As summer wanes, the Maryland State Fair gears up for its grand return at the end of August, promising an array of attractions spanning over three extended weekends. Celebrating its 143rd year, the fair will be staged from August 22 to August 25, August 29 to September 2, and September 5 to September 8, with varied opening times to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
Gates will open at 5 p.m. on Thursdays and 9 a.m. on Fridays through Sundays, including Labor Day. The fair stipulates no entries after 9 p.m., and post-6 p.m., all minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
Andy Cashman, the fair’s general manager, emphasized the event’s broad appeal, stating, “We are pleased to host the Maryland State Fair this summer with thousands of talented individuals and fun-loving fairgoers participating from Maryland’s great cities, towns, farms, mountains and shores. Our goal is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and educational experiences to help make memories for a lifetime.”
Highlighting the entertainment lineup, the Live!ON TRACK! Concert Series features Big Time Rush, with Crash Adams as a special guest, and a Taylor Swift tribute band titled “Let’s Sing Taylor.” Noteworthy among the novel attractions this year are the mullet hair contest, remote-control motor car racing, puppy yoga, and the unique “Wolves of the World” exhibit, showcasing the only traveling wolf pack.
Also set for debut are new food vendors in the Maryland Foods Pavilion and the Midway, including Althea’s Almost Famous Taste of Jamaica and Tiffany’s Gourmet Roasted Corn, among others. New community-oriented offerings include “Meet A Farmer” in the U-Learn Farm at the Cow Palace, where fairgoers can gain insights into agricultural life.
Recurring favorites are also part of the agenda. Animal Bedtime Stories will charm young attendees every Saturday, while the Celebrity Milkshake Contest will see local celebrities.
The fair is equally a platform for traditional and contemporary crafts, featuring glassblowing, metalsmithing, and woodcarving demonstrations, alongside attractions like professional bullriding, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, and horse pulling competitions.
Admission is priced at $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for children ages 6 to 11, with free entry for children under 5. Detailed information on events, tickets, and more is available at marylandstatefair.com.