Western New York residents planning their late-summer excursions have another reason to mark their calendars. The Great New York State Fair has announced the addition of Grammy-winning R&B icon Ashanti to its 2026 concert lineup, bringing one of the genre’s most defining voices to the Suburban Park stage.
Ashanti to Headline Suburban Park
The “Princess of Hip-Hop and R&B” is scheduled to take the stage on Monday, August 31, at 8 p.m. Known for a career that spans over two decades, Ashanti remains a powerhouse in the industry. Her performance is expected to be a major draw for fans across the state, including those traveling from Buffalo and the surrounding WNY region.
Ashanti’s meteoric rise in the early 2000s produced timeless chart-toppers like “Foolish” and “Baby.” Her influence extended through collaborations on massive hits such as Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?” and Ja Rule’s “Always on Time.” Fair Director Julie LaFave highlighted the artist’s impact, noting that her catalog defined an era of music that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Plan Your Visit: Fair Dates and Admission
The Great New York State Fair runs from August 26 through Labor Day, September 7, in Syracuse. For Lake Erie Times readers looking to make the trip, the fair offers an affordable entertainment package. Fair admission is priced at $8 for adults, while children under 12 and seniors 65 and older receive free entry. Notably, admission to the fair includes access to all performances within the Chevrolet Music Series at no extra cost.
To secure your attendance for Ashanti’s performance and explore the full range of attractions, you can purchase Great New York State Fair tickets via the official website.
2026 Chevrolet Music Series Schedule
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most diverse yet, with over 40 national acts slated to perform. Below is the current schedule for the Suburban Park and Chevy Court stages:
| Date & Time | Artist | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Aug 26 at 1:00 p.m. | The Commodores | Chevy Court |
| Wednesday, Aug 26 at 6:00 p.m. | Quiet Riot | Chevy Court |
| Thursday, Aug 27 at 8:00 p.m. | Sean Paul | Suburban Park |
| Wednesday, Aug 28 at 9:00 p.m. | DJ Pretty Mess | Chevy Court |
| Monday, Aug 31 at 8:00 p.m. | Ashanti | Suburban Park |
| Wednesday, Sept 2 at 6:00 p.m. | Priscilla Block | Chevy Court |
| Thursday, Sept 3 at 8:00 p.m. | ZZ Top | Suburban Park |
| Friday, Sept 4 at 9:00 p.m. | Shrek Rave | Chevy Court |
| Saturday, Sept 5 at 8:00 p.m. | Trace Adkins | Suburban Park |
About the Author: William Strasmore is a dedicated news reporter for the Lake Erie Times. With a focus on investigative journalism and regional community affairs, William provides Western New York with impartial and thorough coverage of the issues that matter most.
Disclaimer: The content provided by Lake Erie Times is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional legal or financial advice. Some links on Lake Erie Times are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
