Picture a carnival ride spinning behind the village's landmarked courthouse while a tinsmith hammers away in a landmarked shop fifty feet from a hot-dog eating contest. That collision is the appeal of the Richmond County Fair, running since 1980 and now spreading 100-plus vendors, a butterfly vivarium, pony rides and a three-day stage of Staten Island bands over 25 acres. If you cross the harbor once a year, make it this weekend.
What to expect
Enter at Richmond Road and St. Patrick's Place or Arthur Kill Road and Center Street, then wander a fairground laid over a real 19th-century village. Costumed interpreters demonstrate carpentry, tinsmithing and broom making in the historic houses while carnival rides, an obstacle course, aerialists and stilt walkers work the lawns. Vendors line Richmond Road for the Culture Crawl.
Good to know
- There is no on-site parking; use the Staten Island Mall commuter lot at Marsh Avenue and Richmond Hill Road, which runs a free shuttle to the gates
- The shuttle is not wheelchair accessible, but limited priority parking for DMV disability permit holders is available on St. Patrick's Place
- Rides, games and a few attractions cost extra on top of admission, so bring a card or cash
- Held rain or shine, and outside food, alcohol, coolers and pets are prohibited
- Wear supportive closed-toe shoes; the site is grass, gravel and packed dirt across 25 acres
- Sunscreen, hats and earplugs are explicitly welcomed by the organizers
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Common questions
Can I drive and park at the fair?
No. Historic Richmond Town has no on-site parking for the fair. Park free at the Staten Island Mall commuter lot at Marsh Avenue and Richmond Hill Road and take the free shuttle bus to and from the gates.
Is everything included once I am inside?
Most entertainment and the living-history demonstrations are included. Carnival rides, games, pony rides and a handful of other attractions carry an additional charge.
What happens if it rains?
The fair runs rain or shine and refunds are not issued for weather. Refunds are only given if the event itself is cancelled or postponed.
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