New York State Fair opens with new food options, upgraded exhibits and a full slate of entertainment for 2025
The 13-day New York State Fair in Syracuse kicks off Wednesday, bringing a refreshed lineup of food, vendors and shows while keeping a strong focus on agriculture. Fair director Julie LaFave notes the crowd can expect plenty of food, laughter and music, while the heart of the event remains its connection to New York’s farmers and the state’s agricultural roots.
What’s new at the 2025 fair
– Expanded agricultural spaces: A new horse barn, a sheep barn and a wool center have been added, alongside a redesigned Taste NY exhibit in the Horticulture Building. The Taste NY pop-up market now features 290 products from more than 85 New York vendors.
– Taste NY and beyond: The Taste NY area aims to connect visitors with the origins of their food, and the nearby Tasting Yard offers an expanded selection of New York wine, cider, beer and spirits.
– Food and drink highlights: In addition to Taste NY favorites, newer food options include Peachy’s Donuts and Tater Tot Heaven near Military Row, serving creative takes on classic fair fare like dill pickle and garlic parmesan-topped tots.
– Entertainment on the rise: New acts include an Ice Age exhibit with life-sized animatronics, the Canine Stars Stunt Dog show, Good Works drone shows and the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show. Returning favorites include birds of prey demonstrations, the Coronas family petting zoo and Hilby the Skinny German Juggling Boy.
– Midway upgrades: Wade Shows debuts the Zeus ride with a smoke and light show, and a new “Wacky Wednesday” wristband offers all-day ride access for $30 on both Wednesdays of the fair. On the final day, rides are just $1 each. A new sensory room has been added near the Midway for quiet downtime.
– New cultural and daily programming: Each cultural village offers daily entertainment and dining options, including Henry’s Hen House fried chicken and Calle Tropical empanadas as part of the broader fair experience.
– Accessibility and planning tools: A new GPS-enabled fair app provides a map, daily schedule, vendor directory, ticket information and push notifications to keep visitors up to date.
Practical details for visitors
– Hours and admissions: Gates open at 9 a.m. daily, with the fair running 9 a.m.–11 p.m. through Labor Day, Sept. 1. The Midway operates 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Daily tickets are $8 for most visitors, with free admission for people over 65 and for children 12 and under. Parking is $12 per vehicle, and there will be no cash sales at gates or parking lots. The Frequent Fairgoer pass is $25 for daily access.
– Special admission days: Free entry for certain groups on select days, including Aug. 21 (Student Youth and Agricultural Career Day), Aug. 25 (Law Enforcement Day) with eligible badges/IDs and State Parks Empire Pass holders, Aug. 26 (Fire, Rescue and EMS Day), Aug. 28 (Armed Forces Day) and Aug. 29 (Native American Day).
– Getting there and around: Centro runs a park-and-ride shuttle from multiple downtown and nearby locations, with riders paying $1 one-way (and discounted rates for seniors, children ages 6–9 and riders with disabilities). Oswego County mobility services are available as well. Amtrak’s Empire Service and Maple Leaf trains offer direct access to the fair. Rideshare drop-offs are designated at the Pink Lot, with entry through gates three and four. A complimentary tram operates across the grounds with ten stops to help visitors move around easily.
– Tickets and scheduling convenience: Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. The fair’s new app helps visitors plan their day, find schedules and navigate vendor options.
– Concerts and entertainment schedule: Daily live music unfolds at Suburban Park and Chevy Court. Suburban Park features shows from Nate Smith, AJR, Busta Rhymes, Lil Jon and others starting at 8 p.m. Each evening at Chevy Court, a rotating lineup of acts—including DJ Pauly D, KIDZ BOP, Neon Trees, GROUPLOVE and Maddie & Tae—will perform at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., with Labor Day’s show starting at 6 p.m. A full schedule is available on the state fair’s website.
Safety, rules and conduct
– Visitors should sign up for alerts by texting NYSF to 888777 for weather and other important information. Bags go through checks and all attendees pass through metal detectors at entry; weapons of any kind are prohibited, as are many other items such as drones, selfiesticks, signs, roller blades and skateboards. Service animals are allowed; pets are not.
– Alcohol service ends at 10:30 p.m. each night, with an earlier cut-off of 8:30 p.m. on Labor Day. Smoking and vaping are not permitted on the fairgrounds, though designated smoking areas are available outside specific gates.
Why this matters
The 2025 fair leans into both tradition and innovation: guests can reconnect with agricultural origins through new barns and the redesigned Taste NY experience, while also enjoying modern attractions, performances and convenient planning tools. The added transportation options and accessibility features, plus targeted free-admission days, help make the fair more broadly welcoming to families, students and veterans alike. The event serves not only as entertainment but also as a platform to showcase New York’s agricultural sector and its evolving practices, from dairy innovation to craft beverage production.
Summary
The state fair combines agriculture, culture and entertainment with upgraded facilities, expanded food and beverage options, and new digital tools to help visitors make the most of their 13-day event. It remains a celebration of New York’s farming community while inviting a broad audience to explore, learn and enjoy a wide range of experiences.
Added value and commentary
– For families planning a visit, prioritizing a midweek start can help avoid larger weekend crowds, while the new app can help optimize routes through Taste NY, the Tasting Yard and the cultural villages.
– The combination of education (historic and modern farming practices), hands-on experiences (animal exhibits, biodiversity-focused displays) and entertainment creates a well-rounded festival that can appeal to a diverse audience, from foodies to history buffs to thrill-seekers.
– The emphasis on free admission days and accessible transportation options reflects a broader push to make major state events more inclusive and convenient for residents and visitors alike.