50+ Things to Do at the New York State Fair in 2025

Last updated on August 20, 2025.

The 2025 New York State Fair runs Wednesday, August 20 through Monday, September 1. As I’m getting ready to explore all the things the fair has to offer this year, check out this bucket list for things to do from several years of fairgoing. And don’t worry – I’ll be back updating this article and my social media pages with all of the new things to do at the New York State Fair this year.

That includes updating this list with changes to items mentioned, removing things that are no longer at the fair, and adding new ones. There truly is something for everyone, regardless of age, budget, or interest. With 375 acres, there is SO MUCH to see and do. You can easily spend multiple days there and have a different experience each time.

** All activities marked with a double asterisk are completely FREE to enjoy.
Some may have optional purchases, but they are not required. **

New York State Fair App

Things to Do in the Center of Progress

The Center of Progress has changed a lot of the years, but there are still a few iconic fair things to see.

1. Track the progress of the sand sculpture.**

One of my favorite things to see at the fair is the sand sculpture. Partly because it starts as just a giant pile of sand at the beginning of the fair. Over the course of the two weeks, it is meticulously worked on. That means if you go on multiple days, you’ll see the progress that has been made. By the end of the fair, the sculpture is complete. Every year there is a different theme that is relevant to current events or an iconic anniversary. The 2024 NYS Fair sand sculpture is themed around the 100th anniversary of the New York State Park System.

2. Explore the NYS Energy & Environment Experience.**

One of the newest exhibits at the fair is the energy and environment display in the Center of Progress. It’s also pretty incredible. The room is filled with live plants, intertwined between displays on the state’s ecological developments. Learn what’s going on throughout New York’s canal system. Look at a miniature model of a canal lock and see how it works. Stamp your passport at multiple spots throughout the exhibit and get a prize! And make sure to pick up a packet of wildflower seeds.

3. Get educated with the state organizations.**

Yes, the Center of Progress has become a bit more commercial since it started, but there are still plenty of great booths to visit. Many of the state agencies have booths, providing information you didn’t know that you actually need. You can also check off a handful of important adult tasks. Like registering to vote, or getting an EZPass for the thruway. Plus, most of them hand out fun freebies.

Things to Do in the Art & Home Building

4. Admire the arts & crafts created by fellow New Yorkers.**

The top floor of the Art & Home Building showcases photography and pieces of art by both amateur and professional artists. On the bottom floor you’ll find more crafted products, like quilts, woodworking, and crocheted items. The main hallway showcases a handful of artists in residence throughout the fair. Don’t skip this building – there are some truly talented New Yorkers whose work deserves to be appreciated. Plus, it’s free to enjoy.

5. Watch a cooking demonstration in the Wegman’s Demo Kitchen.**

On the bottom floor of the Art & Home Building, you’ll find a large demonstration kitchen. That’s where chefs, bakers, mixologists, and local celebrities showcase their cooking skills. It’s a lot of fun to watch, and you can learn some new recipes. Each year features a variety of delicious dishes and craft cocktails made by local, community celebrities, and foodie content creators – including me!

Things to Do in the Horticulture Building

6. Get a baked potato.

Easily the best food deal at the fair is the $1 baked potato in the horticulture building. Yes, there is always a long line, but that’s because it’s worth it! Plus, it moves quickly. People are only getting potatoes, after all. You can choose between a baked potato with butter or sour cream, or a sweet potato with butter or maple syrup. You can’t go wrong with either choice, as both are fresh and grown in New York state. Additional toppings for both types are available for an extra 50 cents each.

7. Try all the samples from the Taste NY vendors.**

In the back left corner of the Horticulture Building you’ll find a row of booths featuring various New York food vendors. Of all the things to do at the New York State Fair, this is another favorite. Why? It changes daily, so there are always new food businesses to learn about and try. Beer, wine, liquor, tea, coffee, juice, sauces, salsas, crackers, cheese, honey… The list goes on and on. So check it out and find some new favorite local food and drinks to love.

8. Admire the flowers on display.**

In the center of the building is a rotating display of the best flowers the state has to offer. Roses, gladiolas, lilies, and more. Visit at different points throughout the fair to see what beautiful floral arrangements are on display. You can also get some growing advice from the nearby Syracuse Gardening Club.

9. Visit the butterfly exhibit.

For just a couple dollars, you can enjoy being surrounded by hundreds of butterflies. When you enter, you get a cotton swab to dip into the nectar located throughout the garden to attract the butterflies. Unlike some other butterfly gardens, this exhibit features a wide variety of butterflies. If you’re patient, they may land on you and become your new best friends.

10. Enjoy all the maple goodies.

Try maple cotton candy. And maple sugar. Maple ice cream. And maple syrup. Maple doughnuts… You get the point. Try every maple food you can at the NYS maple exhibit! New York State is known for the production of maple syrup and its use in various foods. Don’t miss out on this spot.

Restaurants Inside The Eatery

11. Try a new restaurant in The Eatery.

The name speaks for itself; the eatery is for eating! The list of food stalls includes old favorites and newcomers, each featuring their most signature dishes. That includes a variety of food from around the world. Polish, Greek, Mexican, Thai, and more cuisines are among the many options.

12. Have a drink at the NYS Distillery and Brew Pub.

At one end of the building, you’ll find a raised platform featuring a bar. The popular spot for enjoying a drink, the bar sells New York State beer and cocktails featuring local liquor.

Things to Do in the Dairy Building

13. Grab a cup of the freshest milk for just 25 cents.

The Milk Bar is a longstanding fair favorite. And even after all these years, a small cup is still only 25 cents. (The state subsidized the price in 2017 to keep fairgoers happy.) Buy your milk coins before heading to the sinks. Coins can be bought at the center of the milk stand, or in the surrounding coin machines. Then drop your coins in the bucket next to one of the 8 sinks, and get yourself a cup or two of milk. Choose from white or chocolate – or strawberry during Labor Day Weekend.

14. Check out the butter sculpture.**

Located in the dairy building, the butter sculpture is in a large glass cooler on a rotating pedestal. It’s another popular visit for fairgoers.

15. Pick up a cone or bucket of the fair’s best chocolate chip cookies.

The Sweet Praxis took over their booth in the Dairy Building in 2019 with the introduction of The Bake Lab. Their most popular item? Bite-sized, fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies. Owner Jen has perfected the recipe, designing them small enough to be dunked into the 25-cent milk cups. Fresh batches come out of the overn every 10 to 15 minutes, so they are always warm.

16. Savor a hot beef sundae.

While most of the sundaes in the dairy building are actual sundaes made with ice cream, this one features shredded beef and mashed potatoes. It’s designed to look like a sundae or parfait, but it’s a meal in itself – and delicious.

Visiting the DEC Aquarium

17. Learn about the animals native to New York’s waters.**

In the small building between the dairy building and science & industry is the DEC Aquarium. Inside you’ll the fish, frogs, and turtles that live in the rivers and lakes around New York State. You can also get or renew your fishing license there. If you’re lucky, you might also be able to snag a tree sapling to plant in your own yard at home.

Science & Industry Building

18. Walk through the House of Hazards.**

Truthfully, I miss the creepy mannequins from the old scenes. But the updated House of Hazards still has some important info – like how to prevent kitchen fires and safely store lithium batteries. They also do presentations on making a fire escape plan, which is great to educate the kids.

19. Get educated at the NY health agencies.**

Booths for every different health organization, cancer society, and the like can be found in this building. Go show support to the societies that affect you the most. And grab some freebies while you’re at it – the state agencies always have some good items.

20. Learn about the NYS prison system.**

This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but learning about the correctional services and prison system is actually very interesting. The officers are full of information and are ready to show off their displays.

Things to Do in the Youth Building

21. Hold a baby chick.**

At the far end of the building is the chick hatchery. There are incubators of chicken eggs at different stages – including one where you can watch them hatch. Once the little chicks are ready, the 4-H kids let you hold them. Hold the chick just right and the fluffy baby will fall asleep in the warmth of your hands.

22. See what the 4-H kids have been working on.**

The Youth Building is full of 4-H kids and the projects they are passionate about. Take some time to walk around and see what they have been working on. They often has crafts or interactive displays that are great for kids.

Things to Do at the EXPO Center

23. Travel around the state virtually.**

The I Love NY exhibit remains in the EXPO Building, showcasing the best of what the state has to offer. “Visit” various regions in the exhibit to answer trivia questions and you can spin to win a prize.

24. Walk amongst the dinosaurs.**

After their popular debut last year, the dinosaurs are back! Noticeably missing are the interactive dinosaurs – like the ones you could saddle up and take a photo with, or the ones moving around the building – but there are still several dozen to see.

Things to Do at the Indian Village

25. Learn about the indigenous people of New York.**

First of all, this should be renamed “Native American Village”. But I digress. The village is still a great spot to learn about the indigenous people of New York. The state wouldn’t be what it is today without the Native Americans who originally settled the area. Thankfully, the New York State Fair is inclusive of all New Yorkers, including those who lived here first. So make sure that you take some time to visit the Iroquois Indian Village. Located right outside of the 4-H building, the Iroquois have several stands where they sell handcrafted artwork, food, and offer a chance to try archery. A stage at the center of the village holds traditional dances and story telling.

Visit the Agricultural Museum

26. Explore the exhibits at the Agricultural Museum.**

Did you know that there is a museum located inside the state fair? Located next to Restaurant Row, the agricultural museum showcases the industries that made New York what it is today. On any given day you can see people wood carving, weaving on looms, and discussing antique technologies.

Animal Exhibits at the New York State Fair

27. Visit with all the farm animals.**

Cows, sheep, horses, goats, pigs, llamas, chickens, rabbits, ducks, guinea pigs, pheasants… The fair is full of animals as farms across the state show off their best livestock. The animals are spread out over several buildings, so take the time to visit them all.

28. Watch cows being born at the birthing center.**

Inside a large tent near the back of the fairgrounds is where the magic happens. The magic of life, that is. Inside two pens you’ll find up to 6 very pregnant cows, ready to give birth at any moment. A set of bleachers lets visitors watch. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a calf born right in front of you. The babies are kept nearby for a few days before moving back to the normal barns. Yes, you can pet them!

29. See the horses perform in the coliseum.**

Horse shows are constantly running in the coliseum. Jumping, trotting, galloping, wagon-pulling, you name it. The horses are there to show off their skills! Plus, the coliseum is a great spot to rest and maybe have a snack while watching the equestrian competitions.

30. Meet the rescue animals at the state park.**

One of the new things the fair for 2024 is a showcase of the animals from G & G Animals, a rescue based in Oswego, New York. Located in the state park area of the fair (near the man-made pond) you can get up close to the creatures. Some of the animals they have brought with them include oats, an alligator, a cavy, a porcupine, a coatimundi, two axolotls, a giant tortoise, and several reptiles. Staff members are eager to educate visitors about their unique animals.

31. Watch an animal show.**

Racing pigs, dogs performing tricks, birds of prey, and sea lions splashing, there are always some talented animals to enjoy. Some of the acts change every year, while others remain year after year. The current shows are all free to watch, and a great excuse to rest your legs.

Eating Your Way Down Restaurant Row

32. Try the latest fair food craze.

Fairs seem to be known for the craziest foods they can create – and New York is no different! Past years have highlighted the donut burger, the donut dog, the hot beef sundae, the twinx, Mexican street corn on the cob, the “defibrillator”, milky buns, deep-fried breakfast, and more. Last year was all about the deep-fried reubens, pulled pork with peanut butter cups, and pizza nachos. This year? People are raving about the Dr. Pepper Pickle Drink and the chocolate covered strawberry cups. It’s not a year at the fair without trying the newest crazy food!

33. Find the craziest cocktail at the fair.

1911 is known for creating the most creative cocktails, introducing a new concoction each year. (But no matter what, my favorite will always be the Tipsy Cow.) Daniella’s also has some crazy creations, like their overloaded Bloody Mary or a boozy root beer float. Challenge your friends to see who can find the craziest, most creative cocktail.

34. Try a new wine or beer from New York State.

Do yourself a favor and visit the wine and beer tents. A few years ago the fair implemented a new rule that 80% of the beer served at the fair must come from New York State. Rightfully so! Check out the large beer tent near the coliseum for a wide selection. As for wine, it’s hard to walk more than ten feet without coming across a wine stand. Wine slushies are always free to sample, so find your favorite and get a big cup to enjoy. All of the wineries now sell reusable cups for discounts on refills.

35. Get a pizze fritte from Villa.

With so many things to do at the New York State Fair, you definitely have choices. But this is a must! Villa makes 2-foot long pizze frittes that are so popular, they held a pop-up during the year the fair was canceled during the pandemic. It’s my favorite stop before leaving the fairgrounds at the end of the day.

Thing to Do along the Midway

36. Ride the skyliner.

If you’re not afraid of heights, the skyliner is the best way to see the fair. Relax, enjoy the views, and snap some aerial photos.

37. Attend the circus.**

With multiple shows a day, the circus is a hit for young and old alike. Watch as the performers put on a show for you. Make sure to check the showtimes before you go, and plan to line up a head of time as the tent does fill up. Keep in mind that it get hot inside the big top, so be sure to bring a fan.

38. Ride all the rides.

For the kids (and kids at heart), check out which days offer unlimited ride passes. The rides at the fair are not the cheapest, and costs can add up quickly if you’re purchasing individual tickets. Unlimited is most definitely the way to go. Just be prepared for long lines. Tuesday August 27th all rides are just $2, and the Labor Day tradition of $1 rides continues this year.

39. Play the midway games.

If you feel the need to win a giant stuffed animal that will fill up unnecessary space in your house, try your hand at the midway games. There are a wide variety, so press your luck. As for me, I have a slight addiction to coin pushed games, so you may find me there on any given day at the fair.

Outdoors at the New York State Fair

40. Visit the police exhibit.**

Located between the Horticulture Building and The Eatery, the police exhibit is pretty amazing. Each year is slightly different, but you can usually count on a few iconic things. A display of historic NYS police cars. History of the NYS police force. Police horses and K-9 dogs. Underwater survival and gunshot demonstrations. They are all pretty cool.

41. Find the roaming performers.**

Mimes, magicians, dancers, and singers are all wandering around the fair to entertain you. It’s the best when you’re waiting in line for something! My favorite this year was the strolling piano.

42. Search for chalk drawings.**

This year at the fair, local muralist Ally Walker is creating beautiful chalk drawings at various locations throughout the fair. So far she’s done pieces dedicated to the fair’s logo, New York agriculture, and the famous 25-cent milk. What will be next?

43. Explore the Pan-African Village.**

Outside the Center of Progress (at entrance 11A) is another area dedicated to a specific culture. The Pan-African Village is full of food, music, art, dance, and items from the African diaspora. Check it out!

44. Attend a free concert.**

There are FREE concerts every day at the fair. Even more so now that there are two main stages within the fairgrounds – Chevy Court and Suburban Park. And don’t get fooled that they are bad concerts because they are free. There are some pretty awesome concerts! Lady A, OAR, Florida Georgia Line, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lainey Wilson, Dropkick Murphys, Spin Doctors, Nelly, Patti LaBelle, and more have performed at the fair for free. If you’re planning to go to see one of the more famous acts, be prepared for crowds and get your seats early.

45. Visit the Asian Village & Latino Village.**

In 2023 the fair tested a new concept: a short-term Asian Village at the fair, across from the Youth Building. Lasting only a few days, the village was such a success, they’ve brought it back this year and added to it. The first five days of the fair will be the Asian Village and the last five days will be the Latino Village. Each “village” showcases food, drinks, crafts, and performances from the respective cultures.

46. Listen to live music from local artists.**

In addition to the major concerts by national performing artists, the fair also showcases our incredible local music scene. Live performances from local favorites like Just Joe, TJ Sacco, and Jess Novak can be seen at multiple venues around the fair. Check out the schedules at Daniella’s and Shamrocks for more information.

47. Window shop for your next major purchase.**

If you’re in the market for a major purchase like a car, RV, hot tub, mattress, or massage chair, you’re in luck. Many of those major vendors have showcases around the fairgrounds. Not only will you be able to see and learn more about the items, you might also be able to take advantage of an exclusive fair discount.

48. Watch a live news broadcast.**

Syracuse news channels 3, 5, and 9 all broadcast live during the duration of the fair. If you’ve ever wanted to watch the news in person, here is your chance. You can also meet the news anchors during off-times.

49. Test your strength with the military.**

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard… every branch of the military has their own booth at the fair. Both for recruitment and education. But the real fun is trying the various strength challenges they have for prizes. Pull ups, push ups, free hangs… See if you can beat the other fairgoers!

50. Try your luck with the NY lotto.

Outside the coliseum you’ll find the NYS lotto booth. Purchase the daily bonus scratch-offs and you can spin the prize wheels for extra goodies.

51. Explore the exhibits in the “State Park at the State Fair” buildings.**

Previous years’ exhibits covered the Underground Railroad sites in New York, and the history of women cycling. Check them out next to the birds of prey exhibit.

52. Watch a parade.

Years ago the fair’s parade was a daily occurrence at 6pm every day of the fair. Now, the parade happens only on special days. The first parade this year is on Friday, August 23 for pride.

53. Enter a competition.

The fair hosts several competitions every year – many of them before the fair even begins. The competitions include photography, artwork, and more – with the winners being on display throughout the fair. The extra perk of entering a competition includes getting a free ticket to the fair

54. Celebrate a themed day.**

Every day at the fair is a special day with a different theme. Teachers. Students. Military. Women. Youth. Dairy. Beef. Pride. Find the day that appeals to you the most. Certain days even provide free admission for the people they are celebrating that day.

PS – Did you know that New York was the first American state fair to host an official Pride Day? Another reason I’m proud to be a New Yorker.

55. Get a job at the New York State Fair.

Can’t get enough of the fair? Or maybe you’re just strapped for cash? Many vendors hire seasonal workers – a great way to make some extra money at the end of the summer. Most jobs provide free parking and admission as well. So take advantage of it!

56. People watch.**

Let’s be honest, the fair is full of people from all walks of life. Sometimes, you’ve just got to sit back and watch the mix of folks that are walking around the fairgrounds. It’s entertaining.

What’s your favorite thing to do at the New York State Fair?

The New York State Fair is truly a spectacle. And while this is not an exhaustive list of things to do at the fair, it covers many of the highlights. There are always new foods and different attractions to experience each year. Everyone has their own favorite stops.

For most Syracusans, the fair is a given activity for the end of the summer. But if you’re outside Central New York, make it a point to visit! Plan a trip with your family or friends and spend a few days at the fair. You can also check out some other things to do in Syracuse while you’re in town.