Fair Night at The Ballpark Brings Summer’s Biggest Traditions Together

The Fair Teams Up with the Mets, Sponsoring Evening at NBT Bank Stadium on June 20

Night Includes Performances by Mini Kiss, Fair-Favorite Hilby, Fireworks, Plus Baseball and Fair Ticket Giveaways

Fair Director Julie LaFave to Throw Out First Pitch

The Great New York State Fair is stepping up to the plate this weekend as it partners with the Syracuse Mets for "The Great New York State Fair Night" at NBT Bank Stadium on June 20, 2026. The first pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

The special evening celebrates Syracuse's rich baseball tradition, recognizing 150 years of baseball in the Salt City, as the Syracuse Mets take on the Norfolk Tides. The event also serves as a preview of the excitement awaiting fairgoers when gates open at The New York State Fairgrounds later this summer on August 26.

Fans attending Fair Night will enjoy a full lineup of entertainment and giveaways. Fair-favorite Hilby will bring his signature blend of juggling, comedy, and audience interaction throughout the evening, while Mini Kiss will perform at a special pop-up Chevy Court from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Guests will also receive a unique baseball giveaway featuring The Fair logo, while supplies last, and can enter to win tickets to the 2026 Fair at The Fair's prize table on the main concourse. The Syracuse Mets will cap off the evening with a postgame fireworks show. Adding to the festivities, Fair Director Julie LaFave will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

"The Great New York State Fair and the Syracuse Mets are two of Central New York's favorite summer traditions," said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. "We're excited to welcome Fair fans to NBT Bank Stadium for a night that celebrates everything people love about summer in our community."

Fair Director Julie LaFave said, "Summer in Central New York is synonymous with The Syracuse Mets and The State Fair. We are excited to take part in this special evening at NBT Bank Stadium and cannot wait to celebrate the season with fairgoers and baseball fans alike."

Fans attending Fair Night can also take advantage of The Fair's Spring into Summer ticket sale, taking place June 18-22. During the promotion, single-day admission tickets are available for $6, a 25 percent savings off the regular admission price, providing an added opportunity for baseball fans to start planning their visit to the 2026 Great New York State Fair. Signage with QR codes for the special sale will be located at The Fair's merchandise truck near the main gate and at the prize table in the main concourse of the stadium.

In addition to celebrating The Fair, the event highlights the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets' Taste NY program, which is featured throughout NBT Bank Stadium all season long. Taste NY connects consumers with high-quality food and beverages produced across New York State, showcasing the strength and diversity of the state's agricultural industry. Fans visiting the ballpark can enjoy a variety of New York-made products from vendors including 1911 Hard Cider, Hofmann Hot Dogs, Lunkenheimer Brewing, Perry's Ice Cream, Recess Coffee, Saranac, The Pierogie Guy, Thousand Islands Winery, and Utica Club.

The Taste NY partnership continues to deliver strong results. During the 2025 season, Syracuse Mets fans purchased more than $800,000 in Taste NY products, including more than $300,000 in New York craft beverages and nearly $300,000 in Hofmann Hot Dogs, underscoring the popularity of locally produced food and drink among baseball fans.

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.

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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