2024 Local & Regional Summer Fairs Near Albany, NY
Every summer, there are many fun-filled local and county fairs near Albany, NY, that are perfect for Capital Region visitors. Get a breakdown on these annual events and what you can expect at them, such as rides, shows, games, food, music, and more.
Schoharie County Sunshine Fair
Enjoy the sunshine and festivities at the Schoharie County Sunshine Fair from August 6 to 11 in Cobleskill. Open from 9 AM to midnight all six days, it offers plenty of time for family fun.
Admission is $15 on Tuesday, $20 from Wednesday to Friday, and $22 on the weekend. Fairground rides are included in the initial admission price.
From thrilling rides to tractor pulls, animal shows, a miniature circus, and much more, there will be endless entertainment each day of the event. There are also special contests to check out, such as the Ugliest Cake Contest, a unique spin on a cake decorating competition.
Don’t miss out on the excitement at this summer’s Sunshine Fair!
Altamont Fair
The 2024 Altamont Fair will take place from August 13 to 18 at the Altamont Fairgrounds in Altamont. Pricing varies depending on age and activities.
This year’s featured attractions will include carnival rides, a Royal Hanneford Circus, racing pigs, Lucky E Rodeo and wrestling, and a demolition derby on the final day.
For something extra special, make sure to attend the sea lion show, free with admission! At the event, fairgoers will be able to watch sea lions do tricks, and learn a lot about the beloved species.
Washington County Fair
The 2024 Washington County Fair will be held from August 19 to 25 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Greenwich.
Tickets are available for purchase on their website, with a day pass currently costing $14, increasing to $15 on August 1. Children under 13 do not need a day pass. Ride tickets are $12 for 20 tickets.
The schedule is packed full of live music and events like the "Region's Got Talent" show, the always popular demolition derby, tractor pulls, Zultar the fortune teller, pig racing, carnival rides, and more. Bring the whole family out for a day of fun!
New York State Fair
Up for a full day trip? Hop in the car and head to the iconic New York State Fair this summer from August 21 to September 2 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, just over two hours from Albany.
Each year, the New York State Fair offers unforgettable attractions for the entire family, including numerous concerts, carnival rides, tasty food, eye-opening exhibits, and more.
One of the highlights is the annual butter sculpture, which has a different theme every year, and celebrates the region’s dairy farmers. Come see this impressive sculpture for yourself, and be sure to get a photo!
Columbia County Fair
Don’t miss the Columbia County Fair, taking place from August 28 to September 2 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham. Children 12 and under are free, and typical fair admission is $15.
The fair offers a wide variety of entertainment, including live music, magicians, a demolition derby, farm animal competitions, eating contests, carnival rides, and more.
If you want to get into the spirit of competition, then enter the ice cream eating event on Friday at noon. Get the family together for an amazing day!
The Great Schaghticoke Fair
Scheduled for August 28 to September 2 in Schaghticoke, The Great Schaghticoke Fair offers daily admission for $15, with special deals available. For the Midway rides, you can get an unlimited ride wristband for $30-35 depending on the day.
The fair is open from 10 AM to 10 PM, with the Midway rides opening at noon.
This year’s special guest is Flo Rida, who will perform on the Grandstand Stage on Saturday, August 31 at 8 PM. Tickets are available on the website and require fair admission as well.
Other entertainment includes a circus, a stingray exhibit, motorsports, a dog show, and more.
Capital District Scottish Games
This isn’t a county fair, but it is an event at the Altamont Fairgrounds! The Scottish Games will take place on August 31, 2024, featuring a variety of activities such as Highland dancing and athletics, a Scottish breed dog show, bands, events for the kids, and more.
You can also enter competitions like the pipe band contest, drumming, and Highland dance. Whether you're Scottish or just looking for a good time, you’ll want to end the summer by attending the Scottish Games.
Saratoga County Fair
Since 1841, the annual Saratoga County Fair has celebrated the region’s agricultural industry while entertaining visitors with attractions and activities. The tradition will continue with the Saratoga County Fair on July 23 to 28, 2024, at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa.
This fair promises a fun-filled week for the entire family with a variety of attractions and activities, including the Amusements of America Carnival, the 4-H shows, vendors, truck and tractor pulls, demonstrations, and more. Also check out Niagara Down Under, to hang out with a whole bunch of kangaroos and wallabies.
Whether you’re a fan of the delicious fried fair food, all the animal exhibits, or the interactive games, there is something for everyone at the Saratoga County Fair.
There are plenty of opportunities this summer to visit a fair in the Capital Region. Make your plans today!
