The Calling to Celebrate Anniversary at The Great New York State Fair

American rock band The Calling, whose #1 chart-topping single made waves 25 years ago this month, will perform at Chevy Court at The Great New York State Fair on Thursday, August 27, at 1 p.m.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1996 and fronted by vocalist Alex Band, The Calling rose to international fame with their 2001 multi-platinum debut album Camino Palmero. The album featured their signature hit "Wherever You Will Go," which topped the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart for a record-setting run and became one of the most recognizable rock songs of the early 2000s. The band's soaring melodies and emotional lyrics resonate with fans, continuing to garner millions of monthly listeners on Spotify and across adult contemporary radio stations. The band just released their new single, "DUST," this month.

"The Calling created one of the most memorable rock anthems of the 2000s," said Fair Director Julie LaFave. "Their timeless sound and energetic live show make them a fantastic addition to this year's concert lineup!"

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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