The 2021 Great New York State Fair is expected to be just that: Great. After a year away, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the main event of the Central New York summer is back with its timeless attractions and a few new additions.
The fair will run from August 20 to September 6 in an extended 18-day edition, the first of its kind.
Here's what you need to know before you go:
Fair Hours
The fair will operate on a new schedule this year with the buildings opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. each day with the exception of Labor Day, when gates will close at 9 p.m.
Admission will not be allowed into the fairgrounds after these hours.
The Wade Shows Midway hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Labor Day.
To download a printable map of the fairgrounds, click here.
COVID-19 Protocols
- Indoor masking will be required for all buildings on the fairgrounds, regardless of vaccination status
- The fair is currently set to run at full capacity
- There will be no need to offer proof of vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival
Ticket Information
- All tickets must be purchased online, as there will be no cash exchanges at the gates
- All tickets are $3 this year, with seniors ages 65 and older and children 12 and under free for all fair days
- 2019 Advanced Sale Program tickets will be accepted for the 2021 State Fair
- On Special Fair Days, general admission ticket fees will be waived for certain groups
- Parking tickets are $5 each, and can be bought online in advance, along with your fair ticket
- Quick service kiosks and QR codes will be available at the gate for purchasing tickets day-of
- Tickets can be printed out at home or shown at the gate on your mobile device
- To reserve your general admission ticket, click here
- To reserve a pre-sale ticket for Midway rides, click here
- Refunds may be given as all things are subject to change in the pandemic, according to Fair officials
Parking Information
- Parking tickets are $5 each and can be purchased online in advance, here
- Drivers can pay for parking with credit cards only in each lot
- E-ZPass Plus payments will be accepted in the fair's Orange and Brown lots
- Tailgating in fairground parking lots is strictly forbidden
- No overnight parking is allowed and exit and reentry on the same day may result in an additional fee
Orange Lot will cater to 7,000 cars, while Brown Lot will have 4,000 available parking spots.
Centro Park-N-Ride Routes
Centro will be continuing its Park-N-Ride program for the State Fair this year with three different pick-up locations for anyone looking for a ride.
- The service will run from Downtown Syracuse, Destiny USA and Long Branch Park in Liverpool
- Masks must be worn aboard, regardless of vaccination status
- Rides are $2 for adults and $1 for people with disabilities, seniors and children ages 6 to 9-years-old
- You are encouraged to purchase round- or single trip tickets online prior to taking a ride
- For directions to each pick-up and drop-off location, click here
For more information on when rides begin and end, view the schedules linked to each location.
Riders looking to return to Downtown are advised that the last lineup will be at 11:40 p.m.
Special Fair Days
Special Fair Days are scattered throughout the State Fair's 18-day schedule, starting with Opening Day on August 20, which was previously called Governor's Day.
On Special Fair Days, certain groups, such as firefighters and members of Native American tribes, are granted free admission to the fairgrounds for the day. There are also several events and activities to look forward to that are unique to Special Days, such as a U.S. naturalization ceremony and Midway Dollar Day.
For a full schedule of Special Fair Days, click here.
Concerts
There will be four concerts each fair day in the Chevy Concert Series, split between Chevy Park and Chevy Court's stages. Click here for the full lineup.
Concerts are free with your ticket into the fairgrounds and no proof of vaccination or a negative test will be required. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
Some of the headliners this year include 98 Degrees, Train, The Beach Boys and Noah Cyrus.
Vendors
While some Fair favorites, like Gianelli Sausage and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, have announced that they will not return to the fair this year, there will be plenty of great options to explore on restaurant row and beyond.
The area may look a bit different this year, with some old stands being torn down due to disrepair or code violation.
To find your favorite vendors for food and drink — and beyond — use the Fair Food & Vendor Finder. This interactive search tool will direct you to the treats and tucks you're looking for.
If you're looking to sample some local delicacies, Taste NY is back in the Horticultural Building. For a full list of Taste NY vendors, click here.
Some vendors are still looking for workers to keep them well-staffed for the event. For more information on temporary employment at the New York State Fair, click here.
Marijuana Use
In line with recent legislation legalizing recreational marijuana in New York State, marijuana use will be permitted wherever tobacco use is on the state fairgrounds this year.
There are some areas where it will not be permitted, such as indoors and in Chevy Court or Chevy Park.
For more on what's allowed and what isn't under New York State law, click here.
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