of their animals at all times and must keep them on a leash or harness while visiting. Pets are not allowed to be kept in vehicles while attending the Fair.

⋅ What are the Fair's other policies?

Please click on the policy from the list below to view:

⋅ Can I bring my own food/beverages to the Fair?

While Fairgoers can and are encouraged to bring coolers with food and drink, they will not be allowed to carry any alcoholic beverages through the gates. All coolers and bags are subject to New York State Fair Bag Check Policy.

⋅ Are there jobs available at the State Fair?

All details for 2024 summer and State Fair employment can be found on our Employment Opportunities page.
PLEASE NOTE – The New York State Fair does not hire for any concessionaire or food vendors. If you are interested in working at a stand or booth at the Fair, please reach out to the individual concessionaire or vendor directly.