New York State Fair Adds Adorable and Amazing New Entertainment
The New York State Fair Just Gave Us Even More Reasons to Go This Year
If you needed another excuse to spend a day (or two) at the New York State Fair, here it is.
The Fair just announced its 2026 lineup of free grounds entertainment, and there's a little something for everyone. The best part? Every show is included with the price of admission, so you don't have to spend extra once you're through the gates.
This year's lineup mixes returning fan favorites with several brand-new attractions that could end up stealing the show.
New Shows Making Their Fair Debut
One of the biggest additions is Circus Hollywood, bringing a full three-ring circus indoors at the Exposition Center with acrobats, dazzling costumes, and plenty of high-flying action.
When the sun goes down, look up. The Fair is replacing traditional fireworks during its first two nights with The Great American Drone Show, featuring more than 300 synchronized drones creating patriotic images and Fair-themed displays in the night sky.
If you're a dog lover, get ready for one of the cutest events of the Fair. The Fast and the Furriest Corgi Races will have those short-legged speedsters racing for the finish line several times each day.
And if you're into extreme sports, Ski Extreme Productions will bring jet skis, water skiing, wakeboarding, flips, and gravity-defying stunts to the pond near Suburban Park.
Fair Favorites Are Coming Back Too
It wouldn't feel like the New York State Fair without some familiar faces.
Returning this year:
- Hollywood Pig Races
- Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show featuring rescue dogs
- Birds of Prey
- The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
- Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy
- Bandaloni
- Jon Stetson the Mentalist
- The Living Zultar
- Stilt Circus
- The Coronas Family Petting Zoo
- Matt Long's incredible sand sculpture
Of course, the Fair will also feature dozens of national recording artists performing throughout the 13-day event, along with all the food, rides, exhibits, and attractions people look forward to every summer.
Every Free Concert at the 2026 NYS Fair
Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams
When Does the Fair Start?
The New York State Fair opens Wednesday, August 26, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
Whether you're going for the concerts, the food, the animals, or just to see corgis race each other, there's no shortage of things to do this year.
Get everything you need to know, including admission tickets and parking passes, at nysfair.ny.gov.