Fair season is almost here. County fairs are set. Here's what is store for the Southern Tier:

  • July 28th through August 2nd -  Broome County Fair in Whitney Point.
  • August 4th through the 8th - Chemung County Fair in Horseheads.
  • August 11th through the 15th - Tioga County Fair in Owego.
  • August 11th through the 15th - Afton Fair in Afton.
  • August 12th through the 16th - Chenango County Fair in Norwich.
  • August 17th through the 22nd - Delaware County Fair in Walton.
  • August 17th through the 23rd - Steuben County Fair in Bath.

The New York State Fair 2026 Is Set!

The biggest fair of them all, the Great New York State Fair, is set for August 26th through September 7th, 2026 in Syracuse.

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that admission tickets and parking passes are now on sale (as of July 7th). Single admission tickets are $8, which includes access to all grounds entertainment, agricultural exhibits, live demonstrations, and the Chevrolet Music Series.

For those 65 and older and children 12 and under, admission is free. The Governor notes that the NYS Fair is one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, providing an accessible space for the whole family to get offline and get outside.

Read More: Music Lineup (so far) For The 2026 New York State Fair

The 2026 NYS Fair plans more programming than ever before, including dozens of live performances, demonstrations, fan favorites, new competitions, and plenty of food and beverages from regional producers.

The Great New York State Fair is a time-honored tradition, celebrating our agricultural heritage and a cornerstone of our summers here in New York State. People shouldn’t have to break the bank to have fun. As of today, tickets for this affordable, family-friendly event that will be packed with old favorites and new attractions are now on sale. New Yorkers – get your tickets today and I’ll see you at The Fair this summer! - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

For those persons planning on visiting the Fair several days during the 13-day run, a $25 Frequent Fairgoer option is available that will allow you to enter once a day, every day during The Fair.

Total Cost of Admission and Parking

  • Admission: $8.32 per ticket ($8 admission, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 18 cents)
  • Frequent Fairgoer: (available only online) -$25.70 ($25 Frequent Fairgoer pass, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 56 cents)
  • Parking: $12.41 per vehicle ($12 parking, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 27 cents)

How to Buy Admission Tickets and Parking Passes

  • Online: Visit the Great New York State Fair’s website.
  • Over the Phone: Call Etix toll-free at 1-800-514-3849 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
  • At the Gate: Beginning Wednesday, August 26, kiosks positioned at all gates will be available for electronic ticket purchases. To minimize waiting time for the kiosks, large signs featuring QR codes will also be available at all entrances and in parking lots so fairgoers can use their smartphone to purchase tickets. Reverse ATMs are on site to convert cash into a usable card.

 The 2026 Great New York State Fair is almost here, and we want fairgoers to make the most of everything The Fair has to offer. Whether you’re planning one incredible day or all 13, now is the time to secure your tickets and parking. With nearly 100,000 daily visitors to the Fairgrounds, purchasing your tickets ahead of time means shorter lines, faster entry, and more time for everything The Fair has in store. From award-winning exhibits, beloved Fair foods, thrilling midway rides, and a lineup of big-name entertainers, The Fair has something for the whole family and so many great memories waiting to be made. - New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave

Happy fair-going this summer!

Growing Up in the Southern Tier: 20 Moments Every Kid Remembers

Carousels, creek swimming, and fog in the valley. These are the 20 moments that made growing up in the Southern Tier of New York unforgettable.

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor

These Are the Top 15 Sports Teams in New York

How does your favorite New York sports team stack up against the rest? Empire Stakes crunched data to find out!

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor