The Maryland State Fair returns to Timonium for its annual three-weekend run, bringing with it a blend of traditional agricultural competitions, live music, carnival rides, and a few new attractions that organizers say will mark America’s 250th birthday.
This year’s fair will be held Aug. 27-30, Sept. 3-7 and Sept. 10-13 at the fairgrounds at 2200 York Road. Now in its 145th year, the event continues to serve as a platform for local farmers, businesses and artists while providing family-friendly entertainment. “Fairgoers can check out various patriotic-themed competitions, strolling entertainers, a veteran’s showcase, ribbons, game prizes, and more in celebration of America’s 250th,” said Edie M. Bernier, a spokesperson for the fair.
Admission is cheaper if purchased online before 4 p.m. on Thursday. Tickets for children cost $8.35, adults $13.35 and seniors 62 and older $11.35. Special events such as the Congress The Band concert or puppy and goat yoga have separate pricing, ranging from $13 to $55. Purchasing at the gate will cost slightly more. Certain nights offer free or discounted entry for college students, seniors and veterans, and anyone who donates five nonperishable food items at Baltimore-area Chick-fil-A stores on Friday can get into the fair free. Those donations benefit BKind, Soup for the Soul, and Bright FM Pantry Project.
Carnival ride wristbands are $28 in advance and $35 to $40 at the fair, depending on the day. Parking on the fairgrounds costs $15, but free parking is available at the park-and-ride lot on Greenspring Drive. Free spots are also open in levels four through seven of the Kaiser Permanente Parking garage on Greenspring Drive. From there, fairgoers can cross the light rail tracks and enter through the light rail gate. Rideshare drop-offs should use the Greenspring Drive lot, and the MTA light rail stop is a short walk from the entrance near the Cow Palace.
The fair will feature rock concerts, rodeos and more. The rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 27 and Sept. 10, the Mullet Madness Competition on Sept. 13, and a wild-caught blue catfish cook-off on Sept. 5. Horse races are free during the first two weekends, and betting is available. On Sept. 11, visitors can take advantage of $5 Friday deals on items like buffalo ranch fries, burgers and churros. The M&T Bank Concert Series will include rock bands and a K-Pop Dance Party, with extra tickets required. On Sept. 12, 98 Rock presents CLUTCH with JD Pinkus.
Among the new attractions this year is a drone light show featuring more than 2,000 drones, presented by Chase Bank, which will light up the sky each night of the first weekend at 9 p.m. Personal drones are restricted within a half-mile radius of the fairgrounds through Sept. 13. Also new is Dinosaur Takeover, an interactive dinosaur museum in the Exhibition Hall and a dinosaur mini golf experience, as well as a cow cuddling experience at the Swine Barn in the Mill Arena on Sept. 12 for an additional fee. A new-food competition on Aug. 30 will have vendors vying for best new sweet, savory, patriotic and most creative fair food.
The fair maintains a teen chaperone policy, requiring anyone younger than 18 to be accompanied by an adult. Drivers should also note there are no left turns from Timonium or York roads.
