Rock Icon Melissa Etheridge to Return to The Great New York State Fair

You'll "want to come over" to Suburban Park as acclaimed singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge makes her momentous return to the Great New York State Fair's Pride Day lineup on Friday, August 28, at 8 p.m.

With her powerhouse vocals and soulful lyrics, Etheridge staked her claim as one of the preeminent women of rock. Captivating audiences for five decades with hits such as "Come to My Window," "I'm the Only One," "I Want to Come Over," and "Like the Way I Do," Etheridge's prolific songbook and riveting stage presence make her a must-see artist. In addition to her chart-topping success, she has also earned two Grammy Awards and one Academy Award for her original song "I Need to Wake Up." Among her honorary accolades, she has received the ASCAP Founders Award, an Honorary Doctor of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is ranked among VH1's list of 100 Greatest Women in Rock & Roll.

On March 27, Etheridge released RISE, her 17th studio album, a project that showcases her enduring blend of raw rock energy and deeply personal songwriting. The release coincides with her first nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone in a career that has spanned decades and influenced generations of artists.

"Melissa Etheridge is a rock icon who commands the stage," said Fair Director Julie LaFave. "Giving our fairgoers the opportunity to see legends of music perform as part of our concert series is one of the greatest joys of working at The Fair. We can't wait to see so many happy fans rocking out to her music!"

The Fair starts Wednesday, August 26, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. All concerts are included in the price of admission, which will go on sale later this summer. The Great New York State Fair is the most affordable state fair in the country. Tickets are $8 for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older.

In total, The Fair's 2026 Chevrolet Music Series will feature 41 national recording acts. There will be a daily 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. concert at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1), and an 8 p.m. concert each evening at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway). The Fair will also host two special shows at 9 p.m. on Friday, August 28 and September 4 at Chevy Court.

All concerts announced thus far are provided in the chart below. Fair staff will continue to update schedules on The Fair's website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

Suburban Park:

Chevy Court:

Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state's CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

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