Maryland State Fair 2016: Hours, Tickets, Parking, Events

TIMONIUM, MD — Opening day of the Maryland State Fair is Thursday, Aug. 25, with the fun continuing through Monday, Sept. 5.

This marks the 135th year for the fair, located at 2200 York Road in Timonium.

There is something for everyone, from cow milking lessons to a fashion show to bull riding to live music. See the full schedule of events.

The entire fair will be open from Thursday, Aug. 25, to Monday, Sept. 5. Admission is $8 per adult, $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. Rides cost additional money. Each ticket is $1, and most rides require at least two tickets.

Concerts

Charlie Puth performs on Saturday, Sept. 3. Doors open at 7 p.m. The opening act of Ruth B. starts at 8 p.m., and Charlie Puth will take the stage at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $40 to $50 and include fair admission.

Jana Kramer performs on Sunday, Sept. 4. Doors open at 7 p.m. The opening act is Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots. Tickets are $40 to $50 and include fair admission.

Parking

Limited parking is available at the fairgrounds for $5. Free parking is available at the Park and Ride on Deereco Road west of the fairgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis. Handicapped parking is available. Taking the light rail is recommended.

Hours

Fair hours vary by section.

Kiddie Land rides are open from noon to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day. See height restrictions by clicking on a ride.

Main Midway rides, games and food stands are open 2 p.m. to close Monday to Friday; and 10 a.m. to close on Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day. There are various ride specials available.

4-H/Home Arts, Farm & Garden and Exhibition Halls are open from noon to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Labor Day. See the schedule of events.

Mosner-Miller Museum will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day.

Livestock and horse shows start at 9 a.m. for early risers.

New This Year

The Maryland State Fair parade, which has not happened since 1981 when it was the fair's 100-year anniversary, is making a comeback. It will be at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28, in front of the Grandstand. Floats, horses, marching bands, antique farm machines, fire apparatus, vintage cars and others will participate.

Pokémon Go Day will be from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28. Players can search out gyms, Pokestops and Pocket Monsters inside the fairgrounds with the goal of catching them all and winning prizes. The contests will continue Monday, Aug. 29, through Thursday, Sept. 1.

A home brew competition will take place on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 5) to give Marylanders a chance to showcase their brewing capabilities.

What to Leave at Home

Pets, hoverboards, selfie sticks, drones, knives, mace/pepper spray, duffle bags, scissors, alcoholic beverages and fireworks are prohibited.

Photo courtesy of the Maryland State Fair.