The Great New York State Fair is offering an array of budget-friendly options and special deals to ensure fairgoers have an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank. With a focus on value and accessibility, the Fair provides a variety of free admission days, discounted food, and Midway deals throughout its run from Opening Day, Wednesday, August 20, through Labor Day, Monday, September 1.
“We want everyone to experience the joy of the Fair without worrying about the cost,” said Fair Director Julie LaFave. “We work closely with our partners to offer the most affordable prices and a variety of free entry days, making it easier than ever for families and individuals to enjoy all the fun, food, and entertainment our Fair has to offer.”
Admission prices to the Great New York State Fair are the lowest in the country, with general tickets priced just $8 each and a Frequent Fairgoer ticket, which includes admission for all 13 days of the Fair, at $25.70 each (online only at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/8927/new-york-state-fair).
People 65 years old and older, and children 12 years old and under are admitted free every day of The Fair.
Additionally, during Special Fair Days, select groups can gain entry to The Fair for free with ID where applicable, including Student Youth Day for students 18 and under (August 21), Law Enforcement (August 25), State Parks Day (August 25), Fire, Rescue & EMS (August 26), Armed Forces Day (August 28), and Native Americans Day (August 29).
A single admission ticket to The Fair grants you access to more than a dozen grounds entertainment acts—everything from live performances and thrilling shows to family-friendly activities featuring animals, agriculture, art, and more. Catch live demonstrations, competitions, cultural performances, athletic matchups, parades and ceremonies. Plus, enjoy the 2025 Chevrolet Music Series featuring concerts by top artists and local favorites, all included at no extra cost.
For admission information and a list of daily events included with admission, visit https://nysfair.ny.gov/your-visit/daily-schedules/Fairgoers may be familiar with two perennial Fair favorites: the 25-cent cup of milk, located in the Dairy Products Building, and the $1 baked potato, located in the Horticulture Building. The lines for these items speak for themselves.
To provide another pocketbook-friendly option, select vendors will be offering discounted samples of their most popular dishes as part of “Tasty Tuesday” on Tuesday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Samples will be available for $3-5 each.
There’s still time to score a discount to this year’s Midway rides and games. “Ride All Day” Wristbands, which grant fairgoers the ability to enjoy all rides throughout a single day (of their choosing) at The Fair, can be purchased online until Tuesday, August 19 at midnight, for a discounted rate of $28 plus applicable fees. After The Fair starts, wristbands will be sold at The Fair for $37 on weekdays and $47 on weekends, plus any applicable fees.
A “Mega Pass” option, which grants fairgoers unlimited rides all day, every day, is also available for pre-sale online for $97 plus applicable fees – and will only be available in advance online until Tuesday, August 19 at midnight.
To kick off the Fair, “Wacky Wednesday” single-day wristbands will be available for $30 on both Opening Day, August 20 and Wednesday, August 27 – a $7 weekday savings.
Discounted rides and Midway foods will also be featured as part of Tasty Tuesday on August 26.
Get more information, plan your trip, and purchase tickets at https://nysfair.ny.gov.
Provided information
