Our state and county fairs offer their own unique blend of agriculture, amusement, and entertainment, dating back to the early 1800s.
They are agricultural-in-nature with a focus on locally-made products, celebrating the harvest season.
For 150+ years, townsfolk have looked forward to gathering together in the late summer to enjoy parades, competitions, rides, shows, exhibits, and music.
County Fairs
Rochester’s 9-County Region
Yates County Fair
July 7-11, 2020 in Penn Yan
Est. 1839, Yates County Fair Agriculture Society
Genesee County Fair
July 25–August 1, 2020 in Batavia
Est. 1839, Genesee County Agricultural Society
Seneca County Fair
July 15-18, 2020 in Waterloo
Est. 1843, Seneca County Agricultural Society
Orleans County Fair
July 27-August 1, 2020 in Albion
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
Ontario County Fair
July 21-25, 2020 in Canandaigua
Est. 1843, Ontario County Fair Committee
Monroe County Fair
August 2020 TBD in Rush
Est. 1823, Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association
Livingston County Fair
August 2020 TBD in Caledonia
Est.1833, Livingston County Agricultural Society
Wyoming County Fair
August 15-22, 2020 in Pike
Est. 1844, Wyoming County Fair Association
Wayne County Fair
August 10-15, 2020 in Palmyra
Est. 1855, Wayne County Fair Advisory Board
County Fairs
Rochester’s Surrounding Areas
Niagara County Fair
Aug 5-9, 2020 in Lockport
Est. 1841, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County
Erie County Fair
August 12-23, 2020 in Hamburg
Est. 1820, Erie County Agricultural Society
Established in 1819, the Erie County Agricultural Society is the oldest civic organization in Western New York.
The fair features the World’s Largest Demolition Derby.
Steuben County Fair
August 18-23, 2020 in Bath
Est. 1819, Steuben County Fair
America’s oldest, continually running fair.
The Great New York State Fair
August 21 – September 7, 2020
in Syracuse
New York’s is the oldest state fair in the United States, established in 1841, settling in its current Syracuse location in 1890. Ours is also one of the largest, with roughly one million visitors annually, 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.
Transportation tips:
Review this helpful selection of fairground and parking maps.
Amtrak provides summer service directly to the New York State Fair (Station NYF). PRO: No parking in the huge lots or dealing with traffic stress, many times Amtrak offers deals where kids ride free. CON: Less flexible than driving as you need to be on time at the station lest you miss your ride home.
Seabreeze, Darien Lake, and Other Amusement Parks Near Rochester
When May comes around, you find the amusement parks with dry-rides opening on the weekends, with the water parks opening closer to Father’s Day in mid-June.
Fresh produce, fresh water, outdoor concerts, and 13,500 square miles to explore! Take advantage of everything summertime in Rochester has to offer.
Date Night in Rochester: The Ultimate Guide for Spending Quality Time Together
Whether it’s your first date night in Rochester or 50th, spending time exploring with your partner is a great way to connect and learn about each other.
Do you go to our state and county fairs?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!