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Fair guide

Maryland State Fair

Timonium, Maryland

August 27, 2026 – September 13, 2026

Maryland State Fair date and location planning card

Confirmed

Last verified: 2026-08-05

Official Website Tickets

Quick Facts

Dates
August 27, 2026 – September 13, 2026
Location
Timonium, Maryland
Venue
Maryland State Fairgrounds
Address
2200 York Road
Timonium, MD 21093
Ticket link
Tickets
Status
Confirmed

Overview

Dates & Hours

The 2026 fair runs across three weekends: August 27-30, September 3-7, and September 10-13. Gates are open Thursdays 5-9 p.m.; Fridays-Sundays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Labor Day Monday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. No gate admission is permitted after 9 p.m.

Parking & Transportation

Parking source: Confirmed official parking/transportation source.

Official directions list limited fairgrounds parking at $15 per car, first come first served, plus free first-come parking at the Greenspring Drive Park and Ride lot.

Tickets & Discounts

Tickets source: Confirmed ticket source.

Use the official Etix portal for admission. The fair is open August 27-30, September 3-7, and September 10-13; guests under 18 must enter with a parent, guardian, or chaperone age 21 or older, with no more than six minors per adult, and age identification may be required.

Food Highlights

Food source: Confirmed food source.

Official food coverage includes the Mallet food competition and vendor resources; recheck current food vendors before planning around a specific item.

Accessibility

Accessibility source: Official source only.

The official FAQ includes wheelchair rental information near the Light Rail entrance. Confirm accessible parking, entrances, seating, restrooms, service animals, and sensory accommodations before visiting.

Planning Sections

Dates & Hours

August 27, 2026 – September 13, 2026

The 2026 fair runs across three weekends: August 27-30, September 3-7, and September 10-13. Gates are open Thursdays 5-9 p.m.; Fridays-Sundays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Labor Day Monday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. No gate admission is permitted after 9 p.m.

Tickets & Discounts

Ticket source: Confirmed ticket source

Use the official Etix portal for admission. The fair is open August 27-30, September 3-7, and September 10-13; guests under 18 must enter with a parent, guardian, or chaperone age 21 or older, with no more than six minors per adult, and age identification may be required.

Ticket details

Food Highlights

Food source: Confirmed food source

Official food coverage includes the Mallet food competition and vendor resources; recheck current food vendors before planning around a specific item.

Food information

Parking & Transportation

Parking source: Confirmed parking source

Official directions list limited fairgrounds parking at $15 per car, first come first served, plus free first-come parking at the Greenspring Drive Park and Ride lot.

Parking information

Fairgrounds map

Family Tips

Check rules for strollers, wagons, water bottles, bags, shade, bathrooms, quiet spaces, and re-entry before arriving.

State Fair Family Guide

Accessibility

Accessibility source: Official source only

The official FAQ includes wheelchair rental information near the Light Rail entrance. Confirm accessible parking, entrances, seating, restrooms, service animals, and sensory accommodations before visiting.

Accessibility information

Nearby Fairs

Related Guides

Plan a Visit to Maryland State Fair

Maryland State Fair is scheduled for August 27, 2026 – September 13, 2026 at Maryland State Fairgrounds. This planning record was last checked on 2026-08-05, but fair schedules, gate policies, and prices can change after publication. Use the official links on this page for the final check before traveling.

Make the final checks

Begin with the official fair website and daily schedule. Confirm the opening time for your chosen date, whether concerts or grandstand events need separate tickets, and the latest bag, re-entry, outside food, and payment rules. Save the official map to your phone so it remains available when cellular service is busy.

Build a realistic fair-day route

Choose two or three must-see events first, because show times create the fixed points in the day. Group nearby livestock barns, agriculture exhibits, competitions, rides, games, crafts, and food stops around those times instead of repeatedly crossing the grounds. Leave room for lines and an unplanned discovery, and choose a meeting point in case your group becomes separated.

Visitors using mobility devices, families with small children, and anyone who benefits from quieter breaks should identify accessible entrances, restrooms, rentals, seating, and lower-traffic areas before arrival. Contact the fair directly when the published accessibility information does not answer a specific need.

Coordinate meals and timed entertainment

Compare the official event schedule with the current food or vendor information before choosing meal times. A meal just before or after the busiest midday period may leave more time for exhibits, while an evening concert or grandstand show may require an earlier food stop. Keep separate-event admission, seating, and entry rules with the ticket details so the group does not discover an extra requirement at show time.

Plan for the conditions

Summer conditions can change during a long outdoor fair day. Check the local forecast, identify indoor or shaded stops on the map, and plan water and rest breaks before arriving.

Set a spending limit that includes admission, parking or transit, rides, food, and separately ticketed entertainment. Advance discounts can be useful, but buy only through the fair or its authorized ticket seller and review refund terms before checkout.

Sources & Corrections

Last verified: 2026-08-05

Submit a correction or updated source link

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