Nine days of agriculture, exhibits, competitions, Grandstand entertainment, carnival rides, food and generations of Frederick County tradition.
More than a fair — it’s an agricultural tradition.
The Great Frederick Fair exists to promote agriculture and the education of our youth about the great industry of agriculture.
Nine days. Hundreds of things to discover.
Agriculture is at the heart of the fair, surrounded by entertainment, exhibits, food, rides and traditions for every generation.
Agriculture
Livestock, crops, gardening, educational displays and Frederick County agriculture.
Grandstand Entertainment
Concerts, motorsports and headline entertainment throughout fair week.
Carnival
Reithoffer Shows returns with rides, games and midway fun.
Exhibits & Competition
Show off crafts, crops, livestock, art, photography, food and much more.
Nine nights of entertainment.
From major concerts to motorsports, there’s something happening at the Grandstand every night of the 2026 Fair.
Get your fair tickets.
Purchase admission ahead of time or explore special ticket options for rides and fair promotions.
Carload Special
Tuesday, September 22 only. Lot D. Valid for up to eight passengers in one vehicle.
Get Carload PassShow off your skills.
Enter crafts, crops, livestock, food, art, photography and more for ribbons and premiums.
2026 Exhibitor Information
Household and Farm & Garden entries may still be registered and brought on designated intake days. Pre-registration is not required for those two buildings.
ShoWorks online pre-registration closes August 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Open Class Livestock
Frederick County and out-of-county exhibitors. Livestock barns.
Farm & Garden
Open to Frederick County residents.
Categories include produce, corn, grains, seeds, hay, flowers, herbs, fruit, honey, cider, wine, beer and much more.
Household & Home Arts
Open to Frederick County residents.
Youth Exhibitors
Ages 8–18 enrolled in 4-H, FFA or GFF.
Your questions answered.
Admission, parking, entertainment, accessibility and helpful information before your visit.
How much is gate admission?
Adults ages 11+: $15 at the gate.
Advance admission is available online.
Children ages 10 & under: FREE.
How much is parking?
Gate 3 / Infield: $15 per vehicle — cash or credit card.
Lots A, B, C & D: $10 per vehicle — cash only.
Parking MapWhere can I be dropped off?
Taxi, rideshare and passenger drop-off should use the pull-off area near walk-in Gate 4A on Highland Avenue.
Does my entertainment ticket include Fair admission?
Yes — when purchased in advance.
Advance Grandstand entertainment tickets include Fair admission. Show your ticket at the Fair gate, retain it, then have it scanned again at the Grandstand entrance.
Does my child need a concert ticket?
Children age 2 and younger do not require a concert ticket if they sit on an adult’s lap.
Children age 3 and older require a ticket.
Where is Will Call?
Will Call is located at the Box Office along East Patrick Street, just left of the Main Gate.
Can I bring a bag?
Personal bags are permitted. Guests should be prepared for potential security searches.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted on the Fairgrounds during the Fair.
Certified service animals in use by disabled guests are the exception.
Are there senior discounts?
Guests age 65+ receive free admission Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 3 PM.
Parking charges still apply.
Is there a military discount?
Wednesday is Military Appreciation Day.
Active-duty military in uniform or with valid ID receive free admission until 6 PM.
Are credit cards accepted?
MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted at admission gates and in the carnival midway.
Many vendors accept cards, but carrying some cash is recommended.
What accommodations are available for special needs?
The Great Frederick Fair offers accessible parking, Grandstand accommodations, mobility rentals and additional assistance.
For assistance, contact the Administration Office at 301-663-5895 or Ticket Office at 301-695-3928.
How can I become a vendor?
How can I become a sponsor?
How do I become an exhibitor?
Endless thrills.
Reithoffer Shows returns for its 32nd consecutive year providing rides and games at The Great Frederick Fair.
2026 Carnival Hours
Carnival Credits & Pricing
Individual ride tickets are now loaded onto reusable cards and referred to as credits.
There is a one-time $2 fee for the initial card.
Sensory Friendly Hours
Sunday, September 20 from 12 Noon–2 PM
Ride lights and music will be reduced for a low-sensory carnival experience.
Daily Ride Promotions
Friday · September 18
5 PM–Close: $37 wristbands.
Saturday · September 19
10 AM–Close: $37 wristbands.
Sunday · September 20
Noon–Close: $37 wristbands.
Monday · September 21
Noon–Close: $37 wristbands.
Tuesday · September 22
$60 Carload Special from 2 PM–Close. Lot D only.
Wednesday · September 23
2 PM–Close: $37 wristbands.
Thursday · September 24
2 PM–Close: $37 wristbands.
Friday · September 25
Kids Day. All rides reduced by one credit from 10 AM–5 PM.
Saturday · September 26
10 AM–Close: $37 wristbands.
Carnival Games
Games include Balloon Bust, Balloonarama, Water Race, Bottle Up, Cork Gun, Duck Pond, Gold Fish, Hi Striker, basketball games and more.
Put your business in front of Frederick County.
The Great Frederick Fair is Frederick County’s single largest annual event, averaging approximately 230,000 visitors during the nine-day Fair.
Concession and commercial spaces are sold by running front foot. Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to explore available vendor opportunities.
Agriculture. Entertainment. Frederick tradition.
Make plans to experience nine days of agriculture, competitions, exhibits, concerts, carnival rides and community tradition at the Frederick Fairgrounds.
