MD State Fair 2022; Information and Schedule of Events over 3 Weekends

This story originally appeared on Baltimore Patch, but is brought to you because it is of statewide interest. 

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Visitors to the Maryland State Fair — which opens Thursday, Aug. 25 — have more time to enjoy the food, rides, and entertaining shows this year. Organizers have extended the 2022 fair dates to run over three long weekends.

The 141st state fair will be open on these dates:

• Thursday, Aug. 25 to Sunday, Aug. 28
• Thursday, Sept. 1 to Monday, Sept. 5
• Thursday, Sept. 8 to Sunday, Sept. 11

Buildings open on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the carnival midway opens from 5 p.m. to close. Buildings are open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the carnival midway opens from 10 a.m. to close.

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Gates open early at 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday. For details, visit www.marylandstatefair.com. The Maryland State Fair is at 2200 York Road in Timonium.

Live thoroughbred horse racing takes place Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28 and Friday, Sept. 2 through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5. Post time is set at 12:40 p.m. Fairgoers may watch and wager on the races in the grandstand seats or relax in the air-conditioned OTB Center inside.

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.

“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 in a news release. “Our goal is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and educational experiences to help make memories for a lifetime.”

NEW AT THE FAIR THIS YEAR

M&T Bank Presents the Live! ON TRACK! at the Maryland State Fair Concert Series featuring live shows by rapper Nelly, along with country-pop singer Niko Moon; iconic rock band Styx; and "American Idol" alumni Lauren Alaina.

Performances are set for:

• Nelly - Sept. 9
• Niko Moon - Sept. 10
• Lauren Alaina - Sept. 10
• Styx - Sept. 11

Presented by M&T Bank, tickets for the fair's concert series are on sale and can be purchased online at this link.

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DIRECTIONS, WHERE TO PARK, BUS/TRAIN ACCESS

Vehicle access gates are located on York Road between Padonia and Timonium Roads and on Timonium Road about 1/4 mile east of Interstate 83 and just past the Light Rail tracks.

From Interstate 83 North: Take Exit 17, Padonia Road, East to York Road, continue South on York Road to the Fairgrounds entrance on the right.
or Take Exit 16A, Timonium Road, East toward Fairgrounds. Cross over the Light Rail tracks to the Fairgrounds entrance on the left.

From Interstate 83: Take Exit 16, Timonium Road, East toward Fairgrounds. Cross over the Light Rail tracks to the Fairgrounds entrance on the left.

No Left Turns: During the 12 days of the State Fair, the Maryland State Police will not allow drivers to make left turns into the gates. Drivers should approach the York Road gate from the north (from Padonia Road) or the Timonium Road Gate from the east (from York Road) during the fair.

LEAVE THE DRIVING TO MTA: The Timonium Light Rail Stop is located a short walk from the entrance to the fairgrounds near the Cow Palace. The MTA No. 93 bus line also serves the Timonium Park and Ride/Light Rail Stop. Because convenient parking is limited, use of the Light Rail or the No. 93 bus line is encouraged. For detailed schedule information call 410-539-5000.

PARK AND RIDE: Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Park and Ride lot on Deerco Road, with pedestrian access to the fairgrounds through the gate opposite the Cow Palace.

UBER/LYFT: The Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up location is on the Deerco Road Park and Ride Lot. Customers may then enter the fairgrounds through the Light Rail admission gate.

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 Aug. 25; Memphis Sons and Out of Time on Aug. 26; Hoss, Blue Stone Bluegrass on Aug. 27; Radio Monkey, Sara and the Igniters, and Matt Lippy Karaoke on Aug. 28; Rob Fahey and the Pieces and Baltimore Rockabilly on Sept. 1; Surge and In Tension on Sept. 2; Who Knew??, 2nd Chance, and Matt Lippy Karaoke on Sept. 3; Latino Festival Bands on Sept. 4; Cockeyed Jr. and Josh Christina on Sept. 5; Second Wind and Double Barrel on Sept. 8; Jamnation and Dave DeMarco Band on Sept. 9; Fizz, Midnite Run and Matt Lippy Karaoke on Sept. 10; and Billy Harrison & The Haywire Band, Anna Stamato, and Matt Lippy Karaoke on Sept. 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 fair Sept. 2, 6 p.m. 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 applying for job opportunities, Sept. 10, 10 a.m to 3 p.m., at the Racetrack Infield.

Chick-fil-A Baltimore presents the First Friday Food Drive: Aug. 26 only, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Each fairgoer who brings five unperishable food items on Aug. 26 to the fair will be admitted free. 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, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Racetrack Infield.

Maryland Cycling Classic: Demos and special appearances, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2 p.m., on the Maryland State Fair Park Free Stage.

Maryland’s Rolling 9-11 Memorial & Exhibit: Dedicated to the 71 Marylanders killed on 9/11 and the 162 others who died in the war on terrorism on Thursday Sept. 1, 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., 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: An educational attraction lets fairgoers interact with birds in a safe enclosed environment. Daily in the Exhibition Hall.

Swifty Swine Racing Pigs: 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 see 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: 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: Throw some axes in the 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: Watch 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 pianist/singer aboard will travel throughout the fairgrounds to entertain fairgoers with a variety of fun and favorite songs.

Celebrity Milkshake Contest: American Dairy Association North East will 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 milkshakes to compete for bragging rights, and the coveted Undeniably Dairy Trophy. Friday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m., on the Maryland State Fair Park Free Stage.

Chesapeake Craft Brew Garden: Taste 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 watch the horse racing, learn about the sport, and have a chance to win a college scholarship, Saturday, Aug. 27, from 12:40 to 5 p.m., in the Grandstand. Note: must pre-register by 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 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 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 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 more than 15 child-friendly rides including: Cruiser Car Ride, Dragon Coaster, Tea Cups, Circus Train, Baja Buggie, Rockin’ Tug, Happy Swing, Merry-Go-Round & more. Thursdays, 5 p.m. to close and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to close.

Main Midway Rides & Games of Skill Area: Presented by Deggeller Attractions and located in the center of the fairgrounds, rides include the Rip Tide Roller Coaster, Space Port and Hydra, and favorites including the merry-go-round, and the giant Ferris wheel are among more than 30 rides and over 30 games of skill. Thursdays, 5 pm. to close and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to close.

Favorite Fair Foods: Taste 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: 25 professional International Bull Rider Association 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, Sept. 8, 7 p.m., 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: The DNR will provide 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 daily educational activities in the Horseland Tent near the Grandstand entrance, Fridays, noon to 6 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other Horseland special equine events include: The Military & First Responders Appreciation Performance, Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. to noon 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 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 28, 11 a.m.

Horse Pull Competitions: Miniature horses show their strength by pulling sleds in the Miniature Horse Pull Competition on Saturday, Sept. 3, 5 p.m., followed by the traditional Light Weight Draft Horse Pull Competition, 7:30 p.m., in the Horse Show Arena. The Heavy Weight Draft Horse Pull Competition will take place on Sunday, Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m., in the Horse Show Arena.

Maryland State Fair Museum: Learn about Maryland State Fair’s history reflected in a variety of museum exhibits that span multiple generations. Donations of Maryland State Fair memorabilia are welcome. Daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., in the Mosner Miller Building.

Mason Dixon Square Dancing Federation Demonstration:Head to 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, Aug. 27, 2 to 4 p.m., 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 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, Monday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., in the Exhibition Hall. www.smnlbinc.org.

Team Purebred Barnyard Olympics: A variety of fun Olympic-style events for the hog show exhibitors, Friday, Sept. 2, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Swine Barn.

U-Learn Ag Education Zone: Fairgoers will learn how agriculture affects 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 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Cow Palace South.

University of Maryland Dairy Herd and Educational Display: Thursdays, 5 to 7 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., in the Cow Palace South.

TRADITIONAL FAVORITES

4-H & FFA and Open Class (general public) Competitions: Maryland State Fair recognizes the talents of Marylanders, as well as the hard work of thousands of 4-H and FFA members, who compete in shows and demonstrations at the fair. Check 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 and 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.

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