Singer-Songwriter Jesse McCartney Makes Momentous Return to The Great New York State Fair

"How Do You Sleep" on exciting news like this? You don't! Platinum-selling artist Jesse McCartney is bringing his hit songs to The Great New York State Fair this summer. Fairgoers won't want to miss his performance at Chevy Court at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 3.

McCartney, a talented singer-songwriter and actor, rose to fame in the early 2000s with his catchy pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics. He gained widespread recognition with his 2004 debut solo album Beautiful Soul, which featured the chart-topping title track. He went on to release several successful albums, including Jesse McCartney (2006) and Departure (2008), showcasing his versatility as an artist. Among his biggest hits are "Leavin'," "How Do You Sleep," and "Body Language," and he co-wrote Leona Lewis' global smash "Bleeding Love." McCartney's music is known for its infectious hooks and relatable lyrics, earning him a devoted fan base across pop and R&B.

"Jesse McCartney's music makes me want to roll the windows down and sing along," said Fair Director Julie LaFave. "We're thrilled to welcome him to the fairgrounds to entertain fans of all ages with his energetic performance and timeless hits."

Building on the success of his critically acclaimed independent album All's Well and its sold-out national tour, McCartney has reemerged as a dynamic live performer. His fall run, The Weightless Tour, blended fan-favorite classics with his more recent material, adding a deeper emotional dimension to his performances. That momentum continued with a special reunion alongside the Jonas Brothers, where McCartney appeared as a surprise guest at stadium shows, including MetLife Stadium and Fenway Park. The chemistry proved so strong that he was invited to join their tour immediately after his own wrapped.

In addition to his music career, McCartney has also appeared in television and film, including roles on shows like All My Children and Greek, and voice work in movies like Alvin and the Chipmunks and the video game series Kingdom Hearts-further demonstrating his broad talent and appeal.

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.

###