The Grand Finale: Maryland State Fair Kicks Off Its Last Weekend!

Well, folks, it’s that bittersweet time of year again! The beloved Maryland State Fair is entering its final stretch, and honestly, if you haven’t made it out yet, this is absolutely your last call. From Thursday, September 10th, right through Sunday, September 13th, 2026, the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium will be buzzing with one last hurrah of classic fair excitement, delicious treats, and unforgettable entertainment.

Mark your calendars and gather the family, because this final weekend promises a truly memorable send-off. Located conveniently at 2200 York Road, the fairgrounds are set to host a spectacular lineup of events that you just won't want to miss. It's truly your last shot at all that iconic fair magic this year, so let's dive into what you need to know to make the most of it!

What's Happening This Grand Finale Weekend?

Prepare for a thrilling schedule that caters to all tastes! If you’re a fan of heart-pounding action, make sure you're there on Thursday evening. The Battle of the Beasts Professional Bull Riding and Cowgirl Barrel Racing kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in the Horse Show Ring – talk about an adrenaline rush! It's an absolute must-see.

For the music lovers, Friday night brings the sounds of Congress The Band to the stage at 7 p.m. And if rock is more your speed, don't miss Clutch with JD Pinkus performing on Saturday evening, also at 7 p.m. Both promise to be fantastic nights of live tunes. Oh, and speaking of nighttime spectacles, be sure to look up on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at 9 p.m. for the mesmerizing Chase Drone Show! It's truly a sight to behold.

And let's not forget the little ones! Sunday is packed with family-friendly fun, featuring the enchanting Pop Princesses Show at 11:30 a.m., followed by a lively K-Pop Dance Party at 2:30 p.m. There’s something for everyone, truly.

Planning Your Visit: Hours & Admission

So, when can you actually get in on all this fun? Fairground gate hours vary slightly: On Thursday, gates open from 5-9 p.m. (no admission after 9 p.m.). For Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you can enter between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (again, no entry after 9 p.m.).

Building hours are a little different, too. Most buildings (except the Exhibition Hall) will be open Thursday from 5-8 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The Exhibition Hall itself stays open a bit later: 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday. And for those eager to hit the rides, the Carnival Midway springs to life at 5 p.m. on Thursday and at 10 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, operating until close each day.

Now, about getting in: Admission at the gate is $15 for adults (ages 12-61), $12 for seniors (62+), and $10 for children (6-11). The best part? Kids aged 5 and younger get in absolutely free! Just a heads-up, though, these admission costs don't cover carnival rides, so budget for those separately if you plan to spin, drop, or whirl!

Oh, and a quick but important note for families: Anyone under 18 needs to enter with a parent, legal guardian, or a chaperone who is at least 21 years old. One adult can accompany a maximum of six minors, so plan accordingly.

Getting There: Parking & Transportation Made Easy (Mostly!)

Navigating to the fair can sometimes be a bit of an adventure, but don't worry, we've got the lowdown. There's limited paid parking right at the fairgrounds for $15 per car (cash and credit are both accepted), and it’s first-come, first-served. If you're looking to save a few bucks, you can take advantage of the free Park & Ride lot on Greenspring Drive, also first-come, first-served.

Another excellent free option is parking on Levels 4-7 of the Kaiser Permanente parking garage, also conveniently located on Greenspring Drive. Now, a crucial piece of advice from the Maryland State Police: they won't allow left turns into the fairgrounds gates. So, if you're approaching the York Road gate, come from the north (Padonia Road), and if you're heading to the Timonium Road gate, approach from the east (York Road). Trust us, this will save you a headache!

Prefer to skip the car altogether? Excellent! The fairgrounds have their very own Light Rail Stop, making public transportation a breeze. Plus, the MTA No. 93 bus route serves the Timonium Park and Ride/Light Rail Stop, offering even more convenience. If you’re planning on using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, simply designate the Greenspring Drive Park and Ride lot as your pickup and drop-off point. It’s super straightforward.

So, there you have it! All the essential details to ensure you don't miss out on the last dose of Maryland State Fair fun for 2026. Grab your loved ones, plan your visit, and get ready for a fantastic final weekend of unforgettable memories. We hope to see you there!