What is a Fair?

According to Wikipedia:
A fair (sometimes fayre) is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated carnival or funfair entertainment. Activities at fairs vary widely.

Fairs are also known by many different names around the world, such as agricultural show, carnival, fete or fête, county fair, exhibition or state fair, festival, market and show. Flea markets and auto shows are sometimes incorporated into a fair.

Montgomery County Fair
August 8-16, 2025. Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland. (301) 926-3100. This is the fair’s 76th year! Carnival ride and games, animal exhibits, live entertainment, contests, fair food and more!

Maryland State Fair
August 21-September 7, 2025. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road Timonium, Maryland. (410) 252-0200. The Maryland State Fair was named one of the top 50 fairs in North America. This year’s 11-day festival will feature swifty swine racing pigs, live thoroughbred horse racing, bull riding and barrell racing, concerts, agricultural fair tours, games, rides and more.

Prince George’s County Fair
September 4 – 7, 2025. Prince George’s County Equestrian Center and the Showplace Arena, Water St., Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Prince George’s County Fair is the longest running in Maryland (since 1842!). Carnival rides, live animals displays, family circus, fireworks, live entertainment, food.

Anne Arundel County Fair
September 10-14, 2025. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Generals Highway, Crownsville, Maryland. (410) 923-3400. Monster truck rides, carnival rides and games, farm animals and exhibits, pig races, antique saw mill, pie eating contest, talent show and much more.

Au Pairs enjoying the Renn Fest’s iconic turkey legs.

Maryland Renaissance Festival  (Also known as Renn Fest)
August 23-October 19, 2025.
1821 Crownsville Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401. Set in a fictional 16th-century English village named Revel Grove, the festival is spread over 25 acres (100,000 m2). The second largest renaissance fair in the United States. Features costumed staff,  food, performances, glass-blowing demonstrations, jousting, crafts and much more.

Tickets must be purchased online before you go and they often sell out, so plan ahead. Bring cash to pay for food, drinks and attractions because some only accept cash. They have ATMs there, but the fees are very high.

Tip: If you go on a rainy day, wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. The Festival grounds are not paved.