The Commodores to Open the 2026 Great New York State Fair Chevrolet Music Series

Get ready to groove this summer, as celebrated soul and funk band The Commodores open the Chevrolet Music Series at the Great New York State Fair on Wednesday, August 26, at 1 p.m. at Chevy Court.

Formed in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1968, and signed to the legendary Motown label, The Commodores are one of the most enduring and influential bands in American music history. Known for their signature blend of soul, funk, and R&B, they achieved worldwide fame with chart-topping hits like "Brick House," "Easy," "Three Times a Lady," and "Nightshift." The group has earned multiple Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Their infectious grooves, smooth vocals, and memorable performances have made them a staple on stages around the globe for over five decades.

"The Commodores' timeless sound and incredible stage presence make them one of the most beloved acts in American music," said Fair Director Julie LaFave. "Their performance at The Fair is sure to bring a high-energy, unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. We're thrilled to welcome such an iconic group to kick off our concert series!"

The 2026 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, Instagram, and TikTok.

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