Experience the Erie County Fair on August 13 with sensory-friendly hours, $2 rides, a new food showdown, diverse entertainment, and nightly fireworks.

HAMBURG, N.Y. — If you’re headed to the Erie County Fair on Thursday, August 13, here’s what’s a happening:

Sensory Day. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Erie County Fair will have a sensory-friendly experience by reducing lights and sounds throughout the Fairgrounds. This helps create a quieter, more comfortable and inclusive environment for those who may need a quieter experience. 



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NEW THIS YEAR!  $2 Rides Day on Thursday, August 13!
All Strates Shows Midway rides are just $2 per ride, and will be available for purchase at Strates Shows Midway Ticket Booths on August 13 only.New Food Showdown. There are 41 new foods debuting at the Fair this year. You can vote for your favorites in the New Food Showdown through the Fairgrounds mobile app or at ECFair.org.

Agriculture is the heart of the Fair. Visitors can also get a taste of the Fair’s agricultural roots with livestock and equine competitions happening throughout the day.

Hunter Jumper Show – all day, Horse Show RingOpen Breeding Sheep Show – 11:30 a.m., Showplex4-H & FFA Poultry & Rabbit Dressing Contests – 1 p.m., Livestock Arena4-H & FFA Dairy Goat Show – 4 p.m., Livestock Arena

Touch-A-Truck. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. near Gate 1, Children  can explore large vehicles and equipment up close. 

Family Entertainment. There will be a variety of entertainment included with your Fair admission throughout the day:

Sea Lion Splash – 1, 4 and 7 p.m. outside Showplace. The show features talented sea lions demonstrating their intelligence.Xtreme Strongman Show – 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. inside Gate 5. Watch incredible feats of strength and athleticism in this high-energy show.Mariachi Divas – 1 and 3:30 p.m. throughout the Fairgrounds. This colorful strolling musical act brings festive music and entertainment to fairgoers.

Demonstrations and Contests. 

Chalk Art Competition – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., under the Showplex AwningGlass Blowing Demonstrations – 2 to 8 p.m., 42nd Street. Finished pieces will be available through a silent auction benefiting the Erie County Agricultural Society Scholarship Fund.Fairly Sweet Sugarhouse Demonstration – 3 to 6 p.m., Agriculture Discovery Center

Firefighter Honoree of the Day: Robert Lutz. The Fair will honor Robert Lutz of the Sheridan Park Fire District at 6 p.m. outside the Firemen’s Building. Lutz began his fire service career in 1976 and has dedicated nearly five decades to protecting his community.

Daily Flag Retreat Ceremony. U.S. Air Force veteran David Lawrence Gabel will be honored during the daily Flag Retreat Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in Slade Park. The ceremony will honor his military service and continued commitment to his community.

Live Music Throughout the Fairgrounds. Thursday features live music at several of the Fair stages and venues, including Special Delivery at 1 p.m. and Tom from MySpace at 7 p.m. at Slade Park, Dave & Cyn at 12:30 p.m. and Apple Jack at 7 p.m. in the Carousel Beer Garden.

Skylighters Fireworks. You can end the night with the nightly fireworks display.

For a full schedule of daily events, coupons, admission information and updates, visit www.ecfair.org or check the Fairgrounds mobile app. The Erie County Fair runs through August 23, 2026.