New York State announced Monday the 2021 New York State Fair will re-open as an end-of-summer celebration at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse from August 20 to September 6. This will feature New York’s food and drink, live music and entertainment, Midway rides, and agriculture education and awareness in four different, concurrent festivals that will take place exclusively in the outdoor areas of the fairgrounds. Admission is $3 per person, with children under 12 admitted free of charge.
New York State Fair will take place in four outdoor areas across the fairgrounds, one representing each of the major elements, including:
- Exceptional array of food and beverage including some of the Fair’s most iconic culinary experiences, such as the Pizze Fritte, sausage sandwiches and wine slushies;
- Daily concerts from national touring performers in the scenic, spacious New York Experience festival grounds;
- Thrilling amusement rides, games and attractions for all ages on the Midway;
- Farm animals on display to introduce the young and young-at-heart to New York’s agriculture.
Among the acts who will be performing are REO Speedwagon, Dropkick Murphys, Sheena Easton, Great White and Vixen, and the Oak Ridge Boys.
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the Great New York State Fair. This year, the fair and fairgrounds are being planned and prepared in accordance with the Department of Health’s COVID-19 health and safety guidance. As public health conditions and the guidance changes, the fair will adapt and adhere to all applicable health protocols, such as capacity restrictions, social distancing, face coverings, and health screening where necessary.
Daily admission is planned to be limited to approximately 50 percent of capacity for the areas available for attendees to allow for social distancing. Capacity limits will be reexamined and adjusted if necessary to comply with health and safety guidelines. The fairground’s buildings will not be open to the public, except for bathrooms. Attendees will be required to observe social distancing and wear masks, except when eating or drinking. People buying food and drinks will be asked to sit while they eat and drink, and ample tables and dining spaces will be made available. Midway rides, games and attractions, as well as all surfaces of frequent customer contact will be rigorously and frequently cleaned and sanitized.
Tickets will be sold for each of the outdoor areas, so families can decide which areas they want to visit and plan their day accordingly. To ensure capacity limits and social distancing, attendance at concerts and other live performances will be limited.
