Schoharie County Sunshine Fair

About this event

Midway Thrills, Country Stars, and Unforgettable Family Fun

Step back into 150 years of agricultural tradition and summer excitement at the milestone 185th Schoharie County Sunshine Fair! Returning to Upstate New York from Tuesday, August 11 through Sunday, August 16, 2026, this beloved regional tradition brings together six jam-packed days of carnival rides, country music, motorsports, and hands-on family entertainment.

This year's fair offers exceptional value with Pay One Price Admission, which includes all grandstand entertainment, unlimited midway rides, grounds shows, and daily parking throughout the day. Visitors can enjoy nationally recognized entertainment, including country music star Joe Nichols, along with demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, harness racing, chainsaw carving demonstrations, Heritage Village, youth livestock auctions, 4-H exhibits, commercial vendors, and hundreds of agricultural exhibits showcasing the talents and traditions of Schoharie County and beyond.

When & Where to Catch the Schoharie County Sunshine Fair

All fairground festivities, midway rides, and grandstand events take place at the historic Cobleskill Fairgrounds, located at 113 Sunshine Dr, Cobleskill, NY 12043. Fairgrounds operating hours run daily from 9:00 am to midnight, with midway and exhibit hours running on the following schedule:

• Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (Senior Day & Harness Racing): Heritage Village open 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Midway Rides open 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (Festival of Horses Day): Heritage Village open 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Midway Rides open 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Thursday, August 13, 2026 (Young American Day & Bicycle Giveaway): Heritage Village open 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Midway Rides open 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Friday, August 14, 2026 (Tractor Pulling Day): Heritage Village open 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Midway Rides open 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Saturday, August 15, 2026 (American Hero Day): Heritage Village open 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Midway Rides open 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Sunday, August 16, 2026 (Super 8 Motel Day & Parade): Heritage Village open 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Midway Rides open 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Pay One Price Admission, Unlimited Ride Wristbands & Ticket Options

Enjoy incredible value where a single Pay One Price gate ticket unlocks complete, all-day access to unlimited midway rides, grandstand shows, live concerts, and daily parking:

• Senior Citizen Special (Tuesday, Aug 11): $10.00 cash ($10.40 credit card) for seniors ages 62 and over (does not include carnival rides).
• Tuesday Daily Admission: $18.00 cash ($18.72 credit card). Includes unlimited rides and grandstand shows!
• Midweek Admission (Wednesday, Thursday & Friday): $20.00 cash ($20.80 credit card) per person daily.
• Weekend Admission (Saturday & Sunday): $23.00 cash ($23.92 credit card) per person daily.
• Children 2 & Under: FREE admission! Individual ride passes available for $5.00 for toddlers who meet height requirements.
• American Hero Day Special (Saturday, Aug 15): FREE admission including rides for active and retired military with valid ID.
• Everyday Parking: FREE on fair grounds with admission.

Plan Your Visit: Daily Exhibits, Venue Tips & Fair Rules

Keep these essential visitor guidelines and ground rules in mind before heading out to the fairgrounds:

• All-Inclusive Gate Policy: Pay One Price tickets include all grounds attractions, Big Top Circus, K9 dock dogs, pig racing, grandstand motorsports, live concerts, and unlimited rides.
• Heritage Village & Historic Exhibits: Tour Heritage Village daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm to experience life in early Schoharie County, or visit the Model Railroad Exhibit, Taste of NY Building, and Chainsaw Sculpture auctions.
• Bicycle Giveaway (Thursday, Aug 13): Tickets for the free bicycle giveaway are distributed from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Party Tent Theater for youth fairgoers.
• Ticketing & Payments: Cash and major credit cards are accepted at entry gates. Reduced cash pricing is available for on-site ticket purchases.

Official Event Website & Information: https://www.sunshinefair.org/