The Maryland State Fair is already underway, but there are still two more weekends of the annual celebration left to enjoy.
After its opening weekend from August 27th-30th, the fair returns Thursday, September 3rd, through Labor Day on Monday, September 7th, before wrapping up with its final weekend from September 10th-13th.
From carnival rides and classic fair food to agricultural competitions, horse racing, live entertainment and a very serious mullet competition, there is plenty happening across the fairgrounds.
When and where is the Maryland State Fair taking place?
The 2026 Maryland State Fair is taking place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland.
The fair is being held over three weekends: August 27th-30th, September 3rd-7th, and September 10th-13th.
The fairgrounds reopen at 5pm on Thursday, September 3rd, with gates opening at 9am from Friday, September 4th, through Labor Day Monday, September 7th.
The final weekend begins Thursday, September 10th, at 5pm and continues through Sunday, September 13th.
That means visitors who missed the first weekend still have nine days of fair festivities remaining across the two upcoming weekends.
What to expect at the Maryland State Fair
There is a lot more happening at the Maryland State Fair than just rides and fried food.
The midway features 60-plus rides and games, including attractions such as the Giant Ferris Wheel, Rip Tide Roller Coaster, Space Port and Hydra, while Kiddie Land offers more than 15 rides aimed at younger fairgoers.
The fair also puts a major emphasis on agriculture, with livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, equine events and other agricultural exhibits taking place throughout the remaining days.
Food competitions are also on the schedule. On Sunday, September 6th from 5-7pm, the 4-H Top Chef Challenge will have competitors preparing dishes featuring fresh Maryland-grown fruits and vegetables in front of an audience.
There are plenty of other unusual and family-friendly attractions, too.
Puppy Yoga returns on Saturday, September 5th and Saturday, September 12th, with fair admission included in the event ticket, while horse racing takes place September 4th-7th with post times beginning at noon.
And then there is Mullet Madness. The third annual competition takes place on Sunday, September 13th from 10am-noon, with separate age groups and prizes for the top three mullets in each division, plus a special “Most American Mullet” award.
The final weekend also kicks off with Battle of the Beasts Professional Bull Riding and Cowgirl Barrel Racing on Thursday, September 10th at 7:30pm, giving visitors another reason to make a trip to the fair before it closes for the year.
Is it free to attend?
No, general admission to the Maryland State Fair is not free, although children ages 5 and under can enter without paying an admission fee.
At the gate, admission is $15 for adults ages 12-61, $12 for seniors ages 62 and older and $10 for children ages 6-11. Children 5 and under are free.
Visitors should also remember that carnival rides cost extra.
The midway uses a ride-card system, with credits costing 10 cents each and individual rides requiring between 32 and 100 credits.
Unlimited ride wristbands are also available on specific days, with prices varying depending on the date.
For the second weekend, ride wristbands cost $35 on Thursday, September 3rd, $38 on Friday, September 4th, $38 on Saturday, September 5th, $38 on Sunday, September 6th and $40 on Monday, September 7th.
The final weekend has wristbands ranging from $35 to $38.
Still, plenty of entertainment is included with general admission, including attractions such as the Dinosaur Encounter, Swifty Swine racing pigs, the Strolling Piano/DJ and free horse racing on scheduled race days.
