NYS Fair Concert Guide: 98 Degrees, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and More on Monday
SYRACUSE, NY — The 2025 New York State Fair rolls into its sixth day with a packed Monday lineup of live music across its free stages. From nostalgic boy-band pop to emo rock staples, plus tribute acts and local favorites, August 25 offers something for every fairgoer.
98 Degrees Bring TRL-Era Hits
Headlining at Suburban Park at 8 p.m., 98 Degrees reunites with a set full of late ’90s and early 2000s pop classics. The quartet — Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons — has sold more than 15 million records worldwide with hits like “I Do (Cherish You),” “The Hardest Thing,” “Because of You,” and “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche).”
Earlier this year, 98 Degrees released their first new album in more than a decade, adding fresh material to their beloved catalog. Fans can expect a blend of nostalgic sing-alongs and updated tracks when the group takes the stage.
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Rocks Chevy Court
At 6 p.m. on the Chevy Court stage, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus delivers a throwback to the mid-2000s emo and pop-punk era. Their platinum debut album, Don’t You Fake It (2006), spawned fan-favorite tracks like “Face Down,” “False Pretense,” and “Your Guardian Angel.”
The band has remained active in the alternative rock scene, though they recently stirred headlines when lead singer Ronnie Winter declared that Trump supporters were “not allowed” at their concerts. Fair officials emphasized, however, that “everyone is welcome at the Great New York State Fair.”
Slippery When Wet Opens the Day
The music begins at 1 p.m. at Chevy Court with Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute. Fronted by Jon Bon Jovi lookalike Jason Morey, the group has been performing Bon Jovi’s hits for over 20 years. Expect classics like “Livin’ On a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and more.
Local and Specialty Performances
Beyond the main acts, fairgoers can enjoy a full day of smaller performances across the fairgrounds:
- Bells & Motley — 12, 2 & 4 p.m. at Daniel Parrish Witter Agricultural Museum
- Good Call Duo — 2 p.m. at Empire Theater
- Steve MacLean — 2:30 p.m. at The Shamrock at the Fair
- Tiger & Ali — 2:30 p.m. at Suds Factory Courtside Grill
- Mark Zane — 4 p.m. at Empire Theater
- Double Chase — 4 & 7 p.m. in the Grange Building
- Shawn Seals — 4 p.m. in the Pan-African Village
- Tennyson Ave. — 5 p.m. at The Eatery Pub
- Gary Dunes — 6 p.m. at The Shamrock at the Fair
- LaDashe & The Family Band — 7 p.m. in the Pan-African Village
- Grit & Grace — 7:15 p.m. at The West End II
- Chasing Neon — 7:30 p.m. at Suds Factory Courtside Grill
The fair also features ongoing entertainment like racing pigs, stunt dog shows, jugglers, and cultural showcases in the Pan African, Latino, and Indian Villages.
Admission and Concert Policies
All concerts at Suburban Park and Chevy Court are free with fair admission ($8 for adults; free for kids 12 and under and seniors 65+). Monday is also Law Enforcement Day, offering free admission for active or retired law enforcement and corrections personnel with valid ID.
Concertgoers should note rules: smoking and vaping are prohibited in grassy areas, saving seats is not allowed, and aisles must remain clear. Wheelchair-accessible and vision/hearing-impaired seating are available on a first-come basis.
With 98 Degrees, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and a full slate of local talent, Monday, August 25 at the NYS Fair promises an eclectic mix of nostalgia, energy, and community spirit. For more coverage of festivals and concerts nationwide, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.