Every SUNY Student Gets Free State Fair Admission On August 27

Today, July 24, 2026, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that all current SUNY students with a valid student ID card or incoming SUNY students with an admission letter will be admitted to the New York State Fair in Syracuse on Thursday, August 27th.

That day is designated as Student Youth Day at the New York State Fair. It's part of the Fair’s focus on providing more New Yorkers with a chance to experience this year's event, which runs from August 26th through September 7th.

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The Great New York State Fair is one of New York's most beloved annual traditions, where New Yorkers gather to celebrate the best of our state. Now, through free admission to this wonderful event, more SUNY students will be able to learn more about New York's extensive agricultural industry, history and culture, and enjoy all that The Fair has to offer. - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

 

Since 1841, the New York State Fair began in 1841, and is operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

According to the announcement from Governor Hochul, several SUNY schools will be represented throughout the run of the Fair, including Binghamton University. Here's a list of the participating schools and their events:

• Binghamton University will host a booth showcasing the work of the National Science Foundation Energy Storage Engine to advance the development of battery technologies.
• SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech will host an Agriculture Career Day, featuring an electrical circuit building activity and tractors to promote the JD Tech program. SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech will also host a daily display in the Future Farmers of America Tent with program literature and machinery components.
• SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry will be hosting hands-on STEM activities from August 26 through September 4 on topics including engineering, chemistry, invasive species, and the American chestnut tree restoration project.
• SUNY Morrisville will showcase the college's hands-on learning throughout the New York State Fair, with students participating in livestock judging at the cattle and sheep barns, a faculty member overseeing the herdsmanship contest in the dairy barn, and an information table in the dairy cattle building. Visitors can also meet University Police Officer Nicole Wright and K-9s Bruin and Ty during Law Enforcement Day on August 31.
• SUNY College of Optometry, in partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical University, will conduct vision screenings on September 2nd to highlight the new SUNY Optometry extension campus at SUNY Upstate, which opens in 2027.
• SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Mobile Mammography Van will provide screenings at the fair on Sept. 2 and 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. SUNY Upstate’s She Matters breast cancer screening support program will also be meeting at the same times, as well as its Pathway (Promoting Access to Training in Healthcare) program that will highlight ways the campus can help prepare individuals for careers in medicine. The campus will also be staffing the infirmary at the Fair.

For more information, visit the New York State Fair website.

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