The 2021 Great New York State Fair is less than a week away and there's plenty of exciting additions to look forward to, including the fair's promotional special days, which will feature free admission for special groups. 

New this year, free admission for seniors ages 65 and up for the full run of the State Fair. Kids under 12 years old are also free.

Also new, the cost of daily admission to the fair is $3 this year. Ticket sales will be online only starting August 1. You are required to purchase your tickets prior to arrival.

If you have unused tickets from 2019's advanced sale ticket program, those can be honored for this year's event. 

There are 11 special days to look forward to out of the 18-day schedule:

Opening Day Friday, August 20

Kick-off the start of the fair on opening day. 

(This event is traditionally called "Governor's Day." Since Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he would resign from office this past week, the day has been renamed on the Fair's official webpage.)

Fidelis Care Youth Student Day, Saturday, August 21

Youths and students ages 18 and younger are eligible for free admission with reputable ID showing date of birth.

Fire and Rescue Day, Monday, August 23

Free admission to active or retired fire department or emergency services member with reputable photo ID from that department or organization.

Dairy Day Thursday, August 26

Celebrate the dairy industry with New York State dairy farmers at the Fair.

Pride Day, New Americans Day Friday, August 27

Pride Day: The New York State Fair will be the first fair in the country to hold an official day of recognition for the LGBTQIA+ community. The event will include a morning flag raising at 10:30 a.m.

New Americans Day: Witness 100 complete the process of becoming official U.S. citizens, as they pledge their allegiance to America at Daniella's Steak & Seafood meeting room in the Art & Home Center at noon.

Law Enforcement Day Monday, August 30

Free admission is offered to honor any current or retired corrections personnel or law enforcement officer who can present a reputable picture ID from the department of which they are or were employed.

Beef Day Tuesday, August 31

Celebrating the vibrant beef industry and the hard working men and women behind it in New York.

St. Joseph's Women's Day Wednesday, September 1

Celebrating the contributions women make every day.

Armed Forces Day Thursday, September 2

Free admission for active duty or veteran military personnel with military identification.

Native American Day Friday, September 3

Cultural performances will be featured at the Indian Village throughout the day. Free admission for all members or Native American tribes. No ID is required, but members are asked to enter through Gate 4.

Labor Day, Midway Dollar Day Monday, September 6

Labor Day: Honoring the hard working men and women of New York State with a rally march and parade to the Expo Center. Line up begins at 11:30 a.m. at Chevy Court, with the parade starting at noon.

Midway Dollar Day: Special Wade Show Midways Dollar promotions.