Maryland State Fair 2025: What's New, Dates, Shows

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Visitors to the 2025 Maryland State Fair, which opens Thursday, Aug. 21, have several days to enjoy food, rides, concerts, animal judging and horse racing. Organizers have set the 2025 fair dates to run over three long weekends, including the Labor Day holiday.

The 144th state fair will be open on these dates:

• Thursday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 24
• Thursday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 1
• Thursday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 7

On Thursday, gates and the carnival midway both open at 5 p.m. Buildings are open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the Exhibition Hall is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Buildings are open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Exhibition Hall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the carnival midway opens at 10 a.m.

Gates open early at 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday. For details, visit www.marylandstatefair.com, where you can buy tickets in advance.

The Maryland State Fair is located at 2200 York Road in Timonium.

Parking at the fairgrounds costs $15 per car, but you can find free parking lots nearby.

Maryland State Fair admission prices are: Adults ages 12+, $15; seniors ages 62+, $12; children 6+, $10; children ages 5 and under, free admission. Rides are individually priced.

Celebrating its 144th year, the Maryland State Fair recognizes the enduring appeal of Maryland’s citizens, students, and 4-H and FFA members who share their talents and compete for ribbons, prizes and bragging rights.

“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,” said Maryland State Fair General Manager Andy Cashman. “Our goal is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and educational experiences to help make memories for a lifetime.”

What's New At The Maryland State Fair

For more information on all events, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.

Pickle Shot Saloon

The Pickle Shot Saloon will showcase pickle-themed cocktails such as Pickle Crushes, Pickle Margaritas, Dillytinis and more. Located by the Farm & Garden Building.

The Strolling DJ

The unique and fully mobile Strolling DJ will travel throughout the fairgrounds to entertain fairgoers with a variety of fun and favorite songs. Various times at various locations around the fairgrounds.

The Kardenni Experience

Enjoy magic moments when award-winning magician Kardenni performs his amazing and unique blend of comedy magic. Daily on Thursdays from 6:30-7 p.m; Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day at 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. except Aug. 29, when the show begins at 4:30 p.m. on Park Stage.

College Night Thursdays Special

College students with a current college ID may enjoy one $8 admission and/or one $26 ride wristband on Thursday evenings, Aug. 21, Aug. 29, and Sept. 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. The offer is valid only on Thursday evenings of the fair.

Otter Adventure

Get ready to be “otterly” amazed by the cutest antics of playful otters in this interactive water show. Thursday, Aug. 21 through Monday, Aug. 24; Thursday, Aug. 28 through Sept. 1; and Thursday, Sept. 1 through Sunday, Sept. Thursday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. across from the Cow Palace.

Goat Yoga

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience! Stretch, relax and play with adorable baby goats on Monday, Sept. 1, from 10-11 a.m. in the Maryland State Fair Park. Participants must be 18 years old or older and must purchase a $50 ticket at www.marylandstatefair.com/goatyoga.

Battle of the Bay Blue Catfish Chowdown Contest

This event will be held on Friday, Sept. 5, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the Maryland State Fair Park Stage.

Highland Cattle Show

This Scottish breed of rustic cattle is known for its distinctive long, shaggy coat and prominent horns. The show begins on Friday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. in the Cow Palace.

The Marshall Tucker Band with special guest Orianthi

The Marshall Tucker Band will perform in concert on Friday, Sept. 5. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 general admission and include entrance to the fair.

Maddox Batson

Maddox Batson will perform in concert on Saturday, Sept. 6. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m., with opening acts Emma White and Ashley Anne. Tickets are $40 general admission and include entrance to the fair.

Prospect Cattle Show

Come see young feeder calves on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Cow Palace.

"Sunday Morning Tunes" featuring Grateful Dead & Phish for Kids

Gates open at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7. The show begins at 11:30 a.m. Concertgoers may bring their own blanket/chair. Tickets are $25 for adults, $16 for children, or $80 for a family four-pack and include admission to the fair.

The AmirrorCAN Men

This trio of strolling performers in their custom-made mirror suits shimmer and shine like the stars and stripes themselves as they travel through the fairgrounds, meet and greet fairgoers, and create memorable moments. The AmirrorCAN Men bring to life the brilliant red, white and blue colors of the American flag in a dazzling display of patriotism.

Butterfly Kingdom

Fairgoers can interact with six different species of beautiful butterflies, learn about the life cycle from egg to adult, and feed them in a safe, enclosed environment. Open daily in the Exhibition Hall.

Check out the full 2025 Maryland State Fair events schedule to see all new and returning attractions.

Horse Racing At The Fair

Seven days of thoroughbred horse racing take place Aug. 22 to 24 and Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. Fairgoers may watch and wager on the races in the grandstand seats or relax in the air-conditioned off-track betting center inside.

Races are free to watch. Post times are at 12:10 p.m. on each race day and continue until all races are completed.

Parking & Directions

Paid Parking

Limited parking is available on the Fairgrounds and is $15 per car. Both cash and credit card are accepted. Parking is first-come, first-served. Admission into the fair is additional.

Free Parking at Park & Ride Lot

Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Park and Ride lot on Greenspring Drive. Guests may then access the Fairgrounds by crossing the light rail tracks and entering through the Light Rail Gate. Admission into the fair is additional.

Free Parking at the Kaiser Permanente Parking Garage

Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis on levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Kaiser Permanente Parking garage on Greenspring Drive. Guests may then access the Fairgrounds by crossing the light rail tracks and entering through the Light Rail Gate. Admission into the fair is additional.

No Left Turns

During the 13 days of the State Fair, the Maryland State Police will not allow motorists to make left-hand turns into these gates. Motorists are advised to approach the York Road gate from the north (from Padonia Road) or the Timonium Road Gate from the east (from York Road) during this period.

Leave the Driving to MTA

The Fairgrounds Light Rail Stop is a short walk from the entrance to the Fairgrounds near the Cow Palace. The MTA No. 93 bus line also serves the Timonium Park and Ride/Light Rail Stop. For detailed schedule information, contact MTA directly at 410-539-5000.

Directions

The Maryland State Fairgrounds are located near the intersection of York and Timonium Roads in Timonium (2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093). Vehicle access gates are located on York Road between Padonia and Timonium Roads and on Timonium Road about 1/4 mile east of Interstate 83 and just past the Light Rail tracks. Vehicles can enter using either of these gates without restrictions at Fairground events during most of the year.

From Interstate 83 North: Take Exit 17, Padonia Road east to York Road, continue south on York Road to the fairgrounds entrance on the right. Or take Exit 16A, Timonium Road east toward the fairgrounds. Cross over the Light Rail tracks to the fairgrounds entrance on the left.

From Interstate 83 South: Take Exit 16, Timonium Road east toward fairgrounds. Cross over the Light Rail tracks to the fairgrounds entrance on the left.