Montgomery County Fair 2021: When To Go, Parking, Tickets

GAITHERSBURG, MD — After a cancellation last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair kicked off Friday. With the surge in delta variant cases, fairgoers must wear a mask inside buildings on the grounds.

The rides, the animal exhibits, the food and more are open for visitors at the Gaithersburg site. The fair runs through Aug. 21.

Here's what you need to know about tickets and parking:

• General Admission: $15 onsite $12 Online, Children 11 & under are free. (Free same day re-admission, get your hand stamped at the gate before departing).
• Parking: $10 per car at the fairgrounds (cash or credit card)
• Group Rate: $9 per person (with 15 people or more). Must be purchased in one transaction.
• Free parking and shuttle bus service from Lakeforest Mall, located at Lost Knife Road and Odenhal Avenue

Tickets purchased online are $12 for adults and kids age 12 and older. Children 11 and younger are admitted at no charge.

You can buy tickets at the gate. The cost is $15 for adults and kids age 12 and older. Children 11 and younger are admitted at no charge.

Fair hours are:

• Aug. 13: Fair and carnival open from 3 p.m. to midnight.
• Aug. 14: Fair open 10 a.m to midnight; carnival open from noon to midnight.
• Aug. 15-19: Fair open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., carnival open noon to 11 p.m.
• Aug. 20-21: Fair open from 10 a.m. to midnight, carnival open noon to midnight.

The fair showcases 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members who exhibit their livestock, homemaking and craft projects. It also promotes the science and preservation of agriculture in the County.

Entertainment includes farm animals, carnival rides, dozens of food selections, and monster truck shows on Aug. 18 and 19; demolition derby shows on Aug. 20 and 21; agricultural shows and exhibitions.

Fair visitors can avoid parking by taking a Ride On bus directly to the Fair. Learn more about the buses going to the fair.

The Fair will operate under COVID-19 safety restrictions that are dictated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Maryland and Montgomery County.

Parking on the grounds via the 501 Perry Parkway Parking is $10. Free parking, with shuttle bus access to the grounds, is available at Lakeforest Mall.

Among the most popular days at the Fair are Family Days, which are Monday, Aug. 16, and Wednesday, Aug. 18. On Family Days, carnival single-day ride packages are available at a special price.

Senior Citizens Day will be on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Residents 62 and older will be admitted free until 5 p.m. Military Day will be on Thursday, Aug. 19. Admission will be free through 5 p.m. for active military members in uniform or showing a military ID.

For more information about the Fair, go to its website at https://mcagfair.com/.