Maryland State Fair Returns For 3 Weekends: Dates, Tickets, What's New In 2026

TIMONIUM, MD — The Maryland State Fair returns Thursday for three weekends of rides, fair food, live entertainment, animals, competitions and horse racing — with some new attractions joining the longtime favorites in 2026.

This year's fair runs Aug. 27-30, Sept. 3-7 and Sept. 10-13 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

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 2026 Maryland State Fair?

The fair will be held over three weekends:

• Weekend 1: Thursday, Aug. 27-Sunday, Aug. 30
• 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

Advance tickets purchased online before the fair opens are discounted to $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for children ages 6-11.

Fair admission does not include carnival rides.

Buy Maryland State Fair tickets

What's New At The Maryland State Fair?

One of the most visible additions will come after dark. A 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.

When Is Horse Racing?

Live thoroughbred racing returns to the Timonium track during the first two weekends of the fair:

• Friday, Aug. 28-Sunday, Aug. 30
• Friday, Sept. 4-Monday, Sept. 7

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.

The Timonium Shine Again Stakes and College Day at the Races are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29. College students with valid identification can receive free fair admission that day; advance registration is required to be eligible for $1,000 scholarship drawings.

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 three weekends.

See the full 2026 Maryland State Fair entertainment and events schedule

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 on the Fairgrounds and is $15 per car. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. Parking is first-come, first-served. Admission into the fair 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 may then access the Fairgrounds by crossing the light rail tracks and entering through the Light Rail Gate. Admission into the fair is additional.

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 may then access the Fairgrounds by crossing the light rail tracks and entering through the Light Rail Gate. Admission into the fair is additional.

No Left Turns

During the 13 days of the State Fair, the Maryland State Police will not allow motorists to make left-hand turns into these gates. Motorists are advised to approach the York Road gate from the north (from Padonia Road) or the Timonium Road Gate from the east (from York Road) during this period.

Leave the Driving to MTA

The Fairgrounds Light Rail Stop is a short walk from the entrance to the Fairgrounds near the Cow Palace. The MTA No. 93 bus line also serves the Timonium Park and Ride/Light Rail Stop. For detailed schedule information, contact MTA directly at 410-539-5000.

Directions

The Maryland State Fairgrounds are located near the intersection of York and Timonium Roads in Timonium (2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093). Vehicle access gates are located on York Road between Padonia and Timonium Roads and on Timonium Road about 1/4 mile east of Interstate 83 and just past the Light Rail tracks. Vehicles can enter using either of these gates without restrictions at Fairground events during most of the year.

From Interstate 83 North: Take Exit 17, Padonia Road east to York Road, continue south on York Road to the fairgrounds entrance on the right. Or take Exit 16A, Timonium Road east toward the fairgrounds. Cross over the Light Rail tracks to the fairgrounds entrance on the left.

From Interstate 83 South: Take Exit 16, Timonium Road east toward the fairgrounds. Cross over the Light Rail tracks to the fairgrounds entrance on the left.