FAQS

Shirts and shoes required. Clothing and visible tattoos that depict violence, nudity, gang affiliation, vulgarity, offensive, or discriminatory language or graphics are prohibited at all times. Facial coverings are not permitted, unless for religious or health related reasons. By entering onto the Fairgrounds, you are consenting that your image (still or video) can be used by the Erie County Agricultural Society for promotional purposes.

The Erie County Fair Prohibits:

•Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to: firearms, knives, objects that appear to be weapons, pepper spray, mace, tasers, or other self-defense items
•Fireworks or other explosive and flammable objects
• Outside alcoholic beverages or any illegal substance
• Drones or any remote-controlled toys
• Bikes, skateboards, skates, hoverboards
• Pets, including emotional support animals (service animals permitted)
• Face coverings intended to conceal wearer’s identity (religious and health reasons permitted)
• Signs & placards
• Other items may be refused at the discretion of the Erie County Fair security team

Yes, The Erie County Agricultural Society (ECAS) is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, family-friendly environment for all guests, participants, employees, vendors, volunteers, and partners. By purchasing, accepting, or using a ticket, and by entering ECAS' private property, guests agree to follow all posted rules, safety policies, the ECAS Guest Code of Conduct, and are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner.

Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to: disorderly, disruptive, threatening, abusive, obscene, unsafe, illegal, or offensive behavior; fighting; running (other than in an emergency); throwing objects; blocking walkways, entrances, exits, exhibits, concessions, emergency routes, or access points; failure to follow instructions from ECAS staff, security, law enforcement, or public safety personnel; possession of prohibited items; unauthorized solicitation, vending, demonstrations, distribution of materials, or ticket resale; and any activity that interferes with the safety, rights, or enjoyment of others.

Tickets are revocable. ECAS reserves the right to refuse admission, remove any person from the property, revoke tickets, or deny future admission without refund, issue trespass notices, refer matters to law enforcement, or pursue civil or criminal remedies for violation of these rules or any conduct deemed by ECAS to be unsafe, disruptive, or inconsistent with the purpose and character of the event.

The safety and well-being of our patrons continue to be our highest priority. Should circumstances indicate the need to do so, ECAS reserves the right to review and revise its Youth Admission Policy whenever necessary to promote a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for all visitors. Any such revisions to our Policy will be communicated through ECAS’ official channels, including the website, social media, and our media partners.

ECAS reserves the right to modify this policy as operational conditions require.

Kids 12 & under - Free (no ticket necessary) - Children 12 years old and younger receive free admission to the Fairgrounds but must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult who is 21 or older. Fair management reserves the right to request proof of age from the accompanying adult if necessary.

Advance sale gate admission available July 7-August 7, online only, for $15.00.

August Gate Admission
Pricing is $19 will be available online August 8-23 and at the gate during the Fair, August 12-23 (credit/debit card only).

For additional gate specials, visit the Admission & Hours Page

Advance sale gate admission available July 7-August 7. Online only.
• Adults (13 & over) - $15; an 11.8% savings from 2025
Kids 12 & under - Free (no ticket necessary) - Children 12 years old and younger receive free admission to the Fairgrounds but must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult who is 21 or older. Fair management reserves the right to request proof of age from the accompanying adult if necessary.
Admission & Hours Page

Parking is free.

Yes. There will be kiosks at the gates for you to purchase admission tickets.

• Opening Day, Wednesday, August 12th, admission is FREE with a 4 or more canned food donation to benefit FeedMore WNY
• Friday, August 14th, admission is free for Firefighters and Auxiliary Members with proper ID at the gate.
• Sunday, August 16th, admission is free for Veterans, Active Military and Auxiliary Members with proper ID at the gate.
• Tuesday, August 18 is Senior Discount Day (62+). $12 admission for individuals ages 62 and over with ID (only available for purchase at the gate and must be redeemed that day). A 20% savings from 2025.
• Wednesday, August 19 is Double The Fun Gate Discount Day. Two admission tickets for $30. This pricing will be available online and at the gate on August 19th and are only valid that day.
• New in 2026! Early Bird Pricing runs every day August 12-23. Admission available for just $16 when tickets are purchased and redeemed at the gate between 11am-1pm each day of the Fair.
• Children 12 & under are free every day - Children 12 years old and younger receive free admission to the Fairgrounds but must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult who is 21 or older. Fair management reserves the right to request proof of age from the accompanying adult if necessary.

On Friday, August 14th, admission is free for Firefighters and Auxiliary Members with proper ID.
• Each Firefighter and Auxiliary Member who attends the Fair under the free admission policy on this day, will receive a $10 voucher to be used towards food/beverage at any concession stand OR towards wristband/tickets for rides on the Strates Shows Midway. The voucher will only be accepted on Firefighters day, Friday, August 14th.

On Sunday, August 16th, admission is free for Veterans, Active Military and Auxiliary Members with proper ID.
• Each Veteran Active Military and Auxiliary Member who attends the Fair under the free admission policy on this day, will receive a $10 voucher to be used towards food/beverage at any concession stand OR towards wristband/tickets for rides on the Strates Shows Midway. The voucher will only be accepted on Veterans day, Sunday, August 16th.

Gate Hours:
11:00am-10:00pm every day.

Building Hours:
11:00am-10:00pm every day.

Midway Hours:
12:00-11:00pm every day.

Yes, but only when you get a hand stamp before you exit.

Reverse ATMs will be available at Gate 1 and 4 for individuals who do not have a credit/debit card readily available. Fairgoers can bring cash to the reverse ATM and receive a card to use at the gate and where credit cards are accepted around the grounds. There is no extra fee to use the reverse ATM.

No, you can either show your ticket on your mobile device or print it out.

NO, pets are NOT allowed.
ONLY legitimate, trained service animals are allowed on the grounds. Therapy dogs, emotional support animals, comfort dogs and pets will not be permitted. Service animals in training are not permitted on the grounds; rare exceptions will be allowed.
Security are trained to address and identify those dogs that are not service animals. You will not be permitted onto the grounds with your ESA or pet dog. This policy is for the safety of our guests as well are your furry companion. Please do not bring your pet as you will be asked to remove them from the Fair and we do not want them to be sitting in a hot vehicle.
All animals (cattle, fowl, pigs, etc.) at the Fair are checked by a NYS Veterinarian when they arrive on the fairgrounds. Their living conditions are checked throughout the week to ensure that the animals are safe and treated properly.

No, we do not require bags to be clear. Bags will be searched by security at the entrance gates.

Yes, you can bring a cooler with you. No glass or alcohol will be allowed in. Your bag will be checked at the gate by security.

Yes, you are able to bring in your own food and drink. There are water refilling stations located throughout the grounds inside Showplex, the Agriculture Discovery Center, Event Center, and near Gate 5.

No glass or alcohol allowed to come in.

Rental Information

The Erie County Fair does allow the carry-in of outside food. If you have specific dietary needs, please make sure to bring food that is safe for you to eat.

As with any dietary limitation, we encourage Fairgoers to ask questions of the vendors to directly help decide what food options are the most appropriate.

Erie County Fair souvenir cups from previous years can be used at this year’s Erie County Fair as well. Refills are $4.

YES! Vendors inside the Erie County Fair have the option of accepting cash as a form of payment. Most vendors will accept both cash and credit cards.

Need more cash? We’ve got you covered with ATMs throughout the Fairgrounds.

See lineup here

Grandstand tickets go on sale Friday, June 5 at 10am!
Only available to purchase online at ECFair.org. No in-person sales.

Tickets purchased in advance include admission to the fair on the day of the performance.

Yes, your ticket includes admission to the Fair on the day of the performance.

Yes!

Cameras are allowed as long as they are not professional cameras with a telephoto lens and they do not obstruct others in their use. Video recording equipment is not allowed. Some artists may have additional requirements for camera use. In this case, patrons will be advised ahead of the show.

You can bring an umbrella into the Grandstand but you are NOT allowed to open the umbrella as it obstructs guests from seeing the show. Some of the General Admission/Grandstand seats are covered, however, the track seats are not. Guests are encouraged to keep an eye on the weather on the day of the event and dress accordingly.

Track seating is not covered. Grandstand seats are mostly under cover. However, there are sections of general admission bleachers that are not. Guests are reminded to dress accordingly.

You may bring bags, food and beverages into the Grandstand. You are also allowed to bring cameras as long as there is not a professional lens attached.

After you purchase a ticket, you will be emailed a receipt. That is NOT your ticket. Grandstand tickets purchased prior to August 5 will be emailed on August 5. Any grandstand ticket purchased August 5-23 will be emailed automatically.

If you do not receive an email, you can always use our FIND MY ORDER feature.

Grandstand tickets purchased prior to August 5 will be emailed on August 5. Any grandstand ticket purchased August 5-23 will be emailed automatically.

If you do not receive an email, you can always use our FIND MY ORDER feature.

All ticket sales are final. No refunds. All events are rain or shine. Grandstand ticket includes admission to the Fair on the day of the performance. Please be sure you have selected the correct venue (we are in Hamburg, NY), your desired seats, and the correct number of tickets before purchasing. The ticket holder agrees to comply with all Erie County Fair and Grandstand policies and protocols including health, safety and security at the time of the event.
Please be aware of where you purchase your concert tickets. The Erie County Fair exclusively sells tickets through SaffireTix (accessed via ECFair.org) and is the ONLY authorized source for Erie County Fair Grandstand Tickets. This way if an event is canceled or postponed, you have options. To ensure your security, concert tickets bought before August 5 will be emailed on August 5. The Erie County Fair is not responsible for counterfeit tickets, third party vendors or ticket aftermarket/re-sales.

If you have any questions, call (716) 649-3900 before you click.

Erie County Fair officials will be taking photographs and video during this event, which may be used for future marketing purposes.

Yes, however if you are having trouble completing your transaction, please call the Main Office at 716-649-3900. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm ET.

For more information regarding the Competitive Exhibits Department please call 716-649-3900 or click on the competitions tab to find the Competitive Exhibit you are looking for.

Click Here for vendor information.