Important Things to Know About Dutchess County Fair Tickets

Every year, the Dutchess County Fair is the reason that people come from all over to spend the last days of August in Rhinebeck, New York. The fair is a yearly tradition that never disappoints. This year is the 179th Dutchess County Fair.

Ticket Information for The 179th Dutchess County Fair

Generations of people have attended the fair. Each year, new people discover the fair while people who have exhibited or attended every year for decades return for the fun.

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Like every fair, there is delicious food, including fair favorites like fried Oreos and must-try Disco fries. The midway rides are exciting, Livestock Hill is a buzz with animals, and the 4H and their rich, creamy milkshakes. Not to mention all the popular vendors that return year after year with fair favorites for you to purchase.

So what do you need to know about this year's fair so that you can be prepared for more fun?

Three Things To Know About Tickets for the 2025 Dutchess County Fair

First - Early tickets are already on sale. Advanced Tickets can be bought at dutchessfair.com until midnight on August 18th, 2025. Starting August 11th, walk-up ticket sales are available at the welcome center from 9 AM to 4 PM. The advance pre-sale price for Adults is $16.50, and children 11 years and under are free.

The fair also wants to remind you to only buy tickets through the fair's official website, dutchessfair.com, if you buy online. That is the best way to avoid being scammed.

Purchases from any other sources, such as brokers or secondary market websites, are purchased at your own risk and will not be valid.  There are no refunds or exchanges, no exceptions.  Please order carefully. (via Press Release)

Second - Senior & Military Day has always been on the Wednesday of the Fair, which this year is August 20th, 2025. That has not changed; however, this year the fair is offering seniors and military personnel the opportunity to purchase tickets ahead of time. If you buy these tickets before the fair, you can use them on any day.

“We realize that not everyone is able to attend the Fair on Wednesday to take advantage of this discount which is why we moved in this direction.” ( Vicki Imperati, Administrative Operations Manager )

Third - Grandstand Concert Tickets Must Be Purchased online at dutchessfair.com. Some concerts are included with your fair admission, but others are an additional cost. The two shows that require a concert ticket in addition to a fair admission ticket are Roots and Boots (Tues 8/19) and Cheap Trick (Wed 8/20).

READ More: The Stick Pony Rodeo Returns to the Dutchess County Fair

Ride tickets are extra as well. You can purchase a Ride All Day Wristband, which does have an activation fee. They are only good for one day and do not include admission. For more details on wristbands or individual ride tickets, visit dutchesfair.com/midway-rides.