MD State Fair Hours, Concerts, Exhibits For 2021

TIMONIUM, MD — The Maryland State Fair returns this year for those who want to mark the end of summer with rides, concerts and other festivities celebrating the state and its traditions.

This marks the 140th annual Maryland State Fair.

It starts Thursday, Aug. 26, and runs through Monday, Sept. 6, which is Labor Day.

In 2020 the fair was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. At the 2021 state fair, people can get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Our goal is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and educational experiences to help make memories for a lifetime," Maryland State Fair General Manager Andy Cashman said in a statement about the 2021 fair. "We are pleased to host the Maryland State Fair this summer with thousands of talented individuals and fun-loving fairgoers participating from Maryland’s great cities, towns, farms, mountains and shores."

A Maryland food pavilion and beer garden, 4-H competitions and shows, rides and games for the kids and educational exhibits will be part of the offerings. Concerts and other entertainment will also be on tap, from axe throwing to horse racing.

Guide To Maryland State Fair: Hours, Prices, Parking

The fair will open at 10 a.m on the weekends (including Labor Day) and noon on weekdays. Exhibit halls will be open until 9 p.m.

Some livestock and horse shows may start earlier, and rides and food stands may open stay later.

Admission is as follows:

• $10 for adults
• $8 for seniors (62 and older)
• $5 for children (age 6-11)
• Free for children 5 and younger

On opening day, fairgoers who bring five nonperishable food items for the Maryland Food Bank will be admitted free.

The Maryland State Fair is at 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093.

Limited parking on the fairgrounds is available on a first-come, first-served basis for $10.

Free parking is at the Park and Ride on Deereco Road on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers encourage taking the light rail, which is accessible at the fairground Cow Palace Gate.

Tickets will be available for individual rides or a day pass.

Each day will bring a slew of events — see the full schedule.

COVID-19 Vaccines, New Shows Offered

Anyone age 12 and up can get vaccinated at the Baltimore County Department of Health COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Clinic at the state fair, while supplies last.

The clinic will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends and Labor Day Monday. No appointment is needed, and the vaccines will be given in the exhibition hall.

New this year to the fair are the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, K9s In-Flight Dog Show and the Strolling Piano.

Concerts Feature Local, National Acts

Local bands will perform daily. Here is the concert schedule for the 2021 Maryland State Fair.

These are the national acts:

• 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3 — Jesse McCartney in the Racetrack Infield. Get tickets.
• 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5 — Blue Oyster Cult in the Racetrack Infield. Get tickets.

See the daily schedule for the Maryland State Fair.