Central New York is ready for the 174th edition of the New York State Fair. The 13-day event will feature plenty of food, music, rides, exhibits, and more. With more than one million people attending the fairgrounds, there is something for every person to hear, see, smell, touch, taste.

If you’re heading to the New York State Fair, here’s everything you need to know before your visit.

What are the dates of the New York State Fair?

The New York State Fair will take place August 21 – September 2. The gates open at 7 a.m. every day, and close at 10 p.m. except for Labor Day, when the fair closes at 9 p.m.

How much does it cost to enter?

Regular daily admission tickets are $10, except on either Thursday, August 22 or 29 when admission is $3. But there are many opportunities to get in for cheaper. Opening Day, August 21, and Labor Day, September 2, admission is $1. Children 12 and under are free every day of the fair.

There are plenty of special days at the New York State Fair that select groups can take advantage of, including bringing any ticket from a 2019 St. Joseph's Lakeview Amphitheater to the ticket office, which will give you free admission to the fair on any of the 13 days.

Every day is also College Student Discount Day. Any student who shows their current college ID will receive admission for $1.

August 26 – August 28 is Senior Citizens’ Day. Seniors 60-years-old and older on these days will receive free admission.

Where can I see more of the State Fair Special Days?

For more information on special days, visit the State Fair's Special Fair Days page.

Where can I park?

The fairgrounds have parking for more than 23,000 vehicles. With five lots available to fairgoers, there is plenty of space at the New York State Fair to leave your vehicle, including the brand new parking lot at the corner of Willis Avenue and State Fair Blvd. The cost for parking is $5 per vehicle.

View the map below to see where the lots are located:

Don't Park, Ride

Another popular mode of transportation to the State Fair is the Centro park-and-ride shuttle. Centro express buses will depart from numerous locations throughout Central New York, and drop those arriving at the fair between gates 10 and 12. Fares and times will vary depending on location.

Click on your county below to see bus pick-up/drop-off locations as well as schedules:

What will be featured on the midway this year?

There are rides for all ages on the Wade Shows Midway at the New York State Fair. Take a ride on the merry-go-round to truly get the carnival feel. Up for a thrill? Enjoy a slow ride up before feeling your stomach drop on the Mega Drop. Or take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel as you take in the view of not only the fairgrounds, but the city of Syracuse as well.

The hours of the midway are as followed:

Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – midnight

Labor Day: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

For more information on midway ticket prices, visit the Wade Shows Midway page.

What food and drink options will be offered at the fair?

First, make sure you bring your appetite. With hundreds of food options, there’s something for everybody to try.

After grabbing a plate of your favorite dish, make sure to wash it down with some chocolate milk from the Dairy Building.

In addition to the daily plates you can chow down on, the 2019 Taste New York Food Truck Competition is back. Forty trucks will sell $3 samples of the most unique “New York” items on the West End of the Fairgrounds.

For a list of food trucks participating, visit the Taste New York Food Truck Competition page.