The Maryland State Fair is a classic summer family activity that draws visitors from throughout the state to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, and this year it’s covered in red, white, and blue.
While traditionally the state fairgrounds are decked out in Maryland gear, for the fair’s 145th year, families can celebrate America 250 with new and returning fun for the whole family.
“We have a multitude of things that you can keep you busy for hours while you’re here, so hopefully, we’re giving you a lot of bang for your buck when you come through the gate,” says Maryland State Fair General Manager David Gordon.
As one of the longest-running state fairs in the country, the Maryland State Fair shares a lot of history with the United States.
Exclusive to 2026, the Maryland State Fair will have a commemorative quilt on display in the home arts department with the Maryland State Fair 250 logo. According to Gordon, the logo wraps red, white and blue into the Maryland State Fair logo and will be featured on T-shirts at the concessions stand for purchase.
The fair returns this summer for three long weekends: Aug. 27-30, Sept. 3-7 and Sept. 10-13. Gordon shares what families can look forward to this season:
Entertainment
Back by popular demand for music lovers are the strolling piano and strolling DJs, Gordon says. Families can see the dueling pianos on wheels strolling through the midway of the fairgrounds.
Kids may also spot the AmirrorCAN MEN in their custom-made mirror men suits. Dressed in red, white and blue shimmering from head to toe, this trio will be strolling through the fairgrounds to meet visitors and take a selfie for lasting memories.
If you’re looking to lay on the grass and enjoy some good tunes, Gordon confirms the ever-popular concert series is back for another year.
“We have concerts, like we do every year. So, the third weekend of the fair, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we have concert series. We have something for everybody in the family,” he says. “From young to old, we got a different type of concert for everybody.”
The last Sunday of the fair will feature a WTMD Sunday Morning Tunes Pop Princesses Show and a K-pop dance party that afternoon.
For military families, the first Sunday of the fair will feature a military day with different actives to show support for military members.
Animals
For animal lovers, families will have a unique opportunity to watch live horse racing — a sport that’s long been a part of Maryland history and tradition. And don’t forget to stop by Horse Land to learn all about the horses of Maryland.
“It’s about as close as you can get to racehorses in the state of Maryland, right up on the rail, so you can pick out your favorite horse and cheer him on to victory,” Gordon says.
Also making a triumphant return will be the pig racing located near the Ferris wheel on the midway.
Gordon adds: “In the Cow Pass, we have a huge area that has our birthing center, so if you’ve never seen animals live birth before, you might get lucky and be able to see that or at least see the moms and kids as soon as they’re born.”
The fair’s U-Learn Farm will feature hands-on activities for children of all ages. They can meet all the different types of animals raised in Maryland and learn about what they are raised for.
For more information about ticketing and hours, visit marylandstatefair.com.
