Summer Festivals in Baltimore and Harford Counties

As the summer draws to a close, fair and festival season is heating up around the region.

Check out some of our picks for upcoming fairs and festivals in Baltimore & Harford counties.

What: Bel Air BBQ Bash
When: Aug. 10, 4 to 10 p.m., Aug. 11, noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Bel Air. Use 2 South Bond St., Bel Air, MD 21014 for GPS directions. Shuttles will be available from Bel Air High School and The John Carroll School.
Why Go: Live music, beer, and of course tons of tasty barbeque. For a list of teams competing in the BBQ bash, schedule of bands and more check out the website.
How much: Admission is free; food and drinks are not.

What: Havre de Grace Seafood Festival
When: Aug. 10, 4 to 8 p.m.; Aug. 11, 10a.m. to 8 p.m.; Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Tydings Park, 300 Commerce St., Havre de Grace, MD 21078.
Why Go: According to the website, this festival was nominated as one of the 10 best in the US in 2009. Seafood, free live music and a concert by Brian Howe of the Marshall Tucker Band and Bad Company. Howe plays Friday at 6:30 p.m., and admission varies.
How much: Admission is free; food and drinks are not. The Brian Howe concert is ticketed, admission varies.

What: Maryland State Fair
When: Aug. 24 to Sept. 3, 2012; noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
Where: The Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium 21093
Why Go: Check out bands, rides, games, vendors, food and more. For a full schedule of events click here.
How much: Adult admission $8, Senior admission (62 & over) $6, Children (6 to 11) $3, children 5 and under are admitted FREE (Rides are not included).

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What: Parkville Towne Centre Fair
When: Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Harford Road, between Debois Avenue and Taylor Avenue. Parkville, MD, 21234 Shuttles available from Parkville Middle School and Parkville Senior Center.
Why Go: Meet your neighbors, check out local businesses and enjoy live music and entertainment and check out a classic car show.
How much: Admission is free.

What: 5th Annual DuClaw Real Ale Festival
When: Sept. 8, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: DuClaw Brewing Company, 16A Belair South Parkway, Bel Air, MD, 21015
Why Go: Check out cask-conditioned real ale at this all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink festival. Check out brews from Bel Air's own DuClaw and taste from guest breweries including Stone and Troegs. As a bonus, there are three whole pigs being served as part of the buffet.
How much: Tickets are $55.

What: The Reisterstown Festival & Car Show
When: Sept. 8, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Hannah More Park, 12035 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136
Why Go: This festival kicks off with a parade at 9 a.m. Saturday; events include bed racing, living history events, live music and fireworks. The car show is held on Sunday.
How much: Admission is free.

What: Catonsville Arts & Crafts Festival
When: Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Frederick Road between the Ingleside-Bloomsbury corner and Melvin Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21128
Why Go: Now in it's 39th year, this festival features a wide variety of artists and crafters. Check out local businesses, sample food from local restaurants and more.
How much: Admission is free.

What: 16th Annual Baltimore County African-American Culture Festival
When: Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Towson Courts Patriot Plaza, 400 Washington Ave., Towson, MD 21204
Why Go: Check out dance, art, poetry, historical displays and more along with three stages of live entertainment.
How much: Admission is free.

What: Maryland Brewers Oktoberfest
When: Oct. 13, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: The Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium 21093
Why Go: Sample beers from Maryland brewers including Heavy Seas, Flying Dog, The Brewer's Art, Evolution and Baltimore's newest brewery Union Craft Brewing.
How much: Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on site. VIP tickets are available for $39, and includes an extra hour of tasting as well as extra tokens to buy beer. For more information visit the website.

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What: Good Life Thursdays at Boordy Vineyards
When: Thursdays through Sept. 6, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Where: 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes, MD, 21082
Why Go: Products from local farmers, dinner, music, and of course wine. For a full list of vendors and a live entertainment schedule check the website.
How much: Admission is free, food and drink are not.

What: Towson's Feet on the Street Block Parties
When: Fridays through Sept. 28, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Allegheny Ave., Towson, Maryland 21204
Why Go: Hang out with friends, meet new ones, shop local and check out great entertainment.
How much: Admission is free.