Late August marks the return of both students to Syracuse University and the New York State Fair in Central New York. The fair, a 13-day event featuring entertainment, agricultural exhibitions, cultural performances, rides, and food, will take place from Wednesday, Aug. 20 through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1. Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., except on Labor Day when the fair closes at 9 p.m.
Syracuse University’s Student Experience will sponsor a trip to the fair for students on Saturday, Aug. 30. Tickets for this trip cost $3 and can be purchased via the Cuse Activities portal starting Monday, Aug. 25.
Fair buildings have varying open hours: most are open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., but some close earlier or later depending on the day and building.
Admission is priced at $8.32 (including fees), with free entry for seniors aged 65 and older and children aged 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online through Etix, by phone at Etix’s toll-free number (1-800-514-3849), or electronically at kiosks located at all gates. The ticketing system is cashless; machines that convert cash into cards will be available at the main gate.
Several special days are planned during the fair:
– Wacky Wednesdays offer ride-all-day wristbands for $30.
– Student Youth Day provides free admission for those aged 18 and under.
– Pride Day features a flag-raising ceremony and parade.
– Family Fishing Days allow visitors to fish without a license near Suburban Park.
– New Americans Day includes a citizenship ceremony.
– Law Enforcement Day offers free admission to active or retired law enforcement personnel.
– Fire, Rescue and EMS Day gives free entry to fire service members with identification.
– Women’s Day includes a health and wellness mini-fair.
– Sensory Friendly Day runs with reduced lights and sounds for guests sensitive to stimulation.
– Armed Forces Day grants free admission to military members with appropriate ID.
– Native Americans Day allows free entry for people who identify as Native American along with cultural events in Indian Village.
– Labor Day features a parade led by organized labor members.
Parking tickets cost $12.41 (including fees) and can be bought online via Etix, over the phone using Etix’s toll-free number, or by credit card in each parking lot.
Centro buses provide park-and-ride service directly to the fairgrounds from several locations including downtown Syracuse’s Centro hub and Destiny USA mall. Shuttle service operates throughout each day of the fair for $1 per adult one way ($0.50 for seniors, children ages six through nine, or those living with disabilities; children under six ride free).
The Midway section operates daily from 11 a.m. until closing time—11 p.m., except on Labor Day when it closes at 9 p.m.
Food remains one of the main attractions at the event; long-standing favorites like the 25-cent cup of milk in the Dairy Products Building and $1 baked potato in the Horticulture Building will return this year. On “Tasty Tuesday” (Aug. 26), select vendors will offer discounted samples ranging from $3–$5 between 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Admission also covers access to various live entertainment options across cultural villages such as Latino Village, Pan-African Village, Indian Village, and Asian Village as well as concerts held throughout the duration of the fair.
