Geddes, N.Y. — The New York State Fair opens Wednesday, Aug. 21 and once again features a variety of special days with free attendance and events for specific groups.
General adult tickets to the fair cost $8 (up from $6 in 2023) and are available online. Parking is $12 per vehicle, up from $10 in 2023. Fair admission will once again be cashless (card only).
Seniors 65 and older get into the fair for free every day. So do kids 12 and under.
The fair also will continue its tradition of free admission days for groups that include law enforcement and firefighters.
Parade staff clear the way during the Pride Day parade at New York State Fair, Geddes, NY, Friday Aug. 23, 2019Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.
Here’s a list of all the 2024 fair’s special days:
Wednesday, Aug. 21: Governor’s Day
- The governor traditionally visits the fair on opening day, along with other local and state officials.
Thursday, Aug. 22: Student Youth Day / Agriculture Career Day
- Free admission for youth and students 18 and younger. ID may be requested at the gates.
- 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, Aug. 23: Pride Day / New Americans Day / Family Fishing Day
- New York had the first state fair in America to host an official Pride Day to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Approximately 100 people will be sworn in as new Americans at a ceremony at Daniella’s Seafood & Pasta House in the Art & Home Center.
- Free Fishing: The DEC will host a free fishing event from noon to 5 p.m. at the pond in the Experience Area, near Suburban Park. No fishing license is required, and loaner rods are available. All ages and abilities are welcome.
NYS Troopers perform a parade salute at the 2022 NYS Fair.Steve Featherstone | sfeatherstone@syracuse.com
Monday, Aug. 26: Law Enforcement Day
- Free admission to any active or retired law enforcement or corrections personnel who present a badge or picture ID from the department.
- Ceremony honoring fallen officers at noon at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building.
- The Law Enforcement Day parade starts at the Expo Center at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 27: Fire & Rescue Day / Beef Day
- Free admission to any active or retired member of a fire department or emergency services organization with their badge and photo ID.
- Ceremony recognizing fire and rescue workers at noon at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building.
- The Fire & Rescue Day parade starts at the Expo center at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 28: Women’s Day
- A mini-fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chevy Court Pavilion featuring advocacy groups for women.
It's Armed Forces Day at the Fair. A table reserved at The Shamrock "for our fallen troops." Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com
Thursday, Aug. 29: Armed Forces Day / Dairy Day
- Free admission to any active duty or veteran with military identification.
- Ceremony honoring veterans at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building.
- The Armed Forces Parade starts at the Expo Center at 6 p.m.
- Celebrate the dairy industry 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.
- Stop by the Dairy Products Building for a 25-cent glass of New York milk and view the 56th annual butter sculpture and winners of the “Best NY Milk, Best NY Cheese and Best NY Ice Cream Awards.”
- Cheer on your favorite local media team at the Milkshake Contest at 10:30 a.m. as they compete to create the tastiest milkshake.
syracuse.com reporters Charlie Miller and Sunny Hernandez compete in the annual media milkshake competition at the 2022 New York State Fair. (Photo by American Dairy Association North East)
Friday, Aug. 30: Native Americans Day
- Free admission for all members of Native American tribes. ID is not required.
- All fair attendees are welcome at the Indian Village throughout the day for cultural performances and crafts.
Monday, Sept. 2: Labor Day
- Organized labor members will lead a parade from the Expo Center starting at 10:30 a.m.
Maverik Jimerson, 9, concludes a performance of the fast-moving 'smoke dance' at the Indian Village. This was the first time Maverik danced at the fair. (Steve Featherstone)
More 2024 NYS Fair coverage:
You Butter Believe It: 800 pounds of creamy goodness rolls in for NYS Fair sculpture
New York State Fair raises ticket price again, but it’s still less than previous high
NYS Fair reveals 2024 special entertainment lineup: New acts and returning favorites
NYS Fair Love Stories: These two were ‘big winners’ at the ‘I Got It’ game in 1996
NYS Fair Love Stories: Their eyes met in 1986 across the crowd; they’ve been together ever since
NYS Fair Love Stories: A boastful proclamation leads to a first kiss at the duck pond
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