NYS Fair reveals 2024 special entertainment lineup: New acts and returning favorites

The New York State Fair is bringing some new acts to its 2024 special entertainment lineup, as well as the return of longtime fan favorites like Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy.

Nerveless Nocks Productions will make its NYS Fair debut this year, performing a breathtaking aerial show that features a free fall plunge to the ground below. The thrill-and-stunt group will perform its Sway Pole Show daily near Central Park at 12, 3 and 5 p.m.

Another newcomer to the New York State Fair, Ally Walker Inks, is a chalk artist who creates breathtaking designs on the pavement, including whimsical creations and stunning masterpieces. Fairgoers can also engage with the artist and take selfies with Ally Walker Inks’ designs throughout the fairgrounds.

Returning acts include:

Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy – The Ithaca native and the Fair’s most requested performer returns Tuesday, Aug. 27, and will appear daily through Sept. 2. He’ll deliver juggling, circus skills, impeccably timed comedy, and poetry-in-motion from the top of a unicycle between The Dairy Products Building and The Eatery at 11:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5 p.m.

Bandaloni the One-Man Band will be rocking and rolling behind the Horse Barns all 13 days of the NYS Fair around 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. Listen to the hits played on his all-encompassing musical machine, The Granpod, with humor and novelty tricks sprinkled in.

Dinosaur Expedition – More than 50 life-size dinosaurs as big as 80 feet will transport the Expo Center to a 65-million-year-old experience that includes daily fossil digs, story time, and plenty of selfie opportunities. The family fun is open every day from 10 a.m. through 9 p.m.

“Groovy” Guy Collins – Groovy Guy juggles, unicycles, and walks on ropes – all while weaving in mischievous magic. The street performer from Paris will appear at the Fair’s first six days, performing three times each day from Aug. 21-26.

Rock-It The Robot – The 9-foot tall robot walks, talks, and rocks with a built-in sound system that helps him interact with fairgoers through conversation, song, and dance. Look for Rock-It between the Exposition Center and the Midway daily around 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.

The Strolling Piano – Find music on the move between the Poultry Building and along Restaurant Row every day around 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Sea Lion Splash Show – The 45-minute Sea Lion Splash Show features education and entertainment, from selfies to balancing, handstands, performance tricks, and more. Three shows will take place daily at 1, 4 and 6 p.m. near The Talent Showcase Stage.

Hollywood Racing Pigs – Cheer on these hammy racers daily at 12:15, 3:15 and 4:45 p.m. in The Family Fun Zone.

Steve Trash, Eco-Magician – For the third year in a row, the PBS host will mix magic, music, and ecology at the Empire Theater Stage every day except August 23* at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. (On Aug. 23, Steve Trash will perform at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. along The Colonnade between the Science & Industry Building and the Dairy Products Building.)

Other special entertainment includes the Birds of Prey exhibit at the State Park at the Fair, a Circus Show (near the Family FunZone), a Petting Zoo (near the Family FunZone), the Butter Sculpture (in the Dairy Building), the Sand Sculpture (in the Micron Center of Progress Building) and the New York State Police exhibit and tower (near the Horticulture Building).

All New York State Fair special entertainment is free with admission to the NYS Fair, which runs Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. Admission also includes access to concerts featuring national recording artists at Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

For more information about daily NYS Fair entertainment, visit nysfair.ny.gov.