Maryland State Fair Kicks Off Second Weekend: Dates, Tickets, What To Know

TIMONIUM, MD — The Maryland State Fair kicks off its second weekend Thursday, giving fairgoers five more days to catch rides, fair food, live entertainment, animals, competitions and horse racing.

The fair runs Thursday through Labor Day at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. After that, one final weekend is scheduled for Sept. 10-13.

Among the additions this year are nighttime drone shows, goat yoga and special activities tied to America's 250th anniversary. Fairgoers will also find the familiar midway, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, concerts and thoroughbred racing.

Here's what to know before heading to the fair:

When Is The Maryland State Fair Open?

The remaining fair dates are:

• Weekend 2: Thursday, Sept. 3-Monday, Sept. 7
• Weekend 3: Thursday, Sept. 10-Sunday, Sept. 13

The Maryland State Fairgrounds is at 2200 York Road in Timonium.

What Are The Fair Hours?

Fairground gates:

• Thursdays: 5-9 p.m.
• Fridays-Sundays: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Labor Day: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• No one will be admitted after 9 p.m.

Buildings, except the Exhibition Hall:

• Thursdays: 5-8 p.m.
• Fridays-Sundays and Labor Day: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Exhibition Hall:

• Thursdays: 5-9 p.m.
• Fridays-Sundays and Labor Day: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Carnival midway:

• Thursdays: 5 p.m. to close
• Fridays-Sundays and Labor Day: 10 a.m. to close

The 9 a.m. gate opening allows early arrivals to watch livestock and horse shows before the buildings and midway open.

How Much Is Admission?

Tickets purchased at the gate cost:

• Adults ages 12-61: $15
• Seniors 62 and older: $12
• Children ages 6-11: $10
• Children 5 and younger: Free

Fair admission does not include carnival rides.

What's New At The Maryland State Fair?

One of the most visible additions comes after dark. The new Chase Drone Show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the fair.

The fair is also marking the nation's 250th anniversary with patriotic-themed competitions, strolling entertainment, a veterans showcase, special ribbons and prizes.

Other featured activities include puppy and goat yoga, the Mullet Madness competition, professional bull riding and cowgirl barrel racing, agricultural attractions and special equine events.

Horse Racing Returns This Weekend

Live thoroughbred racing returns to the Timonium track Friday through Labor Day.

Post time is noon, a new start time this year. Spectators can watch and wager from the grandstand or watch from the air-conditioned off-track betting center.

What Else Is Happening?

The fair's schedule stretches well beyond the midway, with livestock and horse shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, concerts, agricultural demonstrations, food events and other entertainment planned throughout the remaining two weekends.

One More Thing For Parents

The fair has an unaccompanied minor policy in effect throughout its operating hours this year. Anyone younger than 18 must enter with a parent, legal guardian or chaperone who is at least 21. One adult may accompany no more than six minors.

Parking & Directions

Paid Parking

Limited parking is available at the fairgrounds for $15 per car. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. Parking is first-come, first-served. Fair admission is additional.

Free Parking at Park & Ride Lot

Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Park and Ride lot on Greenspring Drive. Guests can access the fairgrounds by crossing the light rail tracks and entering through the Light Rail Gate.

Free Parking at the Kaiser Permanente Parking Garage

Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis on levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Kaiser Permanente parking garage on Greenspring Drive. Guests can cross the light rail tracks and enter through the Light Rail Gate.

No Left Turns

During the State Fair, Maryland State Police will not allow motorists to make left turns into the fairgrounds gates. Motorists should approach the York Road gate from the north, from Padonia Road, or the Timonium Road gate from the east, from York Road.

Leave The Driving To MTA

The Fairgrounds Light Rail Stop is a short walk from the entrance near the Cow Palace. The MTA No. 93 bus line also serves the Timonium Park and Ride/Light Rail Stop.

Uber/Lyft

Uber and Lyft drop-off and pickup locations are at the Greenspring Drive Park and Ride lot. Patrons can enter the fairgrounds through the Light Rail Gate.

The Maryland State Fairgrounds are near the intersection of York and Timonium roads in Timonium. Vehicle entrances are on York Road between Padonia and Timonium roads and on Timonium Road about a quarter-mile east of Interstate 83.