The New York State Fair (NYS Fair), held every year in Syracuse, is one of the biggest summer events in New York. From exciting concerts and midway rides to agricultural exhibits and delicious fair food, it attracts more than a million visitors annually.

If you’re planning a trip, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: How much is a ticket to the NY State Fair? Let’s break down the ticket prices, discounts, and options to help you plan your visit.

General Admission Prices

As of 2024, the New York State Fair ticket prices are:

Adults (13–64 years old): $6 per person
Seniors (65+): Free admission every day
Children (12 and under): Free admission every day

That means families with young kids or grandparents can enjoy the fair without worrying about ticket costs for those members.

Season Passes

If you plan on attending the fair more than once, a Season Pass is the most cost-effective option:

Season Pass: $20 per person (covers all 13 days of the fair)

With concerts, food, and events changing daily, many locals purchase season passes to come back multiple times.

Parking Fees

While admission may be affordable, don’t forget to factor in parking costs:

General Parking: $10 per vehicle per day
Accessible Parking: Available in designated areas, same daily rate
Shuttle Services: Remote parking lots and park-and-ride services often operate at reduced costs.

Special Discounts & Free Days

The NYS Fair also offers special promotional days with free or discounted admission:

Opening Day: Admission is often $1 or free, depending on the year’s promotion.
Student Day: Students with valid school ID may receive free admission on select days.
Military & Veterans Day: Active-duty military and veterans receive free admission with valid ID.
Senior Days: Seniors (65+) enjoy free admission throughout the fair.

These promotions make the fair even more budget-friendly.

What’s Included with a Ticket?

One of the best things about the New York State Fair is that your general admission ticket includes more than just entry:

Concerts: All concerts at Chevy Court and Suburban Park are included in your ticket price—no extra fees.
Exhibits & Competitions: Livestock shows, agricultural displays, and cultural exhibits are all included.
Butter Sculpture & Dairy Building: Entry to these popular attractions is included as well.

However, rides at the Midway, specialty food, and some private events may have additional costs.

How to Buy Tickets

Tickets can be purchased:

Online: Through the official NYS Fair website
On-Site: At the gates during the fair
Authorized Retailers: Select local outlets may sell advance tickets

Buying online is recommended to avoid lines and to guarantee entry on busy days.

Comparison With Other State Fairs

For perspective, the NYS Fair is one of the most affordable state fairs in the U.S.:

Iowa State Fair: $16 (adults)
Texas State Fair: $15–$25 depending on day
Minnesota State Fair: $18 (adults)

At just $6 for adults, the NYS Fair offers tremendous value, especially since concerts are included in the price.

FAQs

1. How much is a ticket to the NY State Fair?
General admission is $6. Children 12 and under and seniors 65+ enter for free.

2. Do I have to pay extra for concerts?
No. Concerts at Chevy Court and Suburban Park are included with admission.

3. How much is parking at the NY State Fair?
Parking is $10 per day per vehicle.

4. Can I buy a season pass?
Yes. A $20 Season Pass covers all 13 days of the fair.

5. Are there free admission days?
Yes, including Senior Days, Military/Veterans Day, and Opening Day promotions.

What City Is the NYS Fair In?

The New York State Fair, one of the oldest and most celebrated state fairs in the United States, is held each year in Syracuse, New York. Specifically, the fairgrounds are located in the nearby town of Geddes, just west of downtown Syracuse in Onondaga County. While the technical address is in Geddes, most people refer to Syracuse as the host city because of its central role in organizing and accommodating the event.

Syracuse: The Home of the State Fair

Syracuse has been the fair’s permanent home since 1890. Its location in Central New York makes it easily accessible to residents across the state, whether traveling from New York City, Buffalo, Albany, or the North Country.

Why Syracuse?

Geographic Location: Being in the middle of the state, Syracuse provides convenient access for fairgoers statewide.
Transportation: The city is well-connected by highways, Amtrak, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport, making it simple for visitors to arrive.
Community and Infrastructure: Syracuse offers the hotels, restaurants, and services needed to support the hundreds of thousands of people who attend the fair every year.

The New York State Fairgrounds

The fair takes place at the New York State Fairgrounds, a massive venue spanning over 375 acres.
Located in Geddes, right outside Syracuse city limits, the fairgrounds feature exhibit halls, midway rides, barns, performance stages, and the famous Grandstand for concerts.
The site is also used year-round for other expos, concerts, and events, but the State Fair remains its biggest annual attraction.

The Fair’s Significance in Syracuse

For Syracuse and the surrounding region, the fair is more than just a fun event:

Economic Boost: Hotels, restaurants, and shops benefit from the influx of visitors.
Cultural Spotlight: Syracuse gains national recognition each year as fair coverage spreads across news and media.
Community Pride: Locals embrace the fair as a tradition that connects the city’s identity with the wider state of New York.

Final Thoughts

So, what city is the NYS Fair in?
The New York State Fair is held in Syracuse, New York, at the New York State Fairgrounds in the town of Geddes. While technically just outside the Syracuse city limits, the fair has been inseparably tied to the city for well over a century.

Syracuse’s central location, strong infrastructure, and community support have made it the perfect home for one of the most iconic state fairs in the nation.

2025 NY State Fair Concert Lineup: Chevy Court & Suburban Park

The fair includes two key stages:

Chevy Court (near Gate 1): Hosts free performances at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily.
Suburban Park (beyond the Midway): Features major evening concerts at 8 p.m.

Chevy Court Highlights

Aug 20
- 1 p.m.: The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
- 6 p.m.: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Aug 21
- 1 p.m.: Taylor Dayne
- 6 p.m.: Cheap Trick
Aug 22
- 1 p.m.: Lily Rose
- 6 p.m.: Neon Trees
- 9 p.m.: The Lady Gaga Tribute
Aug 23
- 1 p.m.: KIDZ BOP
- 6 p.m.: Kameron Marlowe
Aug 24–25
- Sun 1 p.m.: Los Lonely Boys
- Mon 6 p.m.: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Aug 26
- 1 p.m.: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
- 6 p.m.: Sister Hazel
Aug 27
- 1 p.m.: Tusk (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
- 6 p.m.: Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Aug 28–29
- Thu 1 p.m.: Tom Nitti & Ashley Bryant
- Thu 6 p.m.: Maddie & Tae
- Fri 1 p.m.: Vertical Horizon
- Fri 6 p.m.: Yacht Rock Revue
- Fri 9 p.m.: DJ Pauly D
Aug 30–31 & Sept 1
- Sat: JAMS Funk Fest (noon–8:15 p.m.)
- Sun 1 p.m.: Blippi: Join the Band Tour
- Mon:
  - 12 p.m.: Dionne Warwick
  - 4 p.m.: 24K Magic – The Ultimate Bruno Mars Tribute Experience

Suburban Park Evening Lineup

Aug 20 (Wed): Nate Smith
Aug 21 (Thu): AJR (bonus pop act added later)
Aug 22 (Fri): Jessie Murph
Aug 23 (Sat): O.A.R.
Aug 24 (Sun): Busta Rhymes
Aug 25 (Mon): 98 Degrees
Aug 26 (Tue): Lil Jon
Aug 27 (Wed): Carly Pearce
Aug 28 (Thu): Lynyrd Skynyrd
Aug 29 (Fri): Dustin Lynch
Aug 30 (Sat): All Time Low
Aug 31 (Sun): Shaggy
Sept 1 (Mon): +LIVE+

Final Concert Announcement

AJR, the chart-topping pop trio, was announced late to headline Suburban Park on Thu, Aug 21 at 8 p.m.—a standout add to the lineup.

Summary Table

Stage	Day & Time	Featured Artists & Acts
Chevy Court	1 p.m. / 6 p.m. (and select nights at 9 p.m.)	From ABBA tributes to Blippi and Dionne Warwick
Suburban Park	8 p.m. nightly	Headliners include AJR, Busta Rhymes, Shaggy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more

What You Need to Know

All shows are included with fair admission—no extra concert tickets required.
Fair runs from August 20 through September 1, 2025, in Syracuse.
Expect diverse genres and performances spanning pop, rock, country, hip-hop, funk, and family-friendly acts.
Arrive early for the best spots—both stages are first-come, first-served.

The 2025 NYS Fair concert schedule brings one of the most eclectic and exciting lineups yet—mixing legendary acts like Cheap Trick, Shaggy, and Lynyrd Skynyrd with rising stars like O.A.R., Jessie Murph, and AJR. Whether you’re in the mood for nostalgia, energy, or family fun, the fair has you covered.

How Old Is the New York State Fair?

The New York State Fair (NYS Fair) is one of the oldest and most historic state fairs in the United States. As of 2025, the fair is 183 years old, with its origins dating back to 1841.

The Beginning: 1841 in Syracuse

The very first New York State Fair was held on September 29–30, 1841 in Syracuse, New York. Organized by the New York State Agricultural Society, the event was designed to showcase innovations in farming, livestock, and rural life. It was a modest gathering compared to today’s massive fair, but it marked the beginning of what would become a cherished tradition.

Early Purpose

Promote agriculture and farming techniques
Celebrate local produce and livestock
Encourage innovation through demonstrations and contests

This agricultural focus became the foundation for the fair’s long-term success.

Moving Around Before Settling

For its first 50 years, the fair traveled across New York State to different cities, including Albany, Rochester, and Utica. However, in 1890, Syracuse became its permanent home. The New York State Fairgrounds in the town of Geddes (just outside Syracuse) were established to host the annual event.

Growth Through the 20th Century

Over the decades, the NYS Fair expanded far beyond its agricultural roots:

Concerts & Entertainment: By the mid-20th century, major music acts became a staple, drawing larger and more diverse crowds.
Exhibitions: Technology, art, and industry displays joined traditional farming showcases.
Rides & Midway: Carnival rides and midway games added fun for families and children.

The fair became both an educational showcase and an entertainment hub, blending history with modern attractions.

The NYS Fair Today

Today, the New York State Fair runs for 13 days, ending on Labor Day, and attracts over 1 million visitors annually. While concerts, rides, and food grab headlines, agriculture remains central, with livestock competitions, farming displays, and dairy exhibits continuing the tradition from 1841.

Highlights Now Include:

Free concerts from major artists at Chevy Court and Suburban Park
Unique food creations, from fried classics to New York specialties
Agricultural competitions and animal showcases
Cultural exhibits celebrating New York’s diversity