Country Star Maddox Batson to Perform at The Great New York State Fair

Fans said, "I Wanna Know," and the answer is it's true! Country-pop singer and songwriter Maddox Batson will take the Chevy Court stage at The Great New York State Fair on Saturday, August 29, at 6 p.m.

Known for relatable songwriting and catchy melodies that have fueled his viral rise on streaming platforms and social media, the Warner Records/Prosper Entertainment artist has quickly built a devoted fanbase internationally. Blending modern country with pop influences, his sound resonates strongly with younger audiences while remaining rooted in classic storytelling. Batson first gained attention through performing country covers on social media that showcased his vocal ability and charisma. He has since broken through with fan-favorite tracks like "X's," "Tears in the River," "Girl in Green," and "I Wanna Know," in addition to a co-write on Lana Del Rey and Quavo's Billboard Hot 100 hit "Tough."

The only 16-year-old on a headlining international tour, his live shows are marked by high energy and a genuine connection with fans, cementing his status as one of today's most promising new voices. Batson is the youngest male artist to ever appear on Billboard's 21 under 21 list, while the LA Times praised him as, "a country Justin Bieber in the making." The young artist will also make his acting debut in the upcoming Nate Bargatze and Mandy Moore film The Breadwinner.

"Maddox Batson represents the next generation of country and pop music, bringing a fresh sound and an incredible connection with fans," said Fair Director Julie LaFave. "His performance is sure to be a standout moment at this year's Fair, and we're happy to have him take the stage at Chevy Court."

The Fair starts Wednesday, August 26, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. All concerts are included in the price of admission, which will go on sale later this summer. The Great New York State Fair is the most affordable state fair in the country. Tickets are $8 for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older.

In total, The Fair's 2026 Chevrolet Music Series will feature 41 national recording acts. There will be a daily 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. concert at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1), and an 8 p.m. concert each evening at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway). The Fair will also host two special shows at 9 p.m. on Friday, August 28 and September 4 at Chevy Court.

All concerts announced thus far are provided in the chart below. Fair staff will continue to update schedules on The Fair's website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

Suburban Park:

Chevy Court:

Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state's CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

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