Shaggy to perform free concert at NYS Fair: See 2025 lineup

Shaggy
Shaggy performs during the Rock Away Valentine's Day Concert at UBS Arena on February 14, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)Getty Images

Mr. Lover Lover, a.k.a. Mr. Boombastic, is coming to the Great New York State Fair.

Shaggy will perform at the Suburban Park stage on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. The concert is free with admission to the NYS Fair.

Shaggy is a Grammy Award-winning rapper and reggae/dancehall singer best known for ‘90s and 2000s hits like “It Wasn’t Me,” “Boombastic,” “Angel,” “In the Summertime,” and “Hey Sexy Lady.” His recent releases include “Go Down Deh” (with Sean Paul), “Banana” (with Conkarah) and the Sting collaboration “Til A Mawnin.”

Born Orville Richard Burrell, the musician is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a recipient of the the Jamaican Order of Distinction, and has appeared in movies and TV shows like “The Masked Singer,” “The Bachelor,” “Game Over Man” and “The Little Mermaid Live.” He was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to New York at age 18.

According to New York State Fair officials, this will be Shaggy’s first appearance at the Fair.

All NYS Fair concerts are free to attend with admission to the Fair, which is $8 for adults for the second year in a row. Admission is still free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older.

More than 40 national recording acts will perform at the NYS Fair this year under a new five-year agreement with concert promoter Romeo Entertainment Group (REG). Upgrades are being planned at the two main stages, Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

Chevy Court (located near Gate 1) will feature two shows daily at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., while the larger Suburban Park stage will host an 8 p.m. concert each night. Two “special shows” will also be held each Friday (Aug. 22 and 29) at 9 p.m. at Chevy Court.

The 2025 New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, Aug. 20, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. The fairgrounds are located in Geddes, near Syracuse.

2025 NYS Fair concert lineup

Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.: Cheap Trick at Chevy Court

Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.: Kidz Bop at Chevy Court

Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.: Kameron Marlowe at Chevy Court

Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.: O.A.R. at Suburban Park

Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.: Busta Rhymes at Suburban Park

Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone at Chevy Court

Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.: Sister Hazel at Chevy Court

Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.: Maddie & Tae at Chevy Court

Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.: Shaggy at Suburban Park

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