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Stepping through the gates of the Great New York State Fair, a flock of crowing roosters and the wafting smell of fried dough greets visitors. Soaring rollercoasters sail in the distance and stuffed animals sit eagerly beside carnival games.

Each August, the Fair, hosted in Syracuse, hosts a wide range of entertainment, concerts and shows. At one moment, traditional dancing moves across the Iroquois Indian Village, while at another, Hollywood Racing Pigs sprint through the Family Fun Zone.

Fairgoers travel from across the state to enjoy the attractions. Attendees can either park at the event or ride a shuttle from Syracuse University, and must purchase tickets near the entrance. The fairgrounds is 375 acres long, already reaching nearly 500,000 attendees.

Don’t miss these bites and sights before the fair comes to close on Labor Day, with only a few more days to experience expert lumberjacks and award-winning artists.

Dr. Pickle drink or fried turkey wings?

Food is a staple of the Fair, with options ranging from Cheesecake Dubai chocolate to a classic Jumbo Corn Dog. Family-owned businesses line the walkways, sharing their classic recipes. Integrity BBQ serves its special fried turkey wings, while stands like Alteri’s La Bella Dolce Gelateria offer gelato and sorbet to help you cool off on the Fair’s hot days.

Vendors like Kiki’s Authentic Greek Food and Las Gringas share cultural tastes with local businesses. Some stands sell Fair-exclusive items like a Dr. Pickle drink or a cereal-covered mozzarella stick. The Fair is sure to have something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Beyond food, vendors sell accessories such as silk and rayon bohemian clothing at Foutaz or Afrocentric wears and jewelry at the family-owned BT African Art. More quirky items are available at booths like 3D-printed dragons or handblown glass chickens, crafted by local sellers.

Test your strength on the pull-up bar or your adrenaline on the 135-foot Mega Drop

For something educational, visit booths like the New York State Arborists International Society of Arboriculture Chapter, Inc., which offer information about trees, landscapes and the best pest control practices before winter envelops central New York. Beat The Bar promotes health and wellness through exercise challenges.

For Syracuse’s thrillseekers, the Fair features numerous rollercoasters that are sure to feed your adrenaline rush, whether you take on the 135-foot Mega Drop or prefer the slower Giant Wheel.

Along with rides, try your luck at the Fair’s carnival games to win specialty prizes. You can throw darts at balloons or toss rings onto bottles to score stuffed animals and toys.

After struggling to win carnival games, distract yourself with shows and performances on the fairgrounds. Walk over to Central Park to watch the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, where highly trained rescue dogs perform stunts and daring tricks.

If you’ve seen enough animals, swing over to Along Broadway to see a Stilt Circus show or Central Park for the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show.

Sway left and right with Dustin Lynch, and jump up and down with DJ Pauly D

Head to one of the Fair’s music venues to enjoy performances from popular bands and artists. Last year, Megan Moroney drew the second-largest crowd in the Fair’s history with 47,000 fans.

This year’s lineup includes bands All Time Low and +LIVE+, with artists Dustin Lynch, DJ Pauly D and Shaggy also performing. So far, artists like Lil Jon and GROUPLOVE have performed. If those venues are too big, spots like the Empire Theater and the Grange Building host smaller, more indie performances.

As night falls, fireworks flash in the sky to celebrate the Fair’s end. Then, animals trot back to their pens and rides slow to a stop. Fairgoers gaze at the night sky, drifting toward exits as the Fair comes to a close for this year, waiting for its turn to light up central New York once again.

Published on August 27, 2025 at 10:46 pm
Contact Cam: crmcgraw@syr.edu