8-28-2026 4:05am

Free Admission

2026 College Day at The Races

College Students, stop by for a day of horse racing fun and a chance to win one of multiple $1,000 College Scholarships at College Day at The Races at the Maryland State Fair! Admission is FREE with a valid College ID.

DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2026

TIME: 12:00PM – 5PM

EVENT CHECK-IN: 12:00 – 2:30PM.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN YOU MUST:

Pre-Register by Friday, August 28, at 5pm.
Check-in between 12:00-2:30pm on August 29th.
Have your College/University ID and valid photo ID. If you do not yet have a college ID, bring proof of college admission.
You MUST pre-register and also check-in the day of the event to be eligible for a scholarship.

Scholarship winner’s names will be drawn prior to the Shine Again Stakes Race (time to be determined). Students are not required to be present at the drawing, but are invited to be present and be a part of the group photo at the winner’s circle during the live televised drawing.

LOCATION: MD State Fair Lower Floor South End of the Grandstand

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING:

Don’t get stuck in traffic and parking, take the Light Rail to the Maryland State Fair. If you do decide to drive, park at the Light Rail lot on Deerco Road (FREE on a first-come, first-served basis) or just UBER/LYFT.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Country Life and Merryland Farms
Dark Hollow Farm
Fasig-Tipton Co., Inc.
Maryland Horse Breeders Association
Maryland Jockey Club
Maryland Million
Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society, Inc.
Maryland Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association Inc.
The Mill
Veteran Service Brands

Terms & Conditions:

The Scholarship monies will be made payable to the winner’s school and the monies will be sent directly to each institution after a proof of enrollment has been received by the Maryland State Fair office. Individuals winning scholarships must provide proof of current enrollment in an accredited college or university to The Maryland State Fair, P.O. Box 188, Timonium, MD 21094 or email rwilliams@marylandstatefair.com. Scholarships will be provided for the Spring 2027 semester. Must be 18-years-old or older to bet on the races.