The Maryland State Fair is back for its 2026 season, opening its gates in Timonium on Saturday, Aug. 27, and running through Sunday, Sept. 13. The three‑weekend schedule gives families plenty of time to enjoy classic fair attractions, from pro bull riding and live horse racing to craft displays and farm exhibits.
Ticket prices and gate hours
General admission at the gate is $15 for adults (ages 12‑61), $12 for seniors (62+), $10 for children ages 6‑11, and free for kids five and under. Buying tickets online before Aug. 27 lowers the cost to $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $7 for children 6‑11. Advance tickets can be purchased at MarylandStateFair.com.
Gates open at 5 p.m. on Thursdays and at 9 a.m. Friday through Sunday, with Labor Day Monday opening at 10 a.m.
Midway and ride options
The midway will operate on a semi‑cashless system: $10 purchases 100 ride credits, $20 purchases 200 credits. Credits apply only to rides, not carnival games. For unlimited rides, visitors can buy a Carnival Ride Wristband. Wristband prices vary by day, ranging from $35 on Thursday evenings to $40 on Labor Day Monday. Wristbands are not valid on the Spaceport attraction, which accepts only ride credits.
Family‑focused attractions
Kiddie Land features more than 15 child‑friendly rides, including a Cruiser Car Ride, Dragon Coaster, Tea Cups, Circus Train, Baja Buggie, and a Merry‑Go‑Round. The main midway area offers over 60 rides and games, such as the Rip Tide Roller Coaster, Space Port, Hydra, and a Giant Ferris Wheel. All riders, including parents accompanying small children, must have either ride credits or a wristband.
Parking and transportation
Paid parking on the fairgrounds is $15 per car, with both cash and credit cards accepted on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Free parking is available at two Park & Ride lots on Greenspring Drive—one operated by the local transit authority and another in the Kaiser Permanent Parking garage (levels 4‑7). Both free lots require patrons to cross the light‑rail tracks and enter through the Light Rail Gate.
Motorists should note that during the fair the Maryland State Police will restrict left‑hand turns into the York Road and Timonium Road gates. Drivers are advised to approach the York Road gate from the north (Padonia Road) or the Timonium Road gate from the east (York Road).
Getting there
The fairgrounds sit near the intersection of York and Timonium Roads (2200 York Road, Lutherville‑Timonium, MD 21093). From I‑83 North, take Exit 17 to Padonia Road east to York Road, or Exit 16A to Timonium Road east. From I‑83 South, use Exit 16 to Timonium Road east. The MTA No. 93 bus serves the Timonium Park & Ride/Light Rail stop, and rideshare drop‑off points are located at the Greenspring Drive lot.
Safety and policies
The fair has posted permissible and non‑permissible item lists for exhibitors and patrons, and staff will enforce all signage and verbal instructions to ensure a safe environment for families.
For the most up‑to‑date ride lineup, parking details, and ticket information, visit the official website.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
