Rock legends are bringing their signature sound to Central New York this summer.
ZZ Top will take the stage at the 2026 New York State Fair, delivering their iconic blend of blues, boogie, and southern rock to thousands of fans.
The Texas-based trio performs Thursday, Sept. 3, at 8 p.m. on the Suburban Park stage—and admission won’t cost concertgoers a dime beyond fair entry.
Fair organizers even teased the announcement with a playful cartoon featuring anthropomorphic thumbtacks dressed in suits, a clever nod to one of the band’s most recognizable hits.
A Legacy of Legendary Hits
ZZ Top has defined American rock for over five decades with unmistakable tracks that continue resonating across generations.
“Sharp Dressed Man,” “La Grange,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin'” remain staples of classic rock radio and showcase the band’s ability to fuse gritty blues with irresistible grooves. Their sound—raw yet polished, rebellious yet accessible—has cemented their place in music history.
The band’s original lineup featured singer-guitarist Billy Gibbons, drummer Frank Beard (ironically the only member without a long beard), and singer-bassist Dusty Hill. Together, they earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, recognition that acknowledged decades of musical innovation and influence.
Following Hill’s death in 2021, bassist Elwood Francis joined Gibbons and Beard to keep the ZZ Top legacy alive. Francis had toured with the band as a guitar tech for years before stepping into Hill’s shoes, ensuring continuity while honoring the group’s distinctive style.
Fair Fun Beyond the Music
The NYS Fair isn’t just hosting a concert—they’re creating an interactive experience around ZZ Top’s iconic image.
Organizers announced a “ZZ Top Doppelganger Contest” inviting fairgoers to channel their inner rock star. Participants are encouraged to break out brimmed hats, sport black shades, and grow (or fake) impressive beards for the competition.
Specific contest details will be released closer to the fair dates, but the announcement has already generated buzz on social media. It’s exactly the kind of quirky, engaging event that transforms a concert into a memorable celebration.
What Fairgoers Need to Know
The 2026 New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, Aug. 26, through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7, at the fairgrounds in Geddes, just outside Syracuse.
ZZ Top joins reggae fusion artist Sean Paul, announced last week, as the first two acts in what will eventually become a 41-act lineup spanning multiple genres. Additional artists will be revealed in the coming months, building anticipation throughout the spring and early summer.
Two Main Concert Venues
Fair concerts take place across two primary stages with different vibes and capacities:
- Suburban Park: Hosts the fair’s largest shows in the New York Experience area on the west end near Gate 10, positioned behind the Midway past the Expo Center
- Chevy Court: Located near Gate 1, adjacent to the Center of Progress Building and Dairy Products Building
Both venues offer limited seating, so arriving early significantly improves chances of securing a good spot.
Show Times and Schedule
All Suburban Park performances, including ZZ Top, begin at 8 p.m. Chevy Court features daily shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., with two special 9 p.m. performances on Friday, Aug. 28 and Friday, Sept. 4.
Currently confirmed concerts include:
- Aug. 27, 8 p.m.: Sean Paul at Suburban Park
- Sept. 3, 8 p.m.: ZZ Top at Suburban Park
Admission and Accessibility
No tickets are required for any concert. All performances are free with fair admission, which costs $8 this year—the same price as 2025.
Seniors 65 and older and children 12 and under enter free, making it an affordable entertainment option for families and multigenerational groups.
Building on Last Year’s Success
The 2025 fair drew impressive crowds across diverse musical genres, from rock and country to rap and pop.
Jessie Murph, Shaggy, and Lynyrd Skynyrd each attracted more than 30,000 fans, demonstrating the fair’s ability to book acts that resonate with wide audiences. Those attendance numbers set a high bar for 2026, with ZZ Top’s multigenerational appeal positioning them to potentially draw similar or larger crowds.
The fair’s strategy of offering free concerts with admission creates accessibility while maintaining quality bookings. This approach allows families to experience major touring acts without the financial barriers typical of traditional concert venues.
Why This Matters for Music Fans
ZZ Top represents more than nostalgia—they’re a living link to rock’s golden era, still actively touring and delivering high-energy performances.
For longtime fans, the Suburban Park show offers a chance to experience classic hits in a festival atmosphere. For younger audiences, it’s an opportunity to witness legendary musicians whose influence echoes through contemporary rock, blues, and Americana.
The combination of affordable admission, multiple acts across different genres, and the broader fair experience makes this announcement particularly compelling. Concert tickets for ZZ Top at traditional venues typically cost significantly more than the $8 fair admission, creating exceptional value.
As fair organizers continue announcing the remaining 39 acts over coming months, anticipation will build for what’s shaping up to be another diverse, crowd-pleasing lineup. Whether fairgoers come for fried dough, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, or the music, ZZ Top’s Sept. 3 performance promises to be a highlight of the 2026 season.