What do a mentalist, a lumberjack and a Woolly Mammoth have in common? Well, they’ll all be part of the grounds entertainment at this year’s New York State Fair.
The NYS Fair is bringing nine new family-friendly attractions, experiences and shows that will take place throughout the fairgrounds. All are free with admission to the Fair, which runs from Aug. 20-Sept. 1.
Here’s what’s new:
Ice Age Experience
All day in Expo Center
Step into a breathtaking journey through time with the Ice Age Experience, a captivating adventure that brings the prehistoric world to life! This immersive exhibit features life-sized animatronic creatures, meticulously crafted to showcase the grandeur of the Ice Age. Witness the extraordinary animals that once roamed our planet, from towering Woolly Mammoths with lifelike fur and animatronic movements to the majestic yet elusive Megatherium, a giant ground sloth, whose sheer size is awe-inspiring..
Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show
12:30, 4:15 and 6:30 p.m. in Central Park
From “America’s Got Talent,” this show will amaze audiences with highly trained rescue dogs performing incredible stunts, daring tricks, and jaw-dropping feats of agility and obedience. Combining entertainment, skill, and heart, this show is perfect for all ages and promises a memorable experience filled with excitement and canine talent.
Good Works Drone Shows
Hundreds of synchronized drones create stunning, colorful displays in the night sky. These breathtaking aerial shows combine innovative technology with artistry to deliver mesmerizing visual spectacles – a one-of-a-kind drone performance that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression.
Jon Stetson – The Mentalist
11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Empire Theater
Jon Stetson, the renowned mentalist who inspired the CBS TV show of the same name, will display his astonishing intuitive powers while also guiding audiences toward a more fulfilled life. Through his captivating performances, he helps you develop self-awareness, intuition, self-empowerment, and unlock your greater potential—making his show both entertaining and inspiring for all.
The Living Zultar
12:30, 2:45 and 5:15 p.m. outside Dairy Products Building
Inspired by Zoltar from the 1988 film “Big,” The Living Zultar is an experienced comic actor, magician, and impressionist who has been delighting audiences for over 30 years. Blending expert sleight-of-hand magic with quick humor, The Living Zultar brings the mechanical fortune teller to life in a truly captivating performance. (Limited engagement: August 20-25.)
Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
11:30, 3 and 5 p.m. in Central Park
Expert lumberjacks demonstrate impressive axe throwing, wood chopping, and log rolling skills in an action-packed, family-friendly performance. Celebrating the rugged spirit of the logging industry, this show offers entertainment, education, and a touch of Americana for audiences of all ages.
Stilt Circus
1:15 and 6 p.m. along Broadway
Talented performers showcase gravity-defying stilt walking, acrobatics, and captivating acts in a dazzling display of skill and artistry. Stilt Circus brings a lively, colorful atmosphere that will enchant audiences of all ages.
The Tiki Shack
12:45, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. along Restaurant Row
This lively and colorful bamboo hut on wheels is bringing an island vibe, with live music and hula hoops for the kids – so sing along with some island favorites!
The Wheels of Agriculture featuring Trivia Tractor
11 a.m., 2 and 4:45 p.m. at New York Voice of the Farmer Garden
The Wheels of Agriculture offers a fun-filled, interactive experience that celebrates agriculture with an engaging stage game show featuring trivia on local farming, animals, and food, providing both entertainment and educational insights for visitors of all ages. Complementing this, the Trivia Tractor is a lively mobile game show with audience participation, giant foam dice, and prizes, capable of popping up anywhere at the Fair to deliver dice-driven questions about farming in a fun and unpredictable way.
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Returning entertainment acts and exhibits also include The Coronas Family Petting Zoo; Hilby – The Skinny German Juggle Boy (Aug. 26-Sept. 1); Hollywood Pig Races; Majestic Fireworks (on Labor Day at 8 p.m.); Birds of Prey, hosted by Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Inc; and Circus Hollywood. The Sandman Matt Long will also be in the Center of Progress Building from Aug. 20-24, crafting this year’s sand sculpture that will be completed by Aug. 25.
“We’re excited to present a diverse and dynamic lineup of grounds entertainment for this year’s Fair,” said Fair Director Julie LaFave. “From adorable animals and spectacular shows to interactive experiences like the new Ice Age exhibit, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families and visitors from across the region to experience all the fun and excitement.”
All of the grounds entertainment is booked as part of the Fair’s new five-year agreement with concert promoter Romeo Entertainment Group (REG). REG also books the daily concerts featuring national acts at Chevy Court and Suburban Park.
The 2025 New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, Aug. 20, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, in Geddes, N.Y. Admission is $8 this year, and free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older.
For maps, showtimes and more information, visit nysfair.ny.gov.
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