Just 90 Minutes from NYC: Ulster County Fair Returns This August with Racing Pigs, Carnival Rides, and Chainsaw Art

One of New York State's most cherished summer traditions is making its annual comeback. The Ulster County Fair, a beloved fixture since 1886, returns to New Paltz this August, treating visitors to six days of carnival excitement, agricultural showcases, live shows, and classic fairground eats — all within a breezy 90-minute drive from Manhattan.

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New Yorkers craving that quintessential summertime escape won't need to venture far. The Ulster County Fair delivers the complete county fair experience just a short trip up the Hudson Valley.

For close to 140 summers, families have flocked to this Hudson Valley staple for its blend of midway thrills, blue-ribbon farm animals, pig races, demolition derbies, and generous helpings of funnel cake. It's the kind of event that feels delightfully unchanged by time.

This year's edition promises another round of classic summer fun, packing carnival rides, farming competitions, local artisan vendors, and entertainment suitable for all ages into the New Paltz fairgrounds. Established in 1886, this is one of New York's longest continually running county fairs — a seasonal ritual that countless New York families return to generation after generation.

Despite all the changes the past century has brought, the fair stands firm as a signature summer highlight of the Hudson Valley.

Dates and Location

The Ulster County Fair runs from August 4 through August 9, 2026, at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz, New York (249 Libertyville Road).

Spanning six full days, the event gives visitors ample opportunity to take in everything on offer without feeling rushed.

Tucked into the heart of the Hudson Valley, the fairgrounds sit roughly 90 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, making this an ideal day trip or a relaxed weekend getaway from the city.

Founded in 1886 as a celebration of the region's agricultural roots, the fair still stays true to that original mission through its livestock contests, educational farming exhibits, and displays from Hudson Valley producers.

While much in the world has evolved since then, the Ulster County Fair remains a steadfast summer tradition.

What Awaits at the Fair

Whether you're drawn by nostalgic fairground food or the adrenaline of the midway, there's something for everyone across the six-day schedule.

Highlights of this year's fair include:

A bustling midway packed with carnival rides and classic fairground games

Robinson's Racing Pigs — a crowd favorite featuring comical pig sprints (and yes, swimming pigs) held multiple times daily

Disc-Connected K9s, the world-champion frisbee dogs, performing jaw-dropping aerial catches and tricks

An Aquatic Acrobatic Show featuring high divers, living mermaids, aqua bola performers, and Jet Ski stunts

Live chainsaw carving demonstrations where artists turn raw logs into intricate wooden sculptures before your eyes

A fireworks display lighting up the sky on Wednesday evening

Livestock judging, horse shows, 4-H exhibits, and agricultural displays honouring the farming heritage of the Hudson Valley

Truck and tractor pulls alongside other time-honoured fair competitions

Classic fair concessions: funnel cakes, fried favourites, barbecue, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and much more

Shopping vendors, family-oriented attractions, and exhibits spread throughout the fairgrounds

Since its 1886 debut, the fair has evolved while never losing sight of its agricultural origins.

Today it strikes the perfect balance between time-honoured traditions — livestock shows, 4-H competitions — and modern crowd-pleasing entertainment.

Ticket Information

Admission is reasonably priced, with several options available:

Online presale (July 6 – August 4): $10

Online purchase (August 5–9): $12

At the gate (Wednesday–Sunday): $15

Note that carnival rides are not covered by general admission — separate ride tickets or wristbands must be purchased.

Tickets are available online ahead of your visit.

Why It's Worth the Trip from NYC

A New York summer hardly feels complete without at least one county fair on the calendar, and the Ulster County Fair checks every box you'd want from a classic American fair: historic character, midway excitement, award-winning livestock, live entertainment, and all the funnel cake you can handle.

Paired with New Paltz's charming walkable downtown, the nearby hiking trails of Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park, and the abundance of Hudson Valley restaurants and wineries, it's effortless to turn a fair visit into a full-day — or even a weekend — escape from city life.

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