Want to Get Into the NYS Fair For Free? Here’s How

Who doesn't love a discount? If you're anything like us, the phrase "If it's free, it's for me," is a phrase that tumbles around in your head when looking for deals.

With The Great New York State Fair kicking off on Wednesday and running through Labor Day, you may be looking to take a trip up the road to the Syracuse area to have some late-summer fun.

Before you get the kids in the car though, take a look at this list of days with free and discounted admission throughout the entire fair, as well as for specific days:

Overall Notes:

• Children 12 and under get free admission every day of the fair.
• College students with a valid, current college student ID get $1 admission every day of the fair.
• Free admission with any ticket from a 2019 concert at the St. Joseph's Health Amptheater at Lakeview.

Wednesday, August 21

• Governor's Day and Opening Day-- Admission is $1.

Thursday, August 22

• Family Fishing Day-- Admission is $1 for anyone who can show a valid NYS hunting or fishing license at the gate.
• $3 Thursday-- Admission is $3.
• Canadian Friendship Day-- Admission is $1 for any Canadian citizen with legal identification.

Friday, August 23

• Canadian Friendship Day-- Admission is $1 for any Canadian citizen with legal identification.

Saturday, August 24

• Biker Appreciation Day-- Admission is $1 for anyone who arrives on a motorcycle and can show a valid motorcycle license. Parking for motorcycle riders will be free in the Gray Lot.
• Family Fishing Day-- Admission is $1 for anyone who can show a valid NYS hunting or fishing license at the gate.
• Canadian Friendship Day-- Admission is $1 for any Canadian citizen with legal identification.

Sunday, August 25

• Christmas In August Day-- Admission is $1 for anyone who donates a new toy in one of the bins located at the gate. The toys will be given to underprivileged children. The Salvation Army will also be collecting items at Gate 10 that day.
• Canadian Friendship Day-- Admission is $1 for any Canadian citizen with legal identification.

Monday, August 26

• Law Enforcement Day-- Admission is free for any active or retired law enforcement officer or corrections officer who presents a badge or picture ID from the department where they currently or used to work. Law enforcement recognition ceremonies will take place at Noon in front of the Horticulture Building. Special parade will take place at 6 p.m.
• Senior Citizens' Day-- Admission is free for senior citizens 60 years of age and older. Proof of identification showing date of birth may be requested at the gate.
• Wade Shows Midway Monday-- Ride 10 rides for $10. Wristbands may be purchased at any Wade Shows ticket booth on the Midway.

Tuesday, August 27

• Fire & Rescue Day-- Admission is free for any active or retired member of a fire department or emergency services organization who presents a picture ID from that department. Fire and rescue recognition ceremonies will take place at 11 a.m. in front of the Horticulture Building. Special parade will take place at 6 p.m.
• Senior Citizens' Day-- Admission is free for senior citizens 60 years of age and older. Proof of identification showing date of birth may be requested at the gate.

Wednesday, August 28

• Women's Day-- Admission is free for all women ages 15-59. Click here for a full slate of Women's Day events happening at the fair on August 28.
• Senior Citizens' Day-- Admission is free for senior citizens 60 years of age and older. Proof of identification showing date of birth may be requested at the gate.
• Comic-Con Day-- Admission is $1 for fairgoers who arrive at the fair in costume

Thursday, August 29

• Armed Forces Day-- Admission if free for any active duty military member or veteran who can show identification (which includes military ID card, form DD-124 or NYS driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID card with a veteran designation).
• $3 Thursday-- Admission is $3.

Friday, August 30

• Native Americans' Day-- Admission is free for all members of Native American tribes. No proof of ID is required. Attendees are asked however to enter through Gate 4. Visit the Indian Village throughout the day for performances and crafts.
• Students' Day-- Admission is free for those who are 18 years old and under. Identification that shows date of birth may be requested.

Saturday, August 31

• Orange Day-- Admission is $1 for anyone wearing Syracuse University apparel of any kind.

Sunday, September 1

• No special discounts aside from the ongoing discounts listed in the "Overall Notes" section above.

Monday, September 2 (Labor Day)

• Summer Send-off "Dollar Day"-- Admission for adults is $1. All rides at the Wade Shows Midway (aside from the Broadway Skyliner) costs $1 per ride. Fair parking still costs $5.

[via The Great New York State Fair]