Maryland State Fair Begins with Ridemania

Get ready, thrill seekers! The Maryland State Fair is here.

Opening day of the Maryland State Fair is Friday, Aug. 28, and first there was a preview day with the rides as the main event. During Ridemania—on Thursday, Aug. 27—the Midway and its rides, games and food vendors opened.

“Our rides and amusements have come a long way over the years from greased pole climbs and sack races to a Midway with a variety of rides for children, adults and adventure seekers of all ages,” Maryland State Fair General Manager Andy Cashman said. “And, no matter how popular the new high tech rides are, the merry-go-rounds and ferris wheels maintain their position as the all-time favorite rides of fair history.”

The Maryland State Fair is located at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium. The fair will be open from Friday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 7. See hours below. Admission is $8 per person, $6 for senior citizens and $3 for children ages 6-11. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the fair. See the fair schedule of events here.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Livestock and horse shows start at 9 a.m. daily. Demonstrations and exhibit halls are open Friday to Sunday and Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and weekdays from noon to 10 p.m. The midway area with rides and games is open Friday to Sunday and Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and weekdays from 2 p.m. to closing time. Kiddie Land rides are open Friday to Sunday and Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and weekdays from noon to 10 p.m.