Maryland State Fair 2026 opened in Timonium on August 27 for its 145th edition. The fair returns with rides, livestock, horse events, food and several new attractions, as Baltimore Chronicle reports.
The official Maryland State Fair website confirms the event runs across 3 weekends through September 13. The original report was published by FOX Baltimore, citing The Baltimore Sun.
What Is New At Maryland State Fair 2026
One of the biggest additions is a dinosaur exhibit inside the Exhibition Hall. Visitors can see fossils and artifacts alongside displays focused on prehistoric life.
A new mini-golf course has also been added to the hall. Organizers have expanded concerts, competitions and family activities while keeping the fair’s traditional agricultural program.
The 2026 edition also includes patriotic-themed exhibits and competitions. They coincide with celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Among the main attractions are:
- dinosaur exhibit with fossils and artifacts;
- new indoor mini-golf course;
- livestock shows and agricultural competitions;
- carnival rides and traditional fair food;
- horse events and entertainment;
- concerts during the final weekend.
The additions give regular visitors something new without replacing the agricultural events that define the Maryland State Fair.
Maryland State Fair 2026 Dates And Hours
The fair does not operate continuously for more than 2 weeks. Instead, organizers have divided the 2026 program into 3 separate weekends.
| Weekend | Dates |
|---|---|
| Weekend 1 | August 27–30 |
| Weekend 2 | September 3–7 |
| Weekend 3 | September 10–13 |
Thursday gates open at 5 p.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. from Friday through Sunday and on Labor Day Monday. The official fair schedule lists individual opening times for buildings, rides and events.
This format gives organizers weekday breaks between the major weekend programs. The final day of the fair is Sunday, September 13.
Tickets And Admission Rules For 2026
Gate admission costs $15 for adults ages 12–61. Seniors pay $12, while children ages 6–11 pay $10. Children 5 and younger enter free, according to the official ticket page.
There is also a significant admission rule for families this year. Visitors under 18 must enter with a parent, legal guardian or chaperone aged 21 or older.
One adult can accompany up to 6 minors. Fair officials say the policy will remain in force during all operating hours.
Concerts And Events At The Fair
The final weekend includes several ticketed performances. Congress The Band is scheduled for September 11, followed by Clutch with JD Pinkus on September 12.
The September 13 program includes WTMD’s Pop Princesses Show and a K-Pop Dance Party. Details are available through the Maryland State Fair concert schedule.
For visitors searching for the Maryland State Fair 2026 schedule, the key change is clear: familiar traditions remain, but dinosaurs, mini-golf and expanded entertainment broaden this year’s lineup.
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