Maryland State Fair 2019: Tickets, Hours, Concerts

TIMONIUM, MD — The Maryland State Fair runs from Friday, Aug. 23, through Monday, Sept. 2. The annual event brings out crowds annually to celebrate the end of summer before the start of the school year. The fun includes rides, farm animals, food and music.

New this year to the fair are the Chesapeake brew and wine garden, rescue pets dog show, escape room, 9-foot-tall robot with monster truck, market square showcasing local artisans and Danny the roving cowboy, among other attractions.

Organizers expect "thousands of talented individuals and fun-loving fairgoers from our great state, cities, towns, farms, mountains and shores," Maryland State Fair General Manager Andy Cashman said in a statement. This is the 138th annual Maryland State Fair.

Each day will bring a slew of events — see the full schedule.

How Much Is It?

Here's the price for admission to the fair:

• $10 for adults, those 12 and up
• $8 for seniors ages 62 and up
• $5 for children 6 and up
• Free for children ages 5 and under

Rides are priced individually.

There are discounts for advance ticket purchases as well as wristband deals for rides.

When Is It Open?

The Maryland State Fair will be open Friday, Aug. 23, through Monday, Sept. 2.

General hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Livestock and horse shows start at 9 a.m.

Exhibit halls are open Saturdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekdays from noon to 9 p.m. and Labor Day Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Main Midway Hours: Saturdays through Sundays and Labor Day Monday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekdays from noon to 10 p.m.

Kiddie Land rides are open Saturdays through Sundays and Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekdays from noon to 10 p.m.

Thoroughbred horse races will be taking place on the Timonium track Friday, Aug. 23, to Sunday, Aug. 25, and Friday, Aug. 30, to Monday, Sept. 2.

Where Is The Fair Located?

The Maryland State Fair's address is 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.

See the fairgrounds map and event schedule.

How To Get There: Parking, Light Rail

Parking at the fairgrounds is $10.

There is free parking at the Park and Ride on Deereco Road.

Organizers encourage people to use the light rail, getting off at the fairgrounds stop at the Cow Palace Gate. Any Light RailLink train will go to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, with the last stop at 11 p.m. each day of the fair. Light rail service will be extended beyond the normal Sunday and Labor Day service on Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and Sept. 2; trains will operate hourly, on the hour, after normal service hours until 11 p.m.

For ride-sharing, the UBER/LYFT drop-off and pick-up location is on the Deereco Road Park and Ride parking lot. Patrons may then enter the fairgrounds through the Light Rail admission gate.

By bus, fairgoers should hop on LocalLink 93 to the Timonium Fairgrounds stop on Greenspring, a short walk to the fair entrance. From downtown Baltimore take the CityLink Red from Baltimore and Greene Street to the Lutherville Light RailLink stop, then transfer to LocalLink 93. Passengers can also take LocalLink 52 from North Avenue and LocalLink 53 from State Center Metro Station to Macy’s at Towson Town Center on Dulaney Valley Road, then transfer to LocalLink 93.

By subway, take the Metro SubwayLink to the State Center/Cultural Center Station, walk one block to the Cultural Center Light RailLink stop, then take Light RailLink north to the fairgrounds.

Who's Playing: 4 Major Concerts Featured

• Hanson on Friday, Aug. 23
• Marshall Tucker Band on Saturday, Aug. 24
• LoCash on Friday, Aug. 30
• Night Ranger on Saturday, Aug. 31

Get concert tickets online. They are $25.

What Not To Bring

Pets; coolers, hoverboards/Segways; drones; alcoholic beverages; fireworks; weapons, including but not limited to guns, knives, scissors, stun guns, tasers, lasers and brass knuckles; selfie sticks; duffel bags; and mace/pepper spray.

What Is Allowed

Bags/backpacks smaller than 18 by 18 inches; child/diaper bags, clear bags if possible; and medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks, medical devices).

Security Protocol

The fair reserves the right to confiscate any prohibited items and search purses, camera bags and containers.

"Demonstrations, protests, vigils of any nature are prohibited on the grounds and premises of The Maryland State Fairgrounds, during The Maryland State Fair, and during any and all events and functions," according to a statement from organizers.

Ridemania Preview

Before the big day, there's a preview with the rides as the main event. During "Ridemania" — on Thursday, Aug. 22 — the Midway and its rides, games and food vendors will open. Ridemania is 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22.

RELATED:

• Maryland State Fair Announces Musical Acts For 2019
• Maryland State Fair Is One Of Nation's Best Bargains, Report Says