Severe storms brought the New York State Fair to a halt Wednesday, triggering shelter-in-place alerts, flooding and an early closure before another round of dangerous weather moved toward the fairgrounds. The disruption took a major bite out of attendance, with just 29,771 people passing through the gates on Day 8 — by far the smallest crowd of the 2026 fair so far.
Wednesday’s turnout was less than half of the 60,614 people who attended the corresponding day last year and was down 30,843 year over year. Still, the fair remains well ahead of last year’s overall pace: Through eight days, attendance stands at 545,781, up 54,157 from the 491,624 visitors recorded during the same stretch in 2025.
The weather caused problems throughout Wednesday. Heavy rain led to flooding in portions of the fairgrounds, and visitors were told to shelter in place as storms passed through. The fair reopened after the earlier disruption, but officials ultimately decided to close the grounds at 6 p.m. with another round of storms approaching.
That made Wednesday an abrupt interruption to what had otherwise been a strong first week. Attendance topped 114,000 on Saturday and 94,000 Sunday, while opening day drew 66,898 — more than double the first-day crowd in 2025.
The fair returns Thursday with a packed schedule built around Armed Forces Day, Dairy Day and Stomp Out Stigma Day, along with three major concerts featuring Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, Jesse McCartney and ZZ Top.
Weather could still create some issues early Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 10 a.m., with a slight chance of additional showers through about 11 a.m. Conditions are expected to gradually clear after that, with a high near 81 degrees.
Armed Forces Day brings free admission for military members
Thursday is Armed Forces Day, with active-duty military members and veterans eligible for free admission with military identification.
The annual Armed Forces Day Ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial outside the Horticulture Building. A U.S. Air Force swearing-in ceremony follows at noon in the Empire Theater.
Military-themed demonstrations will also continue throughout the day at the New York State Police Exhibit. A canine and bomb disposal team demonstration is scheduled for 1:15 and 3:15 p.m., while Special Operations Response Team demonstrations are set for 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Underwater Recovery Team demonstrations are scheduled for 12:30, 2:45 and 5:15 p.m.
Dairy Day features milk, milkshakes and agriculture
Dairy Day will bring several food and agriculture-focused events to the fairgrounds.
The Dairy Products Building will offer 25-cent cups of fresh milk, while the Undeniably Dairy Shake-Off Milkshake Contest begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Wegmans Demonstration Kitchen.
Other food events include Best of the Fair judging for the best mocktail or non-alcoholic drink at 10 a.m. in Harvey’s Garden at The Empire Room. Wegmans cooking demonstrations continue throughout the day, including a 2 p.m. demonstration featuring rotisserie chicken buffalo dip and a 5 p.m. demonstration featuring bacon tomato jam with whipped ricotta and no-bake cheesecake.
Hands-on butter making is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Daniel Parrish Witter Agricultural Museum.
Draft horse competition also continues Thursday, beginning with Draft Horse Halter at 9 a.m. in the Toyota Coliseum. The Percheron Six-Horse Hitch is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
Stomp Out Stigma events begin at 9 a.m.
Thursday also marks Stomp Out Stigma Day, part of an effort focused on addiction awareness, recovery and reducing stigma surrounding substance use.
The day begins with Chalk the Walk at 9 a.m. inside the Main Gate. Awareness art activities will continue throughout the day at the Wegmans Creative Arts Center.
A Stomp Out Stigma Day Providers’ Showcase is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Chevy Court Pavilion.
Three major concerts headline Thursday
Music will be one of the biggest draws Thursday, starting with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone at 1 p.m. at Chevy Court.
Jesse McCartney takes the Chevy Court stage at 6 p.m., while ZZ Top headlines Suburban Park at 8 p.m.
Music is scheduled throughout the grounds beyond the headline shows. Mira Grimm performs at 1 p.m. at the NAACP Van Robinson Pan-African Village, SlikSly performs there at 4 p.m. and The Blacklites Band takes the stage at 7 p.m.
Tony Rivas Mariachi performs at Latino Village at 4 p.m., followed by Mirianny Tifa at 6 p.m. and Grupo los Infieles at 8 p.m.
Corgi races, stunt dogs and family attractions return
Some of the fair’s recurring family attractions will have multiple performances Thursday.
The Fast and the Furriest Corgi Races are scheduled for 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Exposition Center. Circus Hollywood performs there at 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.
The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show is scheduled for 1:30, 4:30 and 7 p.m. at Central Park, while the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show takes place at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.
Hollywood Racing Pigs are scheduled for 11:45 a.m., 2:45 and 5:45 p.m. in the Family Fun Zone. The Coronas Family Petting Zoo will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Birds of Prey presentations hosted by Hawk Creek Wildlife Center are scheduled for 11 a.m., 2:15 and 4:30 p.m. at State Park at the Fair.
Thursday also includes the Boys 14 & Under Basketball Tournament throughout the day at the NY 529 College Savings Sports Activity Center, Iroquois social dancing at the Haudenosaunee Village and a Mohawk Day special social dancing performance at 2 p.m.
The State Fair continues through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.
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