The Grand Finale: Maryland State Fair's Unforgettable Last Weekend Approaches!

Can you believe it? The Maryland State Fair, a beloved tradition that brings together agriculture, entertainment, and pure joy, is gearing up for its grand finale! If you haven't made it out yet, or even if you just want one more taste of that fair magic, this is your absolute last chance. The fair wraps up this weekend, running from Thursday, September 10th, right through Sunday, September 13th, 2026, at the iconic Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

Alright, let's talk about when you can soak it all in. On Thursday, the fairground gates swing open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (just a heads-up, no admission after 9 p.m.). For Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you can get in much earlier, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., again with that 9 p.m. cutoff for entry. As for the various halls and attractions, most buildings (excluding the Exhibition Hall) are open 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The Exhibition Hall itself has slightly longer hours, staying open until 9 p.m. all four days. And of course, what's a fair without the carnival? The Midway lights up starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday and opens bright and early at 10 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, operating until closing each night.

Ready to grab your tickets? Admission at the gate is pretty straightforward. Adults aged 12 to 61 will pay $15, while our senior fair-goers (62 and up) can get in for $12. Kids between 6 and 11 years old are $10, and the little ones, those 5 and younger, get in absolutely free! Just remember, that admission price covers entry to the fairgrounds and all the wonderful shows and exhibits, but it doesn't include those thrilling carnival rides. You'll need separate tickets or an armband for those.

Now, let's get to the good stuff – what's happening this final weekend? It's jam-packed! Kick things off with a bang on Thursday evening with the intense Battle of the Beasts Professional Bull Riding and Cowgirl Barrel Racing, starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Horse Show Ring. Then, on Friday, get ready for some fantastic tunes with Congress The Band hitting the stage at 7 p.m., followed by a mesmerizing Chase Drone Show lighting up the night sky at 9 p.m. Saturday keeps the rock 'n' roll spirit alive with Clutch and JD Pinkus performing at 7 p.m., capping off with another spectacular Chase Drone Show at 9 p.m. And to round out the weekend on Sunday, bring the family for the Pop Princesses Show at 11:30 a.m., then groove to the K-Pop Dance Party at 2:30 p.m., before one final, dazzling Chase Drone Show sends us off at 9 p.m. Of course, throughout all four days, you can still catch livestock and horse shows, see the incredible work from 4-H and FFA competitions, explore fascinating agricultural attractions, and, trust me, indulge in all the delicious fair food your heart desires!

Just a quick but super important heads-up regarding the fair's unaccompanied minor policy. Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a chaperone who is at least 21 years old. And to keep things safe and manageable, one adult can bring in a maximum of six minors.

Worried about getting there? Don't be! If you're eyeing parking right on the fairgrounds, know that spots are limited and come with a $15 fee per car (cash or credit accepted, first-come, first-served). But here's a great alternative: take advantage of the free Park & Ride parking at the Greenspring Drive lot, accessible via the Light Rail Gate. There's also free parking on levels 4-7 of the Kaiser Permanente parking garage on Greenspring Drive, also accessed through the Light Rail Gate. A critical tip from the Maryland State Police: avoid left turns into fairgrounds gates! To make it easy, approach the York Road gate from the north (via Padonia Road) or the Timonium Road gate from the east (off York Road). Prefer public transportation? The Fairgrounds Light Rail Stop drops you off just a short walk from an entrance near the Cow Palace, and the MTA No. 93 bus also serves the Timonium Park and Ride/Light Rail Stop. And if you're planning on using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, your pickup and drop-off point will be at the Greenspring Drive Park and Ride lot, accessible via the Light Rail Gate. Easy peasy!

So, there you have it. Four more days of pure, unadulterated Maryland State Fair fun await! Grab your family, grab your friends, and make some unforgettable memories before it's all over for another year. We can't wait to see you there!