8-10-2026 4:02am

Fair Countdown:

What's New and What's Returning to the 145th Maryland State Fair

Three big weekends of fair fun with various patriotic-themed competitions and exhibits to help celebrate America’s 250th

“The Maryland State Fair has always been a place where Marylanders can come together to showcase their talents, hard work, and passion through friendly competition. From our 4-H and FFA youth members to exhibitors and competitors from every corner of the state, we are proud to provide an opportunity for people to share what makes Maryland’s communities and agricultural traditions so special,” said Maryland State Fair General Manager David Gordon.

DREAM BIG! The 145th Maryland State Fair presented by Toyota will feature traditional Fair favorites, exciting new exhibits and activities along with various patriotic-themed competitions, ribbons, game prizes, strolling entertainers, a veteran’s showcase, and more.

The Maryland State Fair, located in Timonium in Baltimore County, will take place: Thursday, August 27-Sunday, August 30; Thursday, September 3–Labor Day Monday, September 7; and Thursday, September 10-Sunday, September 13. Thursdays Hours: Gates open at 5 PM. Buildings are open from 5 PM-8 PM; the Exhibition Hall is open from 5 PM-9 PM, and the Carnival Midway is open from 5 PM – close. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday Hours: Gates open at 9 AM for early risers to watch the start of livestock and horse shows. Buildings are open from 10 AM-8 PM, the Exhibition Hall is open from 10 AM-9 PM; and, the Carnival Midway is open from 10 AM-close. Note: No admission after 9 PM. Anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older.

Live Thoroughbred Horse Racing takes place Friday, August 28–Sunday, August 30 and Friday, September 4–Labor Day Monday, September 7. New Post Time is 12 PM. Fairgoers may watch and wager on the races in the Grandstand seats as Thoroughbreds round the 5/8th mile track or in the air conditioned OTB Center. Visit and enjoy a delicious meal in the adjacent Costas Inn Timonium restaurant while watching the races. The Timonium Shine Again Stakes and College Day at the Races will be featured during the Saturday, August 29 race meet.

Maryland State Fair Admission Prices are: Adults (ages 12-61) $15; Seniors (ages 62+), $12; Children (Ages 6-11), $10; Children ages 5 and under, free admission. Rides are individually priced. Check out www.marylandstatefair.com for advance discount ticket sales.

The Maryland State Fair recognizes the enduring appeal of Maryland’s citizens and 4-H and FFA youth sharing their talents and competing for ribbons, prizes and bragging rights. The Fair’s buildings, barns and stages provide space for thousands of fairgoers to appreciate exhibits, learn from exhibitors, and consider participating in a future fair.

“The Maryland State Fair has always been a place where Marylanders can come together to showcase their talents, hard work, and passion through friendly competition. From our 4-H and FFA youth members to exhibitors and competitors from every corner of the state, we are proud to provide an opportunity for people to share what makes Maryland’s communities and agricultural traditions so special,” said Maryland State Fair General Manager David Gordon. “Our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and family-friendly experience where exhibitors and fairgoers can make lasting memories at the Maryland State Fair.”

The 145th Maryland State Fair will also feature the thrills, chills, sights and sounds of numerous Midway and Kiddie Land rides provided by Deggeller Attractions, games with patriotic-themed prizes while supplies last, and aromas of tasty fair food and drink on the Midway, and in the Maryland Foods Pavilion, the Maryland Dairy Bar, and the Blue Ribbon Bar.

NEW THIS YEAR:

M&T Bank Concert Series at the Maryland State Fair will feature:

CONGRESS THE BAND, on Friday, September 11. The rising five-piece Southern rock and indie-soul band, that got its start on Congress Street in South Carolina, is known for their energetic, feel-good anthems, driving electric guitars, soulful grooves, and singalong choruses. William Bennett (vocals), Daniel Guy (guitar), Lukas Mishustin (Guitar), Rob Farmer (bass), and Jett Seawell (drums) combine to bring a warm, communal, unhurried vibe to their shows with breakout hit “Out The Door,” “Modern Lady,” “Bay Street” and other popular songs. Gates open at 6 PM. Show begins at 7 PM. General Admission Lawn Tickets Only. Tickets are $25 and include Fair admission. Concert goers may bring a blanket or chair. For additional concert, ticket, and fair information, visit www.marylandstatefair.com. For additional concert, ticket, and fair information, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.

98 Rock presents CLUTCH on Saturday, September 12. The high-energy rock band will be joined by JD Pinkus. Gates open at 6 PM. Show begins at 7 PM. General Admission Lawn Tickets Only. Tickets are $50 and include Fair admission. Concert goers may bring a blanket or chair. For additional concert, ticket, and fair information, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.

WTMD Morning Tunes presents POP PRINCESSES on Sunday, September 13. Baltimore’s own Enslow and her band will perform pitch-perfect hits from Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, and more. Concert goers may bring a blanket/chair. Gates open at 11 AM. Show begins at 11:30 AM. General Admission Lawn Tickets are $25 for adults (ages 12+), $18 for children (ages 6-11), Kids (5 and under) free, or $80 for a Family 4-Pack. Concert ticket includes admission to the Fair.

WTMD presents K-POP DANCE PARTY. The 12-person dance group Konnect will perform songs from “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” BTS, BLACKPINK, and more on Sunday, September 13. Concert goers may bring a blanket/chair. Gates open at 2 PM. Show begins at 2:30 PM. General Admission Lawn Tickets are $27 for adults (ages 12+), $20 for children (ages 6-11), Kids (5 and under) free, or $100 for a Family 4-Pack.

WTMD BUNDLE TICKET FOR BOTH THE POP PRINCESSES SHOW AND THE K-POP DANCE PARTY. General Admission Lawn Tickets are $40 for adults (ages 12+), $30 for children, kids (5 and under) free, or $80 for a Family 4-Pack and include admission to the Fair. During both concerts enjoy the festival feel in the Infield with activities like Friendship Bracelet Making, a Mechanical Bull, Giant Rock Wall, T-Shirt Tie-Dyeing Stations, a Photo Booth, and more fun planned for the kids. For additional concert, ticket, and fair information, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.

Blue Ribbon Bar – Check out the flavor of the new Year-Round Fairground Blonde Beer brewed by the local CheckerSpot Brewing Company. And, enjoy other beer favorites, wine, and spirits. Daily next to the Maryland Foods Pavilion.

Cow Cuddling with Swartz Farm – Want to hug a fluffy miniature Highland cow? For an additional fee, Swartz Farm will provide the opportunity for Fairgoers to experience cow cuddling on Saturday, September 12, 10 AM – 7 PM, at the Swine Barn in the Mill Arena.

Dinosaur Takeover – Travel back to the prehistoric past at this fun, interactive, and educational Dinosaur Fossils and Artifacts Museum and play a friendly game of Dinosaur Mini Golf. Daily in the Exhibition Hall.

Kaiser Permanente Healthy Living Day on Sunday, September 13. Visit the Kaiser Permanente Booth by the Main Gate for free health screenings.

MAOLA Milk Sampling – will take place Saturday, September 12, 1 PM-5PM, while supplies last, at U-Learn Farm in the Cow Palace.

Rabbit Show (Open Class sanctioned by ARBA) and 4-H Rabbit Show – the new Open Class American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) sanctioned Rabbit Show and the traditional 4-H Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, September 12, beginning at 9 AM, in the south end of the Cow Palace.

Tevis Energy Touch A Truck – Children and families will have a hands-on opportunity to see heavy equipment up close, sit in the driver’s seats, and meet local company drivers from Saturday, Aug. 29 – Sunday, August 30, Saturday, September 5 – Sunday, September 6, and Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13, 10 AM – 4 PM in the Cow Palace.

Veterans Drill Team & Therapeutic Riding Showcase begins Labor Day Monday, September 7, at 5 PM in the Horse Show Ring.

Military Appreciation Day presented by Toyota on Sunday, August 30, 10 AM–5 PM, in the State Fair Park.
Thanks to Toyota, veterans and active-duty military members only receive free admission on Military Appreciation Day by presenting a valid military ID at any admission gate. Additionally, while supplies last, 4,000 complimentary admission tickets are available in advance through Vet Tix for veterans, active-duty military members, and their families.
10 AM–5 PM: Veterans Resource Village
2 PM-2:30 PM: Military Service Dog Demonstration
2:30 PM–3:30 PM and 4 PM–5 PM: U.S. Naval Academy Electric Brigade popular music band.

For general Maryland State Fair information, hours and prices, or to see what events and attractions are returning from previous state fairs, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.