TIMONIUM, Md. — Prepare for the Fair! The 141st Maryland State Fair presented by Toyota, located in Timonium in Baltimore County, moves to three big weekends this year: Thursday, August 25 – Sunday, August 28; Thursday, September 1 – Labor Day Monday, September 5; and Thursday, September 8 – Sunday, September 11. Buildings open on Thursdays from 5 PM to 9 PM and Carnival Midway opens from 5 PM – Close. Buildings Open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday from 10 AM – 9 PM and Carnival Midway opens from 10 AM – close. Gates open early at 9 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday for early risers to watch the start of livestock and horse shows. For details, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.
Live Thoroughbred Horse Racing, takes place Friday, August 26 – Sunday, August 28 and Friday, September 2 – Labor Day Monday, September 5. Post Time is set at 12:40 PM. Fairgoers may watch and wager on the races in the Grandstand seats as Thoroughbreds round the 5/8th mile track, or relax in the air conditioned OTB Center inside, watch on multiple TV’s, and/or enjoy a meal at Nick’s Grandstand Grill & Crabhouse.
Maryland State Fair Admission Prices are Adults ages 12+, $10; Seniors ages 62+, $8; Children 6+, $5; Children ages 5 and under, Free Admission. Rides are individually priced.
Celebrating its 141st year, the Maryland State Fair recognizes the enduring appeal of Maryland’s citizens, students, and 4-H and FFA members sharing their talents and competing for ribbons, prizes and bragging rights. The Fair’s buildings, barns and stages provide space for thousands of fairgoers to appreciate the exhibits, learn from the exhibitors, and consider participating in a future fair.
“We are pleased to host the Maryland State Fair this summer with thousands of talented individuals and fun-loving fairgoers participating from Maryland’s great cities, towns, farms, mountains and shores,” said Maryland State Fair General Manager Andy Cashman. “Our goal is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and educational experiences to help make memories for a lifetime.”
The 141st Maryland State Fair will also feature the thrills and chills, sights, sounds and aromas of numerous Midway and Kiddie Land rides, games, and fun fair food provided by Deggeller Attractions. For those looking to sample locally grown food, the Maryland Foods Pavilion, Dairy Bar, and Chesapeake Craft Brew & Wine Garden, will showcase fresh from the farm and Chesapeake Bay food and drinks.
NEW THIS YEAR:
M&T Bank Presents the Live! ON TRACK! at the Maryland State Fair Concert Series featuring live shows by:
Rap Superstar NELLY – Friday, September 9. Show begins at 7:30 PM and gates open at 6:30 PM;
Country Music Sensations Niko Moon and Lauren Alaina – Saturday, September 10. Show begins at 7:30 PM and gates open at 6:30 PM; and,
Legendary Rock Band Styx on Sunday, September 11. Show begins at 6:30 PM and gates open at 5:30 PM.
For details and tickets, go to:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1029077/2022-md-state-fair-concerts-timonium-maryland-state-fair
MARYLAND STATE FAIR LIVE, LOCAL BANDS & ENTERTAINMENT on the Maryland State Fair Park Free Stage.
A variety of popular local bands and entertainers are scheduled daily, among them: Rhythm Surf Monkeys and Vaguely Absurd on Thursday, August 25; Memphis Sons and Out of Time on Friday, August 26; Hoss, Blue Stone Bluegrass on August 27; Radio Monkey, Sara and the Igniters, and Matt Lippy Karaoke on August 28; Rob Fahey and the Pieces and Baltimore Rockabilly on September 1; Surge and In Tension on September 2; Who Knew??, 2nd Chance, and Matt Lippy Karaoke on September 3; Latino Festival Bands on September 4; Cockeyed Jr. and Josh Christina on September 5; Second Wind and Double Barrel on September 8; Jamnation and Dave DeMarco Band on September 9; Fizz, Midnite Run and Matt Lippy Karaoke on September 10; and Billy Harrison & The Haywire Band, Anna Stamato, and Matt Lippy Karaoke on September 11.
Agricadabra Magic Show – A fun and educational magic show focusing on the importance of agriculture. Shows several times a day during the final two weekends only of the Fair in the Maryland State Fair Park.
Barnyard Bedtime Tales – The Baltimore County Public Library will provide the opportunity for youth to read to the animals at the Maryland State Fair, Friday, September 2, 6 PM, at the U-Learn Barn in the Cow Palace.
Baltimore County Police Community Hiring Event – Fairgoers may check out Baltimore County Police specialized units and demonstrations including aviation, canine, forensic and other units while checking out and applying for job opportunities, Saturday, September 10, 10 AM – 3 PM, at the Racetrack Infield.
Chick-fil-A Baltimore presents the First Friday Food Drive at the Maryland State Fair in support of the Maryland Food Bank – Friday, August 26 Only, 9 AM – 10 PM – Each Fairgoer who brings five unperishable food items on Friday, August 26 to the Maryland State Fair will be admitted free. Rides are individually priced. Proceeds will be donated to the Maryland Food Bank. Bring unperishable food donations to Maryland State Fair Admission Gates.
Maryland National Guard Display -10 Maryland National Guard Vehicles and two aircraft will be on display, Sunday, September 11, 9 AM – 3 PM, at the Racetrack Infield.
Maryland Cycling Classic – Demos & Special Appearances, Saturday, September 3, 2 PM, on the Maryland State Fair Park Free Stage.
Maryland’s Rolling 9-11 Memorial & Exhibit -dedicated to the 71 Marylanders killed on 9/11/01 and the 162 others who gave their all in the war on terrorism on Thursday September 1, 5 PM – 9 PM, Friday, September 2 – Monday, September 5, 10 AM – 9 PM, in the Maryland State Fair Park.
Poppin’ Penelope Balloon Art – Come see three-dimensional state fair scenes made out of thousands of
balloons. Watch the artist as she makes a two-story rotating Ferris Wheel, farm animals and more. Daily in the Exhibition Hall.
Pretty Bird Paradise – Pretty Bird Paradise is a fun and educational interactive-all-day attraction. Fairgoers can interact with the beautiful birds in a safe enclosed environment. Daily in the Exhibition Hall.
Swifty Swine Racing Pigs: Maryland State fairgoers will go hog wild when Kim Kardashiham, Justin Bieboar, Christina Hogulera, Kevin Bacon, Brad Pig and other celebrity porkers compete in the Swifty Swine Racing Pig Show. Billed as “America’s cleanest and fastest pig races,” the Swifty Swine Show will provide a fast-paced, action- packed, high-energy program that is both visually impressive and entertaining. Several shows daily on the Midway.
U.S. Army Super Truck Display – See the giant truck, participate in push up/pull up competitions, and more. Daily in the Exhibition Hall.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND:
Birthing Center – Fairgoers will have the opportunity to witness hatching chicks and see baby calves and piglets born under the supervision of agriculture professors, students and veterinarians. Daily, Cow Palace South.
Bulk Candy Stores – relive your sweet childhood as you stroll through aisles of candy baskets and purchase childhood favorites and new candies, daily in the Exhibition Hall and in the bottom floor of the Mosner Miller Building.
Odyssey Axe Throwing – Get ready to yell “BULLSEYE!” and throw some axes in the amazing and super safe Odyssey mobile axe throwing trailer. At the end of the training, throw some axes and even participate in a competitive game. Minimum age of 9 and above required. Additional fee. Located in the State Fair Park.
Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show – For great old-fashioned fun and family entertainment, see this action-packed competition with Lumberjacks using specifically-built speed axes to cut through wood in a matter of seconds. The show includes log rolling, chopping, sawing, and more. Three shows daily located across from the Cow Palace.
The Strolling Piano – The unique and fully mobile Strolling Piano with a multi-talented pianist/singer aboard will travel throughout the Fairgrounds to entertain fairgoers with a variety of fun and favorite songs. Various times at various locations around the Fairgrounds.
Celebrity Milkshake Contest – American Dairy Association North East returns to the Maryland State Fair to host its 4th Annual Undeniably Dairy Shake-Off Celebrity Milkshake Contest using local ice cream provided by the Maryland Farm Bureau Young Farmers. Celebrities, including local media personalities, will work with Maryland dairy farmers to create their own unique milkshakes to compete for bragging rights, and the coveted Undeniably Dairy Trophy. Friday, September 2, 10 AM, on the Maryland State Fair Park Free Stage.
Chesapeake Craft Brew Garden – Enjoy the flavor of local craft beers such as Guinness Blonde, Heavy Seas and Mango Cart, and other beer favorites at the Chesapeake Craft Brew Garden. Daily, next to the Maryland Foods Pavilion.
College Day at the Races –
- College students may stop by for a day of horse racing fun, learn all about horse racing, hang out with old friends, meet new friends, and have a chance to win one of multiple college scholarships, Saturday, August 27, from 12:40 PM – 5 PM, in the Grandstand. Note: must pre-register by 5 PM, Friday, August 26 to be eligible for the scholarship drawings.
Mobile Glass Studio– Experience the artistry and education of the lost art of glass making when Mobile Glass Studio artists manipulate hot glass into various shapes during live glass blowing demonstrations. Thursdays,
5 PM – 10 PM, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday 2 PM – 8 PM in the Maryland State Fair Park. Some items will be available for purchase.
UME Master Gardener Learning Garden – Learn organic vegetable gardening techniques and tips, how to find and naturally eliminate garden pests, how to improve your garden soil and more, when University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners provide hands-on teaching activities in the UME Master Gardener Learning Center. Daily in the Maryland State Fair Park.
Kiddie Land Rides Area – features 15+ child friendly exciting rides including: Cruiser Car Ride, Dragon Coaster, Tea Cups, Circus Train, Baja Buggie, Rockin’ Tug, Happy Swing, Merry-Go-Round & more. Thursdays, 5 PM – Close and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 AM – Close.
Main Midway Rides & Games of Skill Area – presented by Deggeller Attractions and located in the center of the Fairgrounds, will offer thrills & chills for the bravest fairgoers. Spectacular rides Rip Tide Roller Coaster, Space Port and Hydra, and all-time traditional favorites the Merry-Go-Round, and the Giant Ferris Wheel are among 30+ rides and 30+ games of skill. Thursdays, 5 PM – Close and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 AM – Close.
Favorite Fair Foods – A wide selection of favorite fair foods, including the Crabby Patty, which was named one of “50 Best Fair Foods” by Food Network, will satisfy the spirit as well as the palate. Enjoy the traditional taste of cotton candy, corndogs, deep-fried delights, and the new Pickle Pizza on the Midway, fresh fruit, rib-eye steak sandwiches, lamb wraps, peach sundaes, and more from Maryland Farms and the Chesapeake Bay at the Maryland Foods Pavilion, the Dairy Bar, and the Chesapeake Craft Brew & Wine Garden.
J Bar W Ranch Battle of the Beasts Professional Bull Riding and Cowgirl Barrel Racing –The cowboys will once again face the bulls for one of America’s fastest growing extreme spectator sports when J Bar W Ranch hosts the Battle of the Beast Bull Riding and Cowgirl Barrel Racing Competition. 25 professional International Bull Rider Association (IBR) riders will compete on some of the toughest bulls in the world of rodeo, and cowgirls will be timed racing around a barrel course, Thursday, September 8, 7 PM, in the Horse Show Arena.
Raging Bull Entertainment Mechanical Bull – Try your luck riding the mechanical bull. Daily in the Maryland State Fair Park.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – The DNR will provide a variety of displays and interactive Exhibits that highlight Maryland’s magnificent outdoors. Daily in the Mosner-Miller Building.
Goat Mountain –Watch goats in their natural habitat. Daily in the Maryland State Fair Park.
Horseland Spectacular – Pet a pony, participate in hands-on horse demos, learn about the Maryland horse industry, and enjoy a variety of daily educational activities in the Horseland Tent near the Grandstand entrance, Fridays, 12 PM – 6 PM, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, Monday, 10 AM – 6 PM. Additionally, enjoy multiple other Horseland special equine events including: The Military & First Responders Appreciation Performance, Saturday, September 10, 10 AM – 12 PM, in the Horse Show Arena; and, the U.S. Pony Races non-wagering steeplechase races with young jockeys ages 3-16, at the Racetrack, Saturday, Aug. 27, 4:30 PM and Sunday, Aug. 28, 11:00 AM.
Horse Pull Competitions – Miniature Horses show their strength by pulling sleds in the Miniature Horse Pull Competition on Saturday, September 3, 5 PM, followed by the traditional Light Weight Draft Horse Pull Competition, 7:30 PM, in the Horse Show Arena. The Heavy Weight Draft Horse Pull Competition will take
place on Sunday, September 4, 7:30 PM, in the Horse Show Arena.
Maryland State Fair Museum – Learn about Maryland State Fair’s rich history reflected in a variety of museum exhibits that span multiple generations. Donations of Maryland State Fair memorabilia are welcome. Daily, 10 AM – 9 PM, in the Mosner Miller Building.
Mason Dixon Square Dancing Federation Demonstration –There will be a twirl of color on the Maryland State Fair Park Stage as Mason Dixon Square Dancing Federation members show off their moves to promote Maryland’s Official Folk Dance Square Dancing under the direction of Square Dance Caller Virgil Forbes. Saturday, August 27, 2 PM – 4 PM, on the Maryland State Fair Park Stage.
Negro League Baseball Exhibit – The exhibit, incorporates historical videos, life-size photos of Negro League Players, autographed baseballs, bats, and other memorabilia from The Hubert V. Simmons Negro League Baseball Collection. The goal is to create awareness of the cultural, social, and economic impact of the Negro Baseball Leagues. Negro Leagues Baseball Ambassador Ray Banks, along with some former players and special guests will be on hand to share oral histories. Thursdays, 5 PM to 9 PM, and Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 AM – 9 PM. in the Exhibition Hall. www.smnlbinc.org
Team Purebred Barnyard Olympics – Team Purebred presents a variety of fun Olympic-style events for the hog show exhibitors, Friday, September 2, beginning at 4:30 PM. in the Swine Barn.
U-Learn Ag Education Zone – Count on U-Learn AG Education Zone to teach fairgoers of all ages how agriculture impacts their daily lives with a variety of fun and educational hands-on activities and exhibits including: the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association’s interactive Susan the Dairy Cow and bigger than life-sized Milk Carton; Kids Growing with Grains exhibit, the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation Showcase Trailer; U-Learn Barn interactive educational exhibits; a variety of farm equipment, horticulture machinery and tools; and more. Maryland farmers, 4-H/FFA youth members and University of Maryland Extension staff will be available to answer fairgoers questions about agriculture. Thursdays, 5 PM – 7 PM and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday, 10 AM – 7 PM, Cow Palace South.
University of Maryland Dairy Herd and Educational Display – Thursdays, 5 PM – 7 PM and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday, 10 AM – 10 PM, in the Cow Palace South.
TRADITIONAL FAVORITES
4-H & FFA and Open Class (general public) Competitions: Maryland State Fair recognizes the talents of Marylanders of all ages, as well as the hard work of thousands of 4-H and FFA members, who compete in shows and demonstrations throughout the Fair. Check out www.marylandstatefair.com for the variety of Livestock and Horse Shows, Judging Competitions, Skill-A-Thons, Exhibits and Showcases and more that will be held in the Cow Palace, Sheep, Swine & Goat Barn, Horse Show Ring and the 4-H/Home Arts and Farm & Garden Buildings.
NEW: Open Class Longhorn Cattle Show, 9 AM, Sunday, September 11, Cow Palace.
4-H/FFA Costume Animal Contest – Friday, August 26, 7 PM, Cow Palace.
4-H/FFA Robotics Competition and Showcase, Sunday, Aug. 28, 9 AM – 4 PM, Grandstand Lower Level.
4-H/FFA Shepherd’s Lead Contest, Sunday, Aug. 28, 9 AM – 4 PM, Cow Palace South.
Maryland State Fair 4-H/FFA Youth Livestock Auction – Monday, August 29, 7 PM. Social/Registration for Registered Buyers, 6 PM, Cow Palace. Go to www.marylandstatefair.com to log in live and bid.
Holstein Futurity – Thursday, September 1, 7 PM, Cow Palace.
4-H Fashion Revue – Monday, September 5, 4 PM, Park Stage.
4-H/FFA Small Lawn Tractor Learn/Earn & Safety Event, Saturday, September 10, 1 PM, Cow Palace.
4-H/FFA Small Engine Event, Saturday, September 10, 4 PM, Cow Palace Main Ring.
4-H/FFA Bicycle Safety Event, Saturday, September 10, 10 AM, Cow Palace Main Ring.
4-H Dog Show, Saturday, September 10, 10 AM, Cow Palace.
BUILDINGS and EXHIBIT HALLS
Cow Palace, Horse Show Ring, Sheep & Swine Barns, Poultry & Rabbit Area – See thousands of livestock and horse competitions and exhibits.
Exhibition Hall – View a variety of commercial exhibits, participate in fun family activities, enjoy shopping and learning opportunities.
Farm & Garden Building – See thousands of Maryland’s best fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, flowers, plant exhibits, and more. View the Farm Tractors & Implements through the Ages Exhibit. Additionally, purchase fresh, local produce at the Farmers Market on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday, 12 Noon – 6 PM, in the Farm & Garden Building.
4-H/Home Arts Building – Enjoy thousands of Maryland’s best fine arts, handwork, canning, woodworking, baking exhibits and more.
Grandstand & Infield – Get up close to the action as you watch live Thoroughbred Horse Racing from the Grandstand and racetrack apron. And, enjoy a variety of national concerts and special events at the racetrack Infield.
Maryland Foods Pavilion, Dairy Bar and Chesapeake Craft Brew Garden – Taste a selection of local food and beverage favorites.
Mosner Miller Building: Explore the Maryland State Fair Museum and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Exhibit Room.
Park Stage – Watch local bands and enjoy other entertainment and educational activities in this shaded area.
PARKING on the fairgrounds is $15 and free parking at the Park and Ride on Deereco Road are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Light Rail with an easily accessible Light Rail stop at the fairground Cow Palace Gate is encouraged.
ATM MACHINES are conveniently located throughout the Maryland State Fairgrounds.
SPONSORS
Proud sponsors of the 141st MY Maryland State Fair include: Toyota, American Farm Publications/Delmarva Farmer, Chesapeake Beverage, Chick-fil-A Baltimore, M&T Bank, Maryland Lottery, Pepsi, U.S. Army, and WBFF-Fox45, among others.
For general Maryland State Fair information, hours and prices, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.
–Edie Bernier, Maryland State Fair