For three weekends this summer, the Maryland State Fairgrounds will come alive with carnival rides, live music, horse racing, fair food, competitions, animals, and plenty of family-friendly fun. The Maryland State Fair, the state’s largest celebration of agriculture, returns Aug. 27-30, Sept. 3-7, and Sept. 10-13, offering something new to see, taste, and experience around nearly every corner.
Carnival
The carnival will be open each fair weekend, from 5 p.m. to close on Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to close on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
More than 60 rides and skill-based attractions will fill the midway, including favorites such as the Rip Tide Roller Coaster, Space Port and Hydra, the Merry-Go-Round, and the Giant Ferris Wheel. Younger fairgoers can head to Kiddie Land, featuring more than 15 child-friendly rides.
Carnival rides cost extra. Guests must purchase a ride card or wristband and can add credits as needed. Credits are sold beginning at 100 for $10, with a minimum purchase of 100 credits per person.
Sensory-Friendly Morning
Sensory-Friendly Morning returns Friday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon. Designed for guests with sensory sensitivities, the midway experience will feature no flashing lights or loud music.
Guests can also enjoy hands-on experiences with live animals, VIP tours, inclusive activities, sensory-friendly zones, and quiet spaces throughout the fairgrounds. Preregistration is not required, but it is encouraged. Those interested can register here.
Concerts
The 2026 Concert Series, presented by M&T Bank, runs Sept. 11-13.
Congress the Band kicks things off Friday, Sept. 11, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and the show beginning at 7 p.m. On Saturday, CLUTCH with JD Pinkus takes the stage, with gates again opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m.
Sunday brings two family-friendly performances: the Pop Princesses Show at 11:30 a.m. and the K-Pop Dance Party at 2:30 p.m.
General admission lawn tickets begin at $25 per person for Friday and $50 for Saturday. On Sunday, adult general admission lawn tickets start at $25 for the Pop Princesses Show and $27 for the K-Pop Dance Party. Tickets for children ages 6-11 begin at $18 and $20, respectively.
Want to attend both Sunday shows? Adult bundles are available for $40, and children’s bundles are $30.
Food, Shopping, and Events
Come hungry. The Maryland State Fair has everything from classic favorites such as funnel cakes, corn dogs, and turkey legs to all kinds of deep-fried creations. Between bites, guests can browse unique and handcrafted products from more than 50 vendors.
The fair also packs each weekend with special events and activities, including puppy yoga, goat yoga, Cow Tales Barnyard Bedtime Stories, rodeo, horse racing, and more.
The full list of competitions is available here, and the complete fair program can be viewed here.
Discounts
Several special promotions can help fairgoers save on admission and activities.
Friday, Aug. 28, is Chick-fil-A Day. Guests who bring and donate five food items will receive free admission to the fair that day.
Saturday, Aug. 29, is Autumn Lake Senior Day, offering free admission to guests age 62 and older who enter before 5 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30, is Toyota Military Appreciation Day. Veterans and active-duty military members receive free admission at any admission gate. The offer applies only to the military member.
M&T Bank will also sponsor $5 Fridays, offering guests $5 food specials throughout the day.
College Nights take place Aug. 27, Sept. 3, and Sept. 10. College students with a valid ID can receive $8 admission and purchase a $26 unlimited ride wristband. The offer is redeemable at the gate.
Admission
- Advanced Ride Wristband: $30.10
- Adults: $13.35
- Seniors, ages 62 and older: $11.35
- Children, ages 6-11: $8.35
Whether you come for the rides, the animals, the concerts, the competitions, or simply an excuse to eat something on a stick, the Maryland State Fair offers plenty of reasons to make a day — or a weekend — of it.
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