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 10:00pm.

Building Hours: Buildings will be open Monday – Thursday from 10:00am to 9:00pm, and on Friday – Sunday from 10:00am to 10:00pm with two exceptions:

• The Daniel Parrish Witter Agriculture Museum will be open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm, and the Wegmans Art & Home Center will be open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm.

*On Labor Day, September 4, the grounds will close at 9:00pm, with no entry or re-entry after 8:00pm – All buildings will close by 9:00pm.

Wade Shows Midway Hours: The Midway will be open from 11:00am to 11:00pm daily, except on Labor Day, September 4, 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.

⋅ 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!

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

Fair Trams run continuously from 10:00am to 10:00pm every day, free of charge, thanks to sponsorship by Chevrolet. Fairgoers are able to make use of the Fair’s internal tram network to travel around the grounds, stopping at nine scheduled stops. In addition, a dedicated ADA shuttle will travel daily between the Gray Accessible Parking Lot located outside Gate 10 to Tram Stop #3 at the rear entrance of the Horticulture building from 9:00am to 11:00pm to assist those parking in that lot.

⋅ 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 2 p.m. and 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 seat at Chevy Court?

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

⋅ How early can I claim a seat at Suburban Park?

Limited bleacher-style seating is available at Suburban Park on a first-come, first-served basis. While seats for the afternoon concerts are accessible as soon as gates open (9:00am), crews need to access to the area to reset wiring between the afternoon and evening concerts, so fairgoers must leave the area for safety reasons during that time. Usually, the area is reset by 5:00pm, at which time seating for the evening concerts becomes available on a first-come, first-served basis.

⋅ What time are concerts scheduled on Labor Day?

On Labor Day, Chevy Court concerts start at 12:00pm and 4:00pm. Suburban Park concerts start at 1:00pm and 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 10:30am

⋅ 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.

⋅ 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 315.487.7711. 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?

Each visitor to the New York State Fair will be required to wear a shirt and footwear.

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

Smoking is prohibited by law inside buildings and under tents on The Fairgrounds, and by policy throughout The Fairgrounds. This policy is consistent with the experiences visitors have at other large, outside public spaces including New York State public parks and beaches. The Fair has designated five “Designated Smoking Locations” outside Pedestrian Gates 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11A, 50 feet from the gate entrances. Signs and smoking receptacles will be placed at these locations.

⋅ 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.