Summer is in the air in the Hudson Valley, and with it comes the return of one of the season’s most nostalgic to-dos. After all, who doesn’t have fond memories of childhood visits to the county fair? Throughout the region, local fests spotlight regional agriculture, delight with rides galore, and dish up the fair food we all know and love (fried Oreos, anyone?). Here are the dates to bookmark this season:
Orange County Fair
Orange County Fairgrounds, Middletown
July 18-28
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One of the oldest fairs in New York hosts a full lineup of concerts, including glam metal cover bands, in a recently renovated amphitheater. Open daily for 10 days, this year’s fair is the 184th annual celebration of the festivities.Â
Greene County Youth Fair
Cairo
July 25-28
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This fair focuses on youth involvement in local agriculture and is free for all ages. Make sure to purchase tickets for the pig raffle on July 28—the winner will receive a whole pig’s worth of pork chops, bacon, and more.
Ulster County Fair
Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz
July 30 – August 4
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What started in the 19th century as a small fair featuring horse racing and agricultural exhibits has since grown into the county staple that it is today. At this mid-summer event, experience all of the classic elements of the fair, from cotton candy and fried dough to animals and racing pigs to rides and entertainment.Â
Altamont Fair
Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont
August 13-18
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With horse shows, demolition derbies, local music, and 4-H exhibits, the Altamont Fairgrounds will have something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the popular midway carnival rides and performances like the rodeo, circus, and a sea lion splash show throughout the week-long event.
Dutchess County Fair
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
August 20-25
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Rhinebeck hosts the largest county fair in the Hudson Valley (and second largest in the state). Catch headlining concerts by big names like Tracy Byrd, Rick Springfield, and Kameron Marlowe. When you’re not enjoying the live music, chow down on the venue’s many food options, hop on the Ferris wheel, or stand front and center for pig races, dog shows, and motor sports events.
Columbia County Fair
Columbia County Fairgrounds, Chatham
August 28 – September 2
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Explore competitions of all kinds from duct tape fashion and talent shows to a demolition derby and ice cream-eating contest. As for the entertainment, Columbia doesn’t miss a beat with a lineup that includes six days of local and national talent like Bachelor Chris, Sammy Kershaw, Magic Ben, and Master of the Chainsaw.Â
Schaghticoke Fair
Schaghticoke
August 28 – September 2
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This Labor Day weekend event contains six days of action-packed fair fun. From the circus to dog shows to this year’s special guest, Flo Rida, the Schaghticoke Fair is a family-friendly spectacular that you’ll look forward to all summer long.
Yorktown Grange Fair
Yorktown Grange Fairgrounds, Yorktown Heights
September 6-8
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Hosted by the Yorktown Grange Agricultural Society, this annual fair dates to 1924 and showcases local art, crafts, baking, livestock, and horticulture. Celebrating the centennial this year, the fair was recently recognized by New York State Assemblyman Matt Slater, who noted that “the Yorktown Grange Fair has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to provide cultural enrichment, lessons in history and agriculture, as well as entertainment to its community, and, as a result, has brought pride and recognition to its local community and to our great Empire State.”
Related: Spend Your Summer at These Hudson Valley Craft Fairs