Savings in store at the 2026 Erie County Fair

From admission and rides to food and shopping, this year's fair offers additional ways to save while still delivering the experiences guests have come to expect, from visiting animals and enjoying live entertainment to exploring exhibits, competitions and attractions across the fairgrounds.

“It’s not just about admission,” says Holly Smyczynski, Erie County Fair sponsorship and events specialist. “It's about the whole experience.”

More ways to save on admission

The biggest savings start before the fair even opens. Through Aug. 7, advance-sale tickets are available for $15—a savings of nearly 20% off the regular $19 gate admission.

Visitors can save even more through daily Early Bird Admission from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and special promotion days for veterans, firefighters and seniors.

Anyone can attend Opening Day for free with a donation of four or more canned food items per person benefiting FeedMore WNY. Plus, parking is always free, and children 12 and under receive free admission every day.

Food at the fair

Food is rated among the top reasons to visit the fair, and this year guests will have additional budget-friendly options to choose from.

Fair organizers worked with food vendors in the off-season on a plan to offer at least one “value item” that costs $7 or less.

"Maybe they want to try food from a few different vendors," Smyczynski says. "Now they'll have smaller portions and lower-priced options that make that possible."

Discount coupons for many of the food and shopping vendors will be available for download at ECFair.org starting Aug. 1. A limited supply will also be available at the fair.

The popular Taste of the Fair Day returns Aug. 17 with vendors offering $3 sample food items across the fair. And as always, guests have the option of bringing coolers and their own food and non-alcoholic beverages onto the grounds.

Savings on the midway

The value extends to the Midway, where Strates Shows is introducing new promotions for 2026. Among the highlights is the new $2 Ride Day on Thursday, Aug. 13, when every Midway ride will cost just $2.

Visitors can also take advantage of Sunday Matinee Wristbands on Aug. 16 and Aug. 23 for $30, offering unlimited rides from noon to 5 p.m.

Guests who purchase in advance by Aug. 7 can save $2 each on Weekday Unlimited Ride Wristbands ($35) and reloadable and shareable Fun Cards ($50), which include 120 ride credits. Most rides require approximately 6 to 12 credits.

Full day of entertainment included

While food and rides often get the spotlight, admission includes access to dozens of attractions and activities across the fairgrounds every day. Guests can enjoy live music, special shows, strolling entertainers, family attractions, demonstrations and exhibits—all included with the price of admission.

At its heart, the Erie County Fair remains a celebration of agriculture. Visitors can explore livestock barns, meet exhibitors, watch competitions and learn more about farming through interactive experiences such as the Agriculture Discovery Center.

Families can also visit Fair Bear's Farmland, which features the new Cuddle Corner, where guests can enjoy up-close animal encounters.

"There's so much going on at the fair," Smyczynski says. "From entertainment and live music to agriculture, exhibits and competitions, there are experiences all throughout the grounds that don't cost families anything extra once they're through the gate."

For tickets, promotions, daily schedules and complete list of activities, visit ECFair.org or download the free mobile app.