NYS Fair 2024: When does it start? How much are tickets? What to know before you go

David Robinson, New York State Team

The Great New York State Fair kicks off its 2024 run on Aug. 21 in Syracuse, renewing the end-of-summer tradition that began nearly 200 years ago.

From 800 pounds of creamy churned milk now being carved into the 56th annual butter sculpture to dozens of entertainers filling out the concert lineup, the list of attractions for this year’s New York State Fair seems primed to draw upwards of a million visitors.

If you’re considering joining those fairgoers, USA TODAY Network gathered the following key tips about prices to attend, special events, health and safety rules, and general information.

"Dairy Every Day is a Healthy Way - Keeping Kids' Health on Track" was the theme of 2023 butter sculpture unveiled at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The 2024 butter sculpture is currently being carved at the site, and will be unveiled on Aug. 20.
"Dairy Every Day is a Healthy Way - Keeping Kids' Health on Track" was the theme of 2023 butter sculpture unveiled at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The 2024 butter sculpture is currently being carved at the site, and will be unveiled on Aug. 20.

When does 2024 New York State Fair open?

The fair runs from Aug. 21 through Labor Day, Sept. 2, with daily operating hours from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and no entry or re-entry after 9 p.m.

Buildings spread across the 375-acre fairgrounds are open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with limited exceptions.

In this 2019 file photo, crowds wander through the Great New York State Fair as the first day comes to a close on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019.
In this 2019 file photo, crowds wander through the Great New York State Fair as the first day comes to a close on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019.

What are 2024 New York State Fair ticket, parking prices?

Daily admission ticket sales are available for purchase online prior to arrival. Daily admission is $8.32 for adults, including fees. Children 12 and under, as well as seniors 65 and older, are admitted free every day of the fair.

Parking costs $12.41 per vehicle and can be purchased online prior to arrival, or with a credit card as you enter the lot.

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There will be no cash admission sales at the fair’s entrance gates. Machines that can convert cash into a useable card will be positioned at the main gate. Self-service kiosks and QR codes for smartphones will also be at all gates to purchase admissions.

Amtrak trains to the New York State Fair will also be running from New York City, Toronto and Niagara Falls.

How much are New York State Fair ride tickets?

Ride an unlimited number of rides at the fair for $28 per person per day when you purchase online by 12 p.m. on Aug. 21. After the fair starts, wristbands will be available online and in person at any Wade Shows ticket booth for $35 on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and $45 on weekends (Friday to Sunday). Some fees may be added to these prices.

A 2018 file photo of attendees at the Great New York State Fair at the Fairgrounds near Syracuse on August 30, 2018.
A 2018 file photo of attendees at the Great New York State Fair at the Fairgrounds near Syracuse on August 30, 2018.

Are there free admission days for 2024 New York State Fair?

Youth and students ages 18 and under are admitted free on Aug. 22. ID showing date of birth may be requested.

Retired or current law enforcement or corrections workers get free admission on Aug. 26. Must present a badge or picture ID from your department.

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Active or retired members of a fire department, emergency services, or EMS organization get free admission Aug. 27, with a picture ID from that department or organization.

Any active duty member of the military or veteran gets free admission on Aug. 29, with military identification (Military ID Card, form DD-214 or NYS Driver License, Learner Permit or non-driver ID card with a veteran designation).

What is the 2024 New York State Fair concert lineup?

Nearly 50 top performers spanning country, rock, hip-hop, and other genres will fill out the fair’s concert lineup.

All concerts/acts — including those at the Chevy Court and Suburban Park — are free to fairgoers with the price of admission. Seating areas are available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Additional information is provided in the fair’s concert policy.

A 2019 file photo of the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse.
A 2019 file photo of the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse.

Where can I find out about food, concerts and more at NYS Fair?

Navigating the sprawling fairgrounds can be intimidating, but some useful maps detailing food options, vendors, concert venues, attractions in buildings and more are available at the fair website, nysfair.ny.gov.

Can you smoke, vape marijuana, tobacco at New York State Fair?

No. The fair is a smoke- and vaping-free event, though there are limited designated areas outside of select entry gates that allow smoking and vaping before entering or re-entering the fairgrounds. Anyone breaking these rules could be banned from the fairgrounds.

Should you worry about bird flu at the New York State Fair?

State and federal measures aimed at limiting the spread of bird flu at the fair include new bird flu testing requirements for many of the cattle being exhibited at agricultural fairs, as well as updated infectious disease safety guidelines for anyone interacting with poultry and other birds at fairs.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NYS Fair 2024: Everything to know before you go

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