The Howard County Fair: August 2nd to 9th, 2025
Mark your calendars for August 2nd to 9th, 2025 for summer family fun at the annual Howard County Fair! This annual event is back for its 79th year of celebrating the beautiful countryside of Howard County.
Dive headfirst into Howard County's rich agricultural heritage with captivating livestock exhibits and demonstrations. Witness the dedication and hard work of local farmers firsthand, and see the best of farm life in Maryland!
The fun doesn't stop there at the Howard County Fair! Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic carnival rides and games, and enjoy delicious treats and eats! Challenge your friends and family and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't forget, children 12 and under get FREE admission!
Please note that these details are subject to change. Find more event information on the Howard County Fair website.
2025 Howard County Fair Details
This year the Howard County Fair is open for general admission from Saturday, August 2nd to Saturday, August 9th from 8:00AM - 10:00PM at the Howard County Fairgrounds: 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship MD 21794. All visitors must leave the fairgrounds by 11:00PM.
Free Parking is available outside of the Howard County Fairground gates.
Looking for directions? Use this link to check out the 2025 Howard County Fair Map.
Prices:
- Children 12 years old and under: FREE admission (with supervising adult)
- Ages 13 - 61: $10.00 per person
- Ages 62 and older: $5.00per person
- Season Pass: $40 (valid for all ages)
Please note that pets are not permitted on at the Howard County Fair unless they are registered service animals trained to support someone with a physical or mental disability.
Rides & Attractions
Picture yourself being dazzled by flashing lights and cheerful music as you walk through the Howard County Fairgrounds, exploring the variety of rides and attractions. Take a spin on a merry-go-round or get dizzy on a twisting turning carnival ride. There's an assortment of rides and games suitable for all ages and tastes, so be ready to explore them all with your friends and family. If you plan to spend the day on the rides, be sure to purchase an armband that is good for all day use and take advantage of the Howard County Fair Ride Specials.
Carnival games and festival challenges are also available to test your skills. With a little luck you might win a special prize to take home!
Family Friendly Fair Activities
A day at the Howard County Fair is the best way to maximize fun with your kids this summer, and kids 12 and under get FREE admission!
Little ones will love exploring the Kids and Critters Barn and learning all about different farm animals first hand. Check it out at Barn 6, open daily from 9:30AM - 2:00PM and 5:00PM – 8:30PM.
There are also daily pig races, pony rides, and education displays perfect for keeping your children entertained. For more agricultural education, adventure in the "Little Farmer's Barn" daily between 9:00AM – 6:00PM for hands-on farm themed experiences.
Watch their eyes light up on the carousel or as they play their first carnival games at your side! Win prizes, play games, and make memories they'll cherish forever: and of course nothing says "summer fun" more than fairground ice cream and treats!
For the littlest HoCo adventurers, a Baby Contest and Miniature Parade will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, August 9th at the Entertainment Stage. Entries required by 10:00AM.
To wrap up a week of excitement with a wonderful grand finale plan to attend the Howard County Fair float parade at 5PM on Saturday August 9th along Midway Boulevard.
There's so much for children to experience at this summer's Howard County Fair, so be sure to make this event part of your summer plans!
Animal Exhibits
Come see cows, pigs, horses, goats, ponies, sheep dogs, and more wonderful farm animals at the Howard County Fair!
Every day you can catch the thrilling pig races, or can treat your kids to a pony ride experience between 10:00AM – 10:00PM.
The barns will be filled with animals of all shapes and sizes for the livestock shows, and kids can have a personal experience at the Kids and Critters Barn (Barn 6), open daily from 9:30AM - 2:00PM and 5:00PM – 8:30PM.
Throughout the fairgrounds you'll find educational agricultural displays where you can learn more about what farm life in Maryland is like and the wonders of country living.
In the Horse Education tent you can find a daily Equine Exhibit from 2:00PM - 7:00PM that is perfect for horse lovers of all ages! Throughout the week schedule there are also horse pull demonstrations, horse shows, pony shows, and horsemanship contests for you to enjoy.
Beer & Wine Garden
Once you've had your thrill of exciting rides and attractions, relax with a cold beer or refreshing glass of wine in the Beer & Wine Garden located at the Main Exhibition Hall. On Saturdays and Sundays the garden will be open from 12:00PM - 10:00PM, and on weekdays from 4:00PM to 10:00PM.
After you've refueled with some delicious drinks and grabbed some food, explore the rest of the Main Exhibition Hall filled with vendors and homemade goods. Pick up the perfect gifts while supporting local crafters and creators in Howard County.
Entertainment
Everyday at the Howard County Fair is filled with great entertainment, including live music, performances, and interactive shows! In addition to these performances below, find daily magic shows, pig races, pony rides, children's activities, and educational displays. The details below are subject to change. Find all entertainment details and most up to date information on the Howard County Fair website.
Saturday, August 2nd:
- Square Dance Demonstrations: 4:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
- Square Dancing: 7:00PM at the 4-H Activities Hall
- Dean Crawford & The Dunn's River Band: 7:30 and 9:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
Sunday, August 3rd:
- Billy Harrison and the Haywire Band: 3:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
- Michael Christopher: 7:30PM and 9:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
Monday, August 4th:
- Sheep Dog Herding Demonstration: 5:00PM and 7:00PM at the Horse Ring
- New Censation Band: 7:30PM and 9:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
Tuesday, August 5th:
- Jay Henley & The Stonebroke Band: 7:30PM and 9:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
Wednesday, August 6th:
- Streamline Rocks: 7:30PM and 9:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
Thursday, August 7th:
- Sheep Dog Herding Demonstration: 5:00PM and 7:00PM at the Horse Ring
- Talent & Variety Show: 7:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
- Browningsville Cornet Band: 7:00PM at the 4-H Activities Hall
Friday, August 8th:
- Stone Ridge Boys: 7:30PM and 9:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
Saturday, August 9th:
- Cody Clayton Eagle: 7:30PM and 9:00PM at the Main Entertainment Stage
The entertainment and events schedule is subject to change. Find up to date fair events and entertainment information at: howardcountyfairmd.com
Explore Howard County:
After a fun-filled day at the fair, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Howard County's incredible restaurants. Make plans to enjoy Howard County's nightlife and meet up with friends to explore the HowardOnTap Craft Brew Trail!
You'll be glad you planned to maximize your experience by exploring nearby regions like charming Historic Ellicott City or dazzling Downtown Columbia.
Whether you're a Howard County local or visiting the fair for the first time, you're bound to have an unforgettable day at the Howard County fair. Join us in celebrating the community and making summer memories by purchasing your tickets now.
