Originating from the early 1800s, state and county fairs offer a mix of 4-H competitions, agriculture, amusement, and entertainment that showcase the bountiful harvest and proudly display locally crafted goods. For over 150 years, communities have eagerly looked forward to gathering in late summer to enjoy the festivities, including lively parades and shows, unique exhibits, exciting competitions, and live music.
Mark your calendar and plan a visit to one or more of this year’s fairs. They typically happen around the same time each year.
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July
Yates County Fair
Annually, around July 8, Penn Yan
Est. 1839, Yates County Fair Agriculture Society
One of the earliest fairs of the season, with a classic small-town feel—expect strong 4-H participation, livestock shows, and a close-knit community atmosphere.
Livingston County Fair
Annually, around July 20, Hemlock
Est. 1903, Hemlock Lake Union Agricultural Society
Known as the “Little World’s” Fair, this long-running tradition focuses on youth agriculture, hands-on exhibits, and a quieter, more traditional fair experience.
Seneca County Fair
Annually, around July 15, Waterloo
Est. 1843, Seneca County Agricultural Society
A mid-July favorite in the Finger Lakes, featuring a balanced mix of agricultural exhibits, grandstand events, and family-friendly midway rides.
Genesee County Fair
Annually, around July 19, Batavia
Est. 1839, Genesee County Agricultural Society
A lively fair with strong agricultural roots, known for its competitions, tractor pulls, and a full schedule of entertainment throughout the week.
Orleans County Fair
Annually, around July 27, Albion
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
A smaller, community-centered fair focused on 4-H showcases, local talent, and hands-on agricultural experiences.
Ontario County Fair
Annually, around July 22, Canandaigua
Est. 1843, Ontario County Fair Committee
Set near Canandaigua, this fair blends traditional exhibits with popular midway attractions, live music, and a strong regional draw.
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August
Niagara County Fair
Annually, around August 5, Lockport
Est. 1841, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County
A well-rounded fair with a strong emphasis on agriculture, youth programs, and family-friendly entertainment.
Erie County Fair
Annually, around August 6, Hamburg
Established in 1819, the Erie County Agricultural Society is the oldest civic organization in Western New York.
One of the largest fairs in New York State, known for major concerts, expansive midway rides, and the World’s Largest Demolition Derby.
Wyoming County Fair
Annually, around August 12, Pike
Est. 1844, Wyoming County Fair Association
A classic rural fair experience, highlighting livestock shows, agricultural competitions, and a relaxed, small-town setting.
Wayne County Fair
Annually, around August 10, Palmyra
Est. 1855, Wayne County Fair Advisory Board
A long-standing community tradition featuring 4-H exhibits, live entertainment, and a mix of agricultural and family-friendly attractions.
Steuben County Fair
Annually, around August 17, Bath
Est. 1819, Steuben County Fair
America’s oldest continually running fair, with deep agricultural roots and a focus on tradition, community, and youth participation.
A note regarding the Monroe County Fair: Monroe County has not hosted a county fair since 2019. It was last held in Rush, NY. The fair was first established in 1823 by the Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association.
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The Great New York State Fair
Annually, around August 26, Syracuse
Established in 1841 and relocated to its current Syracuse location in 1890, the New York State Fair operates the oldest state fair in the United States. Ours is also one of the largest, with roughly one million visitors annually, with some days seeing over 100,000 people. The fair runs annually, beginning on the 3rd or 4th Wednesday in August and ending on Labor Day.
What is 4-H?
The four “h”s stand for head, heart, hands, and health.
As per the official 4-H website, children and teenagers participate in hands-on projects related to health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement in a positive and supportive environment. They receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on leadership roles. 4-H programs are available in every county and parish in the country through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs, and 4-H camps.
According to the Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H is a youth development program available worldwide in every state and over 80 countries. It welcomes all youth between the ages of 5 and 19 who are interested in having fun, learning new skills, and exploring the world. Through participating in 4-H, young people receive a supportive environment and opportunities for hands-on or experiential learning about things that interest them. They also develop the confidence, compassion, and connections with caring adults that they need to succeed in life and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
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What do you look forward to most at our state and county fairs?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
How come the Hemlock Fair is nit listed in Livingston County