04/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2026 08:35
It's no longer a "Dirty Little Secret." Hit-making pop-rock band The All-American Rejects will take to the Suburban Park stage at 8 p.m. on Opening Day, Wednesday, August 26, for their first-ever performance at the Great New York State Fair.
The All-American Rejects have sold over 12 million albums worldwide with billions of streams on Spotify. They were ranked among Billboard's "Hot 100 Artists of the 2000s" with hit songs such as "Move Along," "It Ends Tonight," and "Gives You Hell," which certified 9× multi-platinum. The group continues to tour and release new music, including their highly anticipated forthcoming album Sandbox, set to release May 15, 2026. Known for their energetic performances and chart-topping hits, they've become a staple in the rock scene and a favorite among fans of all ages.
Fair Director Julie LaFave said, "Among the most-requested artists from our fairgoers, we're thrilled to welcome The All-American Rejects to The Fair. Their popularity and energetic stage presence are sure to have generations of fairgoers dancing and singing along."
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.
| Wednesday, August 26 | 8:00 p.m. | The All-American Rejects |
| Thursday, August 27 | 8:00 p.m. | Sean Paul |
| Friday, August 28 | 8:00 p.m. | Melissa Etheridge |
| Monday, August 31 | 8:00 p.m. | Ashanti |
| Thursday, September 3 | 8:00 p.m. | ZZ Top |
| Saturday, September 5 | 8:00 p.m. | Trace Adkins |
| Wednesday, August 26 | 1:00 p.m. | The Commodores |
| Wednesday, August 26 | 6:00 p.m. | Quiet Riot |
| Friday, August 28 | 9:00 p.m. | DJ Pretty Mess |
| Wednesday, September 2 | 6:00 p.m. | Priscilla Block |
| Thursday, September 3 | 1:00 p.m. | Herman's Hermits |
| Friday, September 4 | 9:00 p.m. | Shrek Rave |
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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