Great New York State Fair to Bring Legendary Rockers ZZ Top to Suburban Park

State Fair to Host Look-alike Contest for Sharped Dress Fans

Time to bust out the 'clean shirt, new shoes' because iconic rock group ZZ Top is rolling into The Great New York State Fair! The Texas trio will take the stage at Suburban Park on Thursday, September 3, at 8 p.m., bringing their legendary blend of blues-rock and boogie to fans of all ages.

Formed in Houston in 1969, ZZ Top has become one of the most enduring and influential bands in rock history. Known for their signature beards, top hats, and sunglasses, they've delivered timeless hits like "La Grange," "Sharp Dressed Man," "Gimme All Your Lovin'," and "Legs." With decades of chart-topping success, including 15 studio albums and an estimated 50 million records sold, as well as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, ZZ Top's music continues to resonate rock fans worldwide.

"The band's legendary sound and high-energy performance make them a must-see act," said Fair Director Julie LaFave. "We anticipate an unforgettable night of nostalgic favorites and can't wait to see ZZ Top look-alikes in the crowd!"

New this year, The Fair will be holding a ZZ Top Doppelgänger Contest. Fairgoers are encouraged to don their brimmed hats, sport black shades, and show off their long beards for a fun-filled competition. Stay tuned for entry rules and details.

The 2026 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:

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, Twitter, and Instagram.

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