By Kate Bartlett
The 186th annual Erie County Fair (ECF) kicks off August 12–23 at The Fairgrounds in Hamburg, NY, with fun for all ages. The Fair offers a unique blend of rural tradition and modern entertainment, featuring family-friendly attractions including kids’ rides and games, arts and craft vendors, live entertainment, concerts, and a wide variety of food options. Fairgoers can also enjoy exciting new food offerings debuting at this year’s Fair alongside many of their traditional favorites.
Founded in 1819 (as the Niagara County Horticultural Society) and first held in Erie County in 1841, it’s the oldest civic organization in Western New York and the longest-running fair in the region. It has evolved to one of North America’s largest county fairs. Held on more than 300 acres of land in Hamburg, The Fairgrounds boasts 112 permanent buildings, four green parks, and the longest running carnival midway in the U.S., featuring about 70 rides and 100 games operated continuously since 1924 by James E. Strates Shows.
This year, the ECF is proud to introduce lower ticket prices in efforts to make the Fair more affordable for a wider range of guests. “We listened to our guests request and sought to make the Fair more accessible to everyone,” says Holly Smyczynski, Erie County Agricultural Society Sponsorship and Special Events specialist. For 2026, advance pricing is $15 per ticket through August 7; children 12 and under are free (when accompanied by a responsible adult 21 years or older), and regular gate admission is $19, and parking is free.
The Fair will also host a variety of special discount days, including Opening Day (Aug 12) with free admission when you bring in 4 or more cans of food for FeedMore WNY, free admission for Firefighters and Auxiliary Members (with proper ID) on August 14 and free admission for Veterans, Active Military, and Auxiliary Members (with proper ID) on August16. Senior Discount Day (62+, $12, August 18), and the return of the Early Bird Gate Pricing is $16 from 11am-1pm every day.
In addition to Fair favorites, Holly reports that this year the Erie County Fair will offer new additions to keep the event exciting. “One of the main reasons people come to the Fair is for the food,” explains Holly. “Not only will there be around over 25 new food offerings, but we encourage our vendors to provide a value item for $7 or less on their menu.” The Taste of the Fair will take place on August 17 where select vendors offer sample-sized portions for just $3.
Visitors can explore livestock shows, crop displays, and educational demonstrations highlighting local farming practices and innovations. Young fairgoers can enjoy Fair Bear’s Farmland, a dedicated space to see unique animals, do arts and crafts, and meet the Fair’s mascot, Fair Bear. This year, guests can visit their favorite animals and take photos with bunnies and goats in the new Cuddle Corner.
The Fair offers a wide variety of entertainment every day including live music, stage performances, and special events that appeal to all ages. Family favorites like the Racing Pigs, Sea Lion Splash, Mini Golf, and Hilby the German Juggle Boy will return, with new additions including a Strong Man Show, Eric Jones Sculpting Artist, Recycled Percussion, a Sword Swallower, Patrick Tobin singing Sinatra Style, the Catnip Junkies band, a New Orleans Street Band and more.
In addition to the Ultimate Night of Destruction (August 22), the Demolition Derby (August 23) and acclaimed Monster Truck Smash (August 21), the Erie County Fair brings a legendary lineup of diverse live music and comedy acts guaranteed to deliver unforgettable nights for audiences of all ages. Highlights include Happy Together Tour (August 14), Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors (August 18) and Jeff Foxworthy (August 19). Full list and tickets available at ECFair.org. Tickets to the Fair included with ticket cost.
Also, new this year, The ECF will host a Fire Truck Pull on August 14 along 42nd Street. “It’s going to be an exciting event,” remarks Holly. “We will have teams of 5 to compete in pulling a firetruck with a rope a distance of 75 feet.”
The Erie County Fair drives significant economic, community, and cultural impact across Western New York. The event not only anchors the region’s agricultural traditions but also acts as a massive tourism, employment, and local spending engine. “We don’t measure attendance,” explains Holly. “We measure our impact in the community.” The Opening Day Food Drive regularly collects record amounts of non-perishable food (exceeding 164,000 pounds in 2025) to benefit FeedMore WNY and $35,000 raised by local vendors and media for charities. “Those types of things are more important than attendance because it makes more of a difference.”
For more information and full schedule of events visit ecf.org.