The Maryland State Fair dates 2026 are scheduled across three separate periods: August 27–30, September 3–7, and September 10–13. The fair is taking place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland.
Unlike an event that runs continuously for several weeks, the 2026 Maryland State Fair is divided into three fair periods. The schedule includes the Labor Day holiday, giving visitors another weekday opportunity to attend.
For anyone planning a visit, knowing the Maryland State Fair dates is only part of the picture. Daily gate hours, special events, livestock competitions, concerts and carnival attractions may operate at different times, so checking the schedule for the specific day is useful.
Key Points Summary
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║ – The 2026 Maryland State Fair is scheduled for three separate periods.
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║ – The dates are August 27–30, September 3–7, and September 10–13.
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║ – The fairgrounds are located at 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland.
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║ – Gates generally open at 5 p.m. on Thursdays and 9 a.m. on Friday through Sunday and Labor Day Monday.
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║ – Attractions include carnival rides, agricultural competitions, livestock shows, horse events, concerts and other entertainment.
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Table of Contents
- Maryland State Fair Dates 2026
- Maryland State Fair Hours
- Where Is the Maryland State Fair?
- What Happens at the Maryland State Fair?
- 2026 Fair Schedule by Weekend
- Agricultural and Livestock Events
- Carnival Rides and Entertainment
- Regional Fairs Near Maryland
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Know Before Visiting
Maryland State Fair Dates 2026
The 2026 Maryland State Fair is scheduled for the following dates:
| Fair Period | 2026 Dates |
|---|---|
| First period | August 27–30 |
| Second period | September 3–7 |
| Third period | September 10–13 |
The opening period begins on Thursday, August 27, and runs through Sunday, August 30.
The second period starts Thursday, September 3, and continues through Monday, September 7. Because September 7 is Labor Day, this portion of the fair provides five consecutive days of scheduled activity.
The final period begins Thursday, September 10, and ends Sunday, September 13.
This three-part schedule means visitors have several opportunities to attend rather than having to fit the fair into a single weekend.
Maryland State Fair Hours
The fair’s gate schedule varies depending on the day of the week.
The general 2026 gate hours are:
- Thursday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Labor Day Monday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The gates close to new admissions at 9 p.m.
Visitors should keep in mind that gate hours do not necessarily mean every attraction operates for the entire period. Carnival rides, buildings, competitions and performances can have separate schedules.
Where Is the Maryland State Fair?
The fair takes place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds at:
2200 York Road
Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
The fairgrounds are in Baltimore County, making the event accessible to visitors from the Baltimore metropolitan area as well as travelers coming from other parts of Maryland and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region.
Anyone driving to the fair should allow additional travel time during especially busy periods and check current parking and transportation information before leaving.
What Happens at the Maryland State Fair?
The Maryland State Fair combines several types of attractions rather than focusing on just one area.
Visitors can find traditional carnival entertainment alongside agricultural exhibits, animal competitions, live performances and other scheduled activities.
Agriculture continues to play a significant role in the event. The 2026 program includes livestock and animal-related competitions involving categories such as beef, poultry, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, horses and ponies.
There are also 4-H and FFA activities, making the fair an important showcase for youth agricultural programs.
For visitors who are primarily interested in entertainment, the fair also features carnival rides, concerts, shopping and other activities.
2026 Fair Schedule by Weekend
August 27–30
The first scheduled period of the 2026 Maryland State Fair begins Thursday evening.
Thursday’s gate opening is later than the rest of the weekend, with gates scheduled to open at 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday begin with 9 a.m. gate openings.
The opening period includes agricultural competitions and other fair programming, along with carnival attractions and entertainment.
September 3–7
The second portion of the fair begins Thursday, September 3.
This is the longest continuous stretch in the 2026 schedule because it includes Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday.
Visitors looking for a holiday-weekend fair outing may find this period particularly convenient, although individual events should still be checked against the daily schedule.
September 10–13
The third and final period starts Thursday, September 10, and concludes Sunday, September 13.
The final weekend includes scheduled entertainment and concert programming. Visitors interested in a particular performer or event should check the official schedule because performances are tied to specific dates and times.
Agricultural and Livestock Events
Agricultural programming is one of the defining features of the Maryland State Fair.
The 2026 schedule includes numerous competitions involving livestock, poultry and other animals. Horse and pony activities are also included, along with 4-H and FFA programming.
These events do not necessarily take place continuously throughout the day. Instead, individual competitions have designated times and locations.
That makes the daily schedule especially useful for visitors who want to attend a particular livestock show, horse event or agricultural competition.
Families interested in seeing the educational and competitive side of the fair may want to plan their arrival around these scheduled events rather than simply visiting during general gate hours.
Carnival Rides and Entertainment
Carnival rides provide another major part of the Maryland State Fair experience.
According to the published fair information, carnival operations generally begin at 5 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday.
The fair also includes live entertainment and concerts during selected dates.
The 2026 concert schedule includes performances during the final weekend, including events listed for September 11, September 12 and September 13.
Because entertainment schedules can differ from general fair hours, visitors should verify the program for the date they intend to attend.
12 State and County Fairs Worth Visiting in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia
The Maryland State Fair is one of several fairs held throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region.
A regional 2026 fair roundup includes events such as the Fauquier County Fair, Loudoun County Fair, Prince William County Fair, Howard County Fair, Arlington County Fair, Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, Maryland State Fair, DC State Fair, Prince George’s County Fair, Charles County Fair, Great Frederick Fair and State Fair of Virginia.
These events take place at different points during the summer and fall and vary in size, schedule and programming.
The Maryland State Fair is distinctive within this group because its 2026 calendar is divided into three separate periods extending from late August into September.
For visitors who enjoy agricultural competitions, carnival rides and community fairs, the broader regional calendar provides additional opportunities after or before the Maryland State Fair.
What Visitors Should Check Before Going
Knowing the overall Maryland State Fair dates does not necessarily tell you when a specific activity will be available.
Before visiting, check:
- The fair’s schedule for the exact day of your visit
- Concert and entertainment times
- Livestock and agricultural competition schedules
- Carnival operating times
- Building and exhibit hours
- Admission information
- Parking and transportation details
This is particularly useful if you are traveling specifically to see a performance, competition or other scheduled attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the Maryland State Fair dates for 2026?
A: The 2026 dates are August 27–30, September 3–7, and September 10–13.
Q: When does the Maryland State Fair open?
A: Gates generally open at 5 p.m. on Thursdays and 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday.
Q: Is the Maryland State Fair open on Labor Day?
A: Yes. Labor Day, Monday, September 7, is included in the second 2026 fair period.
Q: Where is the Maryland State Fair held?
A: It is held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland.
Q: What attractions are at the Maryland State Fair?
A: The fair includes carnival rides, agricultural and livestock competitions, horse and pony events, concerts, entertainment and shopping.
Q: How long does the Maryland State Fair last in 2026?
A: The fair is spread across three separate periods between August 27 and September 13, rather than operating continuously throughout that entire span.
Q: Are all Maryland State Fair events held every day?
A: No. Many competitions, performances and special activities are scheduled for particular dates and times. Visitors should check the daily program before attending.
What to Know About the 2026 Maryland State Fair
The biggest takeaway from the Maryland State Fair dates 2026 schedule is the flexibility it offers visitors. The fair is held August 27–30, September 3–7 and September 10–13, giving people multiple opportunities to make plans.
The event also offers more than carnival rides. Agricultural competitions, livestock shows, youth programs, horse events, concerts and other entertainment contribute to the fair’s broad schedule.
If you already know which activity you want to see, plan around that event first. Otherwise, choosing the most convenient fair period and checking the day’s schedule before heading to Lutherville-Timonium is the simplest way to organize a visit.
Planning to attend the Maryland State Fair in 2026? Check the schedule for your preferred date before you go so you don’t miss the events you want to see.