Is Foreigner Playing at the New York State Fair? The Ultimate Guide

As a home improvement expert and music enthusiast, I‘m often asked if classic rock band Foreigner will be performing at the iconic New York State Fair. While they aren‘t on the schedule for the 2023 fair, I‘ve dug deep into Foreigner‘s history, the fair‘s concert series, security restrictions, and how to plan the perfect fair experience. Keep reading for my insider perspective!

A Rock and Roll History of Foreigner

Before we get into the fair, let‘s discuss the legendary band at the heart of this question. As a child of the 70s and 80s, I grew up listening to Foreigner‘s unique blend of rock, pop, and blues. Their music brings back fond memories and still fills stadiums today.

Foreigner was formed in New York City in 1976 by English musician Mick Jones. As the founder of Foreigner, Jones brought decades of experience from his previous band Spooky Tooth and phenomenal songwriting abilities.

After recruiting powerhouse American vocalist Lou Gramm, Jones assembled Foreigner‘s original lineup of expert musicians. Together, they created an entirely new, dynamic sound. Their self-titled debut album came out in 1977 and was an instant hit.

Over their 46-year career so far, Foreigner has released 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Billboard Top 30 singles. Their worldwide record sales exceed 80 million. Some of my personal favorite Foreigner classics include:

• "Feels Like the First Time"

• "Cold as Ice"

• "Hot Blooded"

• "Double Vision"

• "Urgent"

• "Juke Box Hero"

• "I Want to Know What Love Is"

Foreigner is renowned for their roster of gold and multi-platinum albums, like their 1984 power ballad opus Agent Provocateur. They‘ve headlined massive arena tours and continue filling venues today. Their shows offer nonstop singalong anthems that have become etched in rock history.

In my opinion, Foreigner absolutely deserves a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Hopefully their nomination this year will finally lead to induction – it‘s long overdue for this legendary band!

The Epic Concert History of the New York State Fair

Now let‘s discuss the New York State Fair, which has quite an impressive history of landing major concert acts over the years. As an avid concertgoer myself, I love discovering new music experiences.

The fair takes place annually in late August through early September at the fairgrounds in Syracuse. It attracts over 1 million visitors each year and has become a beloved end-of-summer tradition.

While the fair offers rides, games, food, shopping, and agricultural exhibits, the concerts are arguably the biggest draw. The fair‘s concert series has featured just about every big mainstream rock act of the past 50 years.

Some notable New York State Fair performances include:

• The Beach Boys (multiple years)

• Chicago (multiple years)

• Journey (multiple years)

• Zac Brown Band (multiple years)

• Lynyrd Skynyrd (multiple years)

• Keith Urban

• Brad Paisley

• Tim McGraw

• Rascal Flatts

• REO Speedwagon (5 years)

• Styx (3 years)

• Doobie Brothers (3 years)

• ZZ Top (3 years)

• Foreigner (most recently 2019)

• Many more!

Looking at the numbers:

• 250+ – Total concerts performed at the fair over the past 25 years

• 65,000 – Capacity of Chevy Park stage

• 30,000 – Capacity of Chevy Court stage

• 9 – Average number of concerts each year

As you can see, the fair brings in major star power! The concerts keep getting bigger. Recent years have expanded to add top 40 pop acts like Demi Lovato to the roster.

Nearly all the shows are free with fair admission, making them even more appealing. The fair has secured its reputation for booking outstanding live music.

Can You Bring a Gun to the Fair? Concealed Carry Laws

Whenever attending large public events, safety is a valid concern. You may be wondering about the laws surrounding concealed firearms at the fairgrounds.

The short answer is no – you cannot legally bring any gun onto fair property.

As a New York resident and gun owner myself, I stay up to date on all relevant local laws. New York has some of the toughest gun laws in America, with very limited concealed carry rights.

Additionally, the fairgrounds are designated "gun-free zones" banning all firearms. The areas around the fair undergo extra security checks. Officers use metal detectors liberally, even on lawful permit holders.

I advise all responsible gun owners to obey these laws. Attempting to sneak in firearms risks a felony charge. It jeopardizes public safety and gives lawful gun owners a bad reputation.

Security at the gates is extremely strict. Don‘t make the foolish decision to test it. Leave all weapons at home and focus on enjoying everything else the fair has to offer.

Expert Tips for Visiting the Fair

Drawing from decades of attending the State Fair as a Syracuse native, I‘m happy to provide my best tips for newcomers:

Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of extra time when heading to the fair, especially on weekends. Traffic getting into parking lots can back up. Expect long walk times from distant lots too. Getting in early maximizes your time.

Use the App

Download the official State Fair app for schedules, maps, vendor info, and more. It can help you navigate the fairgrounds and plan your day.

See the Butter Sculpture

This cool display in the dairy building gets rebuilt annually out of hundreds of pounds of butter. It‘s a quirky fair tradition not to miss.

Catch a Demo

Sit in on entertaining demos like wood carving, baking, gardening, and glassblowing. You can learn a new skill and be thoroughly entertained.

Play Midway Games

Test your skills on carnival games along the Midway. Win giant stuffed animals to take home prizes.

Sample Foods

Fair food is a key attraction – try inventive new fried dishes along with classic treats. Refuel at concessions across the grounds.

Enjoy Free Shows

From magic acts to acrobatics, free entertainment happens daily on small stages around the fair.

See the Animals

Visit the barns to see cows, goats, pigs and more. Watch milking demos, animal rides, and agricultural contests.

Take Advantage of Deals

Check the website for discount days, combo deals on rides, and other ways to save money during your visit.

Know the Hours

Fair gates are open 9am-10pm on weekends, 9am-9pm on Labor Day. Midway rides often stay open an hour later. Plan accordingly.

By following these tips, you‘re guaranteed to have an amazing time at the fair!

Will Foreigner Play the 2023 Fair?

I‘ll wrap up this guide by circling back to the original question – will Foreigner perform at the 2023 New York State Fair?

While they aren‘t officially booked yet, there‘s still a chance. The initial concert lineup gets announced in early summer, but additional shows can get added in August as the fair draws closer.

Foreigner last played there in 2019 to a packed crowd. Based on their touring schedule, they certainly seem likely candidates to return soon.

The band keeps actively recording new music and performing hits from their 40+ year catalog. They continue selling out huge venues worldwide.

For now, the 2023 lineup remains a mystery. Fans eagerly await announcements over the next few months. My fingers are crossed that Foreigner will make the list!

Regardless of who ends up performing, the New York State Fair‘s concert series consistently delivers an amazing mix of superstar entertainment. After attending myself for decades, I highly recommend newcomers experience it in person.

Between the rides, food, exhibits, shopping, animals, and live music, the fair offers endless old-fashioned fun for all ages. I hope this guide gets you excited to attend this year‘s fair and finally answers your question – will Foreigner return to rock the stage? We‘ll know soon!