The rainbow lights of a ferris wheel scream summertime. When they’re paired with butter sculptures, karaoke, petting zoos, and pig racing, it only gets better. July and August in the Hudson Valley are bustling with county fairs, each with its own character. Whether it involves thrill-seeking on carnival rides, a leisurely loop on the ferris wheel, or taste-testing every fried food under the sun, summer isn’t complete without a fair or two. Sure, the games are scams, but that’s just part of the fun.
Orange County Fair, Orange County Fairgrounds, Middletown
July 17-27
The Orange County fair is packed with special shows and performances in its 185th year. It features a petting zoo, a circus show, karaoke, fireworks, a performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” by Be A Star Video and monster truck shows. Each day features a live performance of a different band, many of them tribute bands, like Beach Floyd covering Pink Floyd on July 19 or Back 2 Mac covering Fleetwood Mac. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 65+ or kids 7-12, or free for kids under 6.
Greene County Youth Fair, Cairo
July 24-27
This fair started as a place for 4H youth to show off their projects, and quickly grew to an event that everyone could enjoy. However, its agricultural roots are still strong, with the fair featuring animal kiddie rides, a tractor pull, a beekeeping exhibit, and animal pens, to name a few. It’s a 4H kid’s dream, with agriculture educational lessons being offered as well as horse shows and animal talent shows. Admission to the Youth Fair is always free, setting it apart from all other fairs in the state. This year is the fair’s 71st year. The fair will run from 9am-9pm every day, except on Sunday, where the hours will be 9am-3pm. On Saturday night, a fireworks show will start at dusk.
Ulster County Fair, Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz
July 29-August 3
Featuring a circus, racing pigs, a horse show, a baby contest, a petting zoo, and a chainsaw carver, the Ulster County Fair has something for everyone. Live music from Joe Adee & the Lug Nuts, Chubby Checker, Cook & Belle, Lorrie Morgan, Asia featuring John Payne, and Emily Ann Roberts add a live soundtrack to the jingle of carnival games and rides. Tickets at the gate are $15. On July 29, they’ll have a special “10 and 2” special, where tickets are $10 and rides are $2. Sensory-friendly hours, where rides will have no lights or music, will be between 10am and 11am everyday, and will go until 12pm on Wednesday and Thursday.
Grahamsville Little World’s Fair, Grahamsville
August 15-17
The longest-running independent fair in New York State is back for its 145th year this summer. Held at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds, the beloved Little World’s Fair runs from early morning into late night, with a hefty schedule of events. The fair includes a horse show, pig races, a derby, an animal costume contest, food vendors, and rides galore. Admission is free for kids 4 and under and seniors 75 and older, $5 for kids 5-11, and $8 for those 12-74. The fair also has sensory-friendly hours on Saturday from 10am-noon, for only $5 per ticket.
Dutchess County Fair, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
August 19-24
The Dutchess County Fair has hyper-realistic butter sculptures, frisbee-catching dogs, a Power Rangers-inspired live show, and people riding on life-sized dragon puppets. Dating back to 1842, it’s one of the longest-running and largest fairs in New York state. Live performers like Roots & Boots and Cheap Tricks will play on the main stage. Hundreds of vendors will set up at the fairgrounds, selling practically anything from food to furniture to accessories. 4H will also lead a livestock auction and livestock competitions, like goat and pig shows.
Columbia County Fair, Chatham
August 27-September 1
The Columbia County Fair dates back to the 1840s, and is hosting its 184th year this year. Classic fair rides and food will be plentiful, in addition to games, live animals, a petting zoo, and a 4H milk bar. Like in previous years, demolition derbies and monster truck pulls will be back to make a scene at the fair this year. Tickets are $15, but on Wednesday, there’s a special sale where adults only have to pay $5. Unlimited ride presale bracelets are $25, or $30 at the gates.
