Cheap Trick to Headline New York State Fair as Budget Proposal Eyes Fairgrounds Upgrades

The Great New York State Fair has announced that legendary rock band Cheap Trick will perform at Chevy Court on Thursday, August 21, at 6:00 p.m. The announcement coincides with Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed state budget, which includes $35 million for improvements to the fairgrounds aimed at expanding its use as a year-round events venue.

The funding proposal focuses on upgrades to the Chevy Court and Suburban Park concert areas, including enhancements to the current stage and backstage at Chevy Court and the construction of a permanent stage at Suburban Park. Plans also outline modern lighting, audio, and visual improvements at both venues, along with new walkways, landscaping, and restroom facilities.

Additional funds would support sewer and water infrastructure upgrades, flexible green spaces, and pavilions designed for both the fair and year-round events. Upgrades to the acoustics in the Exposition Center are also included, with the goal of making the fairgrounds a more attractive destination for agricultural events, graduations, and other gatherings.

Fair Director Julie LaFave highlighted the fair’s role as both a cultural and economic driver for Central New York.

“The Great New York State Fair is the perfect showcase for New York’s thriving agricultural industries, and it’s also a significant economic engine to the Central New York region and to the State,” LaFave said. “The proposed enhancements at the Fair will further enable the New York State Fairgrounds to serve as a year-round attraction and tourist destination.”

The State Fair’s 2025 concert lineup will feature Cheap Trick, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band known for hits such as I Want You to Want Me, Surrender, and The Flame. Since its formation in 1974, the band has achieved more than 40 gold and platinum certifications and sold over 20 million records worldwide.

Cheap Trick gained international recognition in the late 1970s, particularly after its live album Cheap Trick at Budokan became a commercial success, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was later selected for preservation by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

“With so many songs that you can still hear at karaoke nights across the world, Cheap Trick is part of the fabric of pop culture and is sure to have fairgoers on their feet,” LaFave said. “Their energy and spirit, combined with the nostalgia that their hall-of-fame sound creates for so many people, will make for an incredible atmosphere.”

The 2025 New York State Fair will run from Wednesday, August 20, through Labor Day, September 1. Concerts are included with fair admission, which is priced at $8 for adults, while children under 12 and seniors 65 and older can attend for free.

The Chevrolet Music Series will feature 41 national recording acts, with performances scheduled at Chevy Court at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily, and at Suburban Park at 8 p.m. each evening. Additional special shows are planned for 9 p.m. on August 22 and August 29 at Chevy Court.