Just a short drive from Saratoga and an hour north of Albany, the Washington County Fair brings together the best entertainment, rides, and more animals than anywhere else for one special week at the end of each August. It’s New York’s #1 Agricultural County Fair!
But it’s so much more than sno-cones and cotton candy. For more than a century, the Washington County Fair has been an important part of our community. Take in the sights and sounds of the midway, taste the county’s incredible products, from milk to maple, and experience the Big Push, a live dairy cow birthing demonstration celebrating the beauty of new life that farmers experience many times throughout the year.
While we’re proud of our great agricultural traditions, the fair also changes with the world around us. And this year is no different! Let’s see what’s new at the 2023 Washington County Fair!
Discover New Fair Favorites
There are so many treats to enjoy during the fair, and this year you’ll be able to choose from even more! New this year, fairgoers will be able to try new food items and vote for their favorites by scanning QR codes located at each participating location. Keep your eyes peeled for the Mexican Street Corn Pizza at Angela’s Pizza, a Southwest Eggroll from Hearts Catering, Pumpkin Patch ice cream at Polar Bear, fried dough with bacon & hot honey, and much more.
Get a Taste of Washington County
Our county is known for its agriculture, and this year you can see, taste, and explore all about how your favorite (and new favorite) products are made!
First stop, the County Bounty building for the Farmers’ Market, back this year and bigger than ever! Learn more about our local farmers and sample and purchase products produced right here in Washington County, all week long! Also in the County Bounty building, the Washington County Craft Beverage Corral has new hours: Enjoy samples of locally made beer, wine, cider, and spirits from 12 to 4 PM or by the glass from 4 to 8 PM!
Plus, you can find the Washington County Tourism booth in the County Bounty building, too. Stop by and say hello!
Experience Incredible Entertainment
Each year, the Washington County Fair near Saratoga Springs puts out all the stops for great entertainment. From grandstand favorites to the region’s best music, there’s something for everyone, all day long!
The schedule is packed with great new musical performers, especially on the Front Porch Stage located near the Family Pavilion! Stop by at noon throughout the week to hear from new performers including Catalyst Quartet, Kevin Warren and The Bedrock Foundation, and Craic Agus Ceol plus some returning favorites. At the Caboose Stage, new performers include Jay Mattioli’s Electrifying Magic, Micheal Goudeau – Comedic Juggler, and Pirate Dan, plus 11 AM storytime readings provided by the Argyle Free Library!
There are new competitions at the grandstand, too, including the 3.0 Diesel Class truck pull and themed demolition derby contests.
In the main Entertainment Tent, you can catch returning favorites like Skeeter Creek, The Green Brothers, and Adirondack Fiddlers. But don’t forget to check out the new Mustache and Mullet Contest on Saturday at 1 P.M. to see who will win this competition of hairy proportions!
The Living Zultar returns this year, to a new location outside the Broadway Picnic Pavilion! Kiddos loved Niagara Downunder in 2022, and they will be back, too, with their kangaroos and other unique animal friends.
For more incredible animals, be sure to catch the daily draft horse educational demos and a special draft horse Exhibition Under the Lights on Friday night in the Horse Arena.
Hands-On Learning
The fair may be getting bigger and better each year, but we still love to show off how things were done in years past!
Another fun spin on tradition is the new “Fleece to Shawl” competition! Teams will race to take raw wool through the skirting, carding, spinning, and weaving processes to create a garment or other fiber-based product. Get a hands-on look at what it takes to make your favorite knit scarves or cashmere blankets, Sunday at 1 PM in the County Bounty Building.
Jam-packed days and entertaining nights: there’s nothing like spending the day at the fair. It’s not long now before the gates open on August 21 for the Washington County Fair! Check out our new video for a glimpse at all the fun:
