Experience a Classic Upstate New York Tradition at the Boonville-Oneida County Fair
Summer in Upstate New York wouldn’t feel complete without fair season.
Your Guide to the 2026 Boonville-Oneida County Fair
For generations, summer in Oneida County has meant one thing: fair season. Since 1888, the Boonville-Oneida County Fair has been one of New York State's most enduring summer traditions, drawing families, farmers, exhibitors, and visitors to Boonville each year for a week of agricultural heritage, live entertainment, and community.
The 2026 fair runs July 28 through August 2 in Boonville, NY, just 30 minutes north of Utica. This year's theme, "Showcasing Agriculture for 138 of Our Nation's 250 Years," connects the fair's history to America's 250th anniversary, honoring the role agriculture has played in shaping this region and this country.
Here's what's happening each day.
Opening Day | Tuesday, July 28
The fair opens Tuesday with a full day of family-friendly events, including the Kiddie Tractor Pedal Pull, the 4-H Dog Show, and Clydesdale wagon rides. The Coleman Brothers Midway opens at 2:00 p.m., bringing carnival rides, games, and classic fair food to the grounds.
The evening wraps up with the annual Grand Parade at 7:00 p.m., one of the week's most popular traditions.
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday is built around agricultural tradition and evening entertainment. The Draft Horse Show and 4-H Dairy Show fill the morning, followed by the Heavyweight Horse Pull in the afternoon.
After dark, the grandstand hosts East Coast Pro Wrestling at 7:30 p.m. and live music from Tony "Long Toes" Levesque, with a fireworks display over the fairgrounds at 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 30
Tractor fans won't want to miss Thursday. The Out of Field Tractor Pull and Antique Tractor Pull kick things off at 9:00 a.m., and the New York State Tractor Pull takes over the grandstand in the evening. Live music from The Dusty Puppies closes the night at the Hauf Brau.
Friday, July 31 | Children's Day and Pink Out Day
Friday is one of the most family-focused days of the fair. Reduced admission for children makes it a smart day to bring the whole family for rides, exhibits, and attractions.
Truck pulling fans can catch the 4-Wheel Truck Pull starting at noon and the Mohawk Valley Pro Pulling League Truck Pull that evening. Live music from Where's Bella and the Midway's Midnight Madness keep the fairgrounds going well after dark.
Saturday, August 1
Saturday is the biggest night of the fair. GRAMMY-nominated country artist John Morgan performs live in the grandstand at 7:30 p.m. Known for multiple number-one hits and songwriting credits with some of country music's biggest names, it's one of the most-anticipated events of the week. Grandstand seating opens at 6:00 p.m., and advance tickets are available at boonvillefair.com.
Broken Rule follows with live music at the Hauf Brau.
Sunday, August 2 | Demolition Derby
The fair closes Sunday with the fan-favorite Demolition Derby, with sessions at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. It's the kind of send-off that keeps people coming back every year.
Plan Your Visit
The Boonville-Oneida County Fair is located in Boonville, NY, about 30 minutes north of Utica in the heart of Oneida County. Whether you're making a day trip or building a longer visit to the region, the fair is one of the best summer events in Upstate New York.
Tickets, the full event schedule, and grandstand information are available at boonvillefair.com.

