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The first New York State Fair began with a pen full of pigs and cattle. But how things have changed!

Today, the New York State Fair is the oldest state fair in the USA, an end-of-summer extravaganza that typically runs for twelve days, starting sometime late in August and ending on Labor Day.

This year, the 2023 New York State Fair kicks off on Wednesday, August 23 and continues until Labor Day on Monday, September 4, 2023.

Doors open at 9AM each day.

New this year? The venue for the famous concert series featuring major headliners will be changing its name to Suburban Park (formerly Chevy Park) to set it apart from the fair's summer Chevy Court concert series.

2023 New York State Fair concert lineup

Major music acts at the New York State Fair are usually slated for each night of the fair at the Suburban Park (formerly Chevy Park) Concert Series where big name musical performances are free with admission.

Just up ahead, check out the complete lineup which this year includes Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard, rocker Bret Michaels, and crooner Julio Iglesias Jr.

SUBURBAN PARK STAGE

Wednesday, August 23 | 2 p.m. | Steven Page

Thursday, August 24 | 8 p.m. | Theory of a Deadman

Saturday, August 26 | 8 p.m. | George Thorogood and the Destroyers

Monday, August 28 | 8 p.m. | REO Speedwagon

Tuesday, August 29 | 8 p.m. | Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line

Wednesday, August 30 | 8 p.m. | Ann Wilson

Thursday, August 31 | 8 p.m. | Ludacris

Saturday, September 2 | 8 p.m. | Quinn XCII

Sunday, September 3 | 8 p.m. | Yung Gravy

CHEVY COURT

Wednesday, August 23 | 1 p.m. |Chubby Checker

Thursday, August 24 | 6 p.m. | Quiet Riot

Saturday, August 26 | 1 p.m. | Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure

Saturday, August 26 | 6 p.m. | Julio Iglesias Jr.

Sunday, August 27 | 1 p.m. |The Prodigals

Sunday, August 27 | 6 p.m. | Matt Stell

Monday, August 28 | 1 p.m. | Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

Monday, August 28 | 6 p.m. | Anne Wilson

Tuesday, August 29 | 1 p.m. | Tommy James and the Shondells

Tuesday, August 29 | 6 p.m. | Bret Michaels’ Parti Gras

Wednesday, August 30 | 1 p.m. | Danielle Ponder

Wednesday, August 30 | 6 p.m. | Chapel Hart

Thursday, August 31 | 1 p.m. | Avalanche

Thursday, August 31 | 6 p.m. | Lee Greenwood

Friday, September 1 | 6 p.m. | The Fray

Sunday September 3 | 1 p.m. | Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza

All about the New York State Fair

Way back in the 19th century the New York State Fair was hosted by the city of Syracuse. But like many state fairs in the 19th century, it moved around from city to city to let people in different corners of the state participate.

In 1890, the New York State Fair finally settled on permanent fair grounds in Syracuse where it has remained to this day.

Today, the New York State Fair draws in more than a million visitors annually, which also makes one of the largest state fairs in the USA.

Blue ribbon competitions remain popular as do horse shows, showmanship competitions, and agricultural exhibits. Also appealing to more modern tastes, competitions have expanded to wine, art, and talent show competitions.

Amusement park rides also remain very popular for kids of all ages, as does a traditional staple of any self-respecting state fair ... butter sculpting!

Good food is another key ingredients for family-friendly fun, which is also in ample supply at the New York State Fair. Fair goers can take their pick from a huge variety of local dishes and more traditional state "fair fare".

It truly is a fantastic, memory-making end of summer event for everyone, annually topped off with a spectacular fireworks display on Labor Day as another New York State Fair comes to a close.

Old-fashioned pig races, state-of-the art thrill rides, and non-stop food at the New York State Fair.

Have fun!

DID YOU KNOW? New York State Fair fun facts

• In 1841, it was the nation’s first state fair that attracted about 10,000 people who thrilled to a plowing contest, viewed animal exhibits, and listened to speeches from local politicians.

• The first Dairy Cow Birthing center at the New York State Fair in 2013 attracted thousands who watched live births of calves three times a day during the Fair's 12-day run.

• In 2011, the fair's concert attendance record was broken by singer Bruno Mars when he attracted an estimated audience of 35,000 to the Chevy Court stage.

• The New York State Fair hit the 1 million mark for the first time in 2001 with 1,011,248 attendees.

More about the New York State Fair around the Web:

The Great New York State Fair 2023 - Check out the official site for more information on admission and concert ticket prices, favorite food concessions, agricultural and livestock show schedules, directions, map, photos.

NY State Fair - Syracuse.com - Updates and photo galleries on the entertainment lineup and related attractions.

Great New York State Fair - Wikipedia overview with historical highlights, information on popular attractions with photos and related resources.

also see -> New York Wineries | New York Fall Foliage

New York Ski Resorts