Ulster County Fair 2026 Dates, Hours, And What To Expect In New Paltz

If summer in the Hudson Valley had an official soundtrack, it would probably include the screams from the Ferris wheel, the sound of a concert drifting across the fairgrounds, and someone in the distance yelling, "Go! Go! Go!" during a watermelon-eating contest.

For generations, the Ulster County Fair has been one of those places where families make memories without even trying. One minute you're grabbing a funnel cake, the next you're watching racing pigs, cheering for complete strangers in a pie-eating contest, or discovering your kid's new favorite farm animal.

The fair returns to New Paltz from Tuesday, August 4 through Sunday, August 9, and if you haven't looked at what's happening this year, there's a lot more waiting for you than just rides.

Better yet, we're giving you the chance to win a pair of admission passes at the bottom of this article.

What's New at the 2026 Ulster County Fair? Kids 10 and Under Get In FREE

If you've been putting off a family trip because of admission costs, this year's fair has some great news.

Kids 10 and under are now admitted FREE, making it even easier to bring the whole family out for a day (or night) at the fair.

General admission is just $15 Wednesday through Sunday, and that gets you far more than just access to the midway.

Your ticket includes:

Live entertainment throughout the day
Every headline concert
Agricultural exhibits
Livestock barns
Shows and attractions
Free parking

Want unlimited rides? Dreamland Amusements is offering wristbands for $20 on Wednesday and Thursday and $30 Friday through Sunday.

Headlining Concerts at the 2026 Ulster County Fair

One thing people sometimes don't realize is that your admission includes a concert every night.

This year's lineup has something for just about everyone.

Tuesday: The Bunker Boys
Wednesday: Ricochet
Thursday: Thunderstruck: America's AC/DC Tribute
Friday: StevieMac (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
Saturday: Eli Young Band
Sunday: Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chubby Checker

Even if you weren't planning to stay all day, it's worth hanging around once the sun starts to go down.

It's More Than Just the Midway at the Ulster County Fair

Sure, the rides are fun. But some of the best moments at the Ulster County Fair happen after you wander away from the midway.

Maybe you'll find yourself watching pigs race around a tiny track. Maybe you'll stop to watch an artist turn a log into a work of art with nothing but a chainsaw. Or maybe you'll look up just in time to catch aerial acrobats flying above the water while a Jet Ski roars below.

You'll also find:

Robinson's Racing Pigs
Disc Connected K9's incredible frisbee dogs
The Aquatic Acrobatic Show
Live chainsaw carving
Horse shows throughout the week
Wednesday night fireworks
Carrie McQueen roaming the grounds on stilts
Livestock barns and agricultural exhibits
Local vendors, crafts, games, and plenty of fair food

Honestly, some of the best memories come from stumbling onto something you weren't expecting.

From Watermelon to Pie-Eating: The Traditions That Make the Ulster County Fair

Every county fair has rides. Every county fair has food. What separates a great county fair from an unforgettable one are the traditions.

There's something about seeing hundreds of people gather around to watch someone inhale a slice of pie, race through a watermelon, or battle for corn-shucking bragging rights that just feels... right.

These contests have been making people laugh for years, and they're still some of the most popular events on the fair schedule.

This year's contests include:

Corn Shucking Contest
Corn Eating Contest
Watermelon Eating Contest
Pie-Eating Contest
Hay Bale Throwing Contest
Round Bale Contest

Thinking about joining in?

Some competitions have already filled up, while others are still accepting entries. Check the Exhibitors & Competitions page on the Ulster County Fair website to see which contests are still open and register before the remaining spots disappear.

Even if you're not competing, grab a spot along the sidelines. They're just as much fun to watch.

The Ulster County Fair Continues Its Sensory-Friendly Tradition

The fair is also continuing one of its most appreciated additions by offering Sensory Safe Hours.

From Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM until 11 AM, guests can enjoy a quieter fairground before rides begin operating. On Wednesday and Thursday from 11 AM until Noon, rides operate without lights or music to create a calmer experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

The fair also provides a Sensory Safe Space and noise-canceling headphones for families who need them.

It's one more way the Ulster County Fair continues making sure everyone can enjoy the tradition.

Plan Your Visit to the 2026 Ulster County Fair

Tuesday: 4 PM - 10 PM
Wednesday & Thursday: 10 AM - 10 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM - 11 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 8 PM

Rides Open Daily at 11 AM, except on opening day when the fair opens at 4pm

Enter to Win Tickets to the 2026 Ulster County Fair

Whether it's your first trip or you've been coming for years, there's something about spending a summer day at the Ulster County Fair that never gets old.

Maybe it's the concerts. Maybe it's the rides. Maybe it's the food. Or maybe it's simply continuing a tradition that's been bringing Hudson Valley families together for generations.

Enter below for your chance to win a pair of admission passes to the 2026 Ulster County Fair.

We'll see you in New Paltz.