Carnivals in Maryland offer unforgettable experiences, bringing the Maryland community together and blending endless fun of entertainment, vibrant cultures, traditions, diverse cuisines, and thrilling rides. Maryland, a state known for its strong community connections where people come up to celebrate the cultural diversity through different events, festivals, fairs, and carnivals. No matter in which state, county, or city you are living, these top 10 Carnivals in Maryland open heartedly welcome all visitors and locals to connect and experience the non-stop fun and collect cherishing memories.
1- Baltimore Washington one Carnival
An annual grand celebration, garnering hundreds of visitors from Baltimore, Washington DC, and other neighborhoods, Baltimore Washington One Carnival is a one-of-a-kind festival in Maryland. Furthermore, for those looking for free things to do in Maryland, this carnival offers an immersive and joyous experience, making it a most anticipated festival in the region. Besides, you can look into all updates and detailed information on its official website. The key highlights of the carnival to look forward are:
- A rhythmic Caribbean-themed parade is the most exciting highlight of the carnival, brimming the streets of Baltimore with dynamic energy.
- Caribbean cuisine
- steelband performances
- Caribbean music and concerts
- Caribbean-styled costumes
- Arts and Craft
- Family-friendly activities
Carnival Dates: 11 July 2025 to 13 July 2025
Venue: 900 Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Maryland
Admission Tickets Information: Free
2- Maryland State Fair
Another beloved annual gathering, Maryland State Fair is one of the biggest carnivals in Maryland. Entertainment spectators and participants with various world-class competitions and an assortment of fun things to do and see, this grand event offers an adventurous and delightful getaway. Additionally, exciting highlights of the fair involve;
- Thrilling carnival rides including Kiddie Land Rides
- Seven days horse racing by expert athletes
- Live Concerts featuring top class musicians and artists (Taylor Swift performing last season)
- Great food and drinks selection, highlighting Maryland’s specialities
- Pulse-pounding motor races
- Educational and fun experience of feeding birds in Pretty Bird Paradise
- Cutting-edge technology Robocars
- Wolves of the World Show
- Cowgirl Barrel Racing and Bull Riding competition
There is a long list of activities and entertainment at Maryland State Fair, making it a hard choice for attendees what to see and what to miss. Moreover, other details include:
Carnival Dates: 21 August 2025 to 24 August 2025, 28 August 2025 to 1st September 2025, and 4 September 2025 to 7 September 2025
Venue: Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland
Admission Tickets information: $15 for adults (12-61 years), $10 for kids (6-11), $12 for 61+ seniors
3- Catoctin Colorfest
Featuring the largest crafts fest of East Coast Maryland, Catoctin Colorfest captivates thousands of visitors and locals from the state. To boot, it is one of the best free events in Maryland for all arts and craft lovers, offering them opportunities to interact with like-minded artists and find inspiration. Unlike traditional carnivals including rides, this festival has been ranked among the list of top 35 festivals in America by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Exciting attractions the the event include:
- A great community gathering of around 125,000 people across Maryland
- Exclusive food menu and homemade food products
- A multitude of around 300 vendors all over the United States
- Extensive display of local artwork, wooden work, pottery, and home decor
- Vibrant display of hand-crafted jewelry
- Stunning fall foliage
- Family-friendly activities and interactive exhibits for kids
- A major fundraiser for charities and non-profit organizations
More information about the Catoctin Colorfest is mentioned here:
Event Dates: 11 October 2025 to 12 October 2025
Admission Tickets Information: Free
Venue: Thurmont Community Park, Thurmont, MD
4- Marketplace CDC Spring Carnival
Annual community event in Baltimore, Marketplace CDC Spring Carnival is among the most joyful family-friendly carnivals in Maryland. Organized by Market Center Community Development Corporation, the festival invites people of all ages to join the non-stop entertainment in a lively atmosphere. To boot, things to look forward at the event include:
- Carnival rides for all ages
- Exciting games with win prizes
- Live entertainment
- Food stalls
- Fundraising and donation for charities and non-profit organizations
Furthermore, Marketplace CDC Spring Carnival information;
Carnival Dates: 12 April 2025
Venue: Parks and People, Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland
Admission Tickets Information: $7-$20 (tentative, not finalized yet)
5- Great Boonsboro Rescue Company Carnival
Delightfully blending the entertainment, community spirits, food, music, and firework display, Great Boonsboro Rescue Company Carnival is a great fundraising annual event in Maryland. Locals and visitors in Boonsboro, Maryland are encouraged to support this meaningful mission and give something back to the society. In addition, the carnival offers a memorable and fun escape with family and friends while enjoying various thrilling rides and activities. Others main highlights of the event are:
- An inclusive list of culinary wonders by local vendors and signature dishes of the region
- Exhilarating amusement rides for kid and adults
- Free nightlife fun and music entertainment by renowned artists
- Family-friendly activities
- A fabulous firework show
Besides, more event details about the Great Boonsboro Rescue Carnival include;
Carnival Dates: 23 May 2025 to 31st May 2025
Venue: Shafer Park, Boonsboro, Maryland
Admission Tickets Information: Not finalized yet (stay updated on their official website)
6- The Great Frederick Fair
Coming up with 18000 prize-winning competitive exhibits, Great Frederick Fair is the biggest festival in Frederick County. Moreover, the event offers more than 100 exciting and adventurous things to do, making it one of the largest and best carnivals in Maryland. Securing the title of Greatest Fair of Time, this carnival promises unlimited fun and ever-lasting memories. In addition, the noteworthy highlights of Great Frederick Fair are:
- Showcasing the agricultural heritage of the region, the event features livestock, farm, and garden display at an elevated level
- Midway classic games with challenges and prizes
- Thrilling carnival rides including double-decker Ferris Wheel
- A premium food selection, offering a foodies paradise
- Live remote control racing tournament
- Arts and photography exhibits
- Hot dog pig races
- Free concerts and live entertainment
- Kids zone with various interactive activities
- Hypnosis show
- Educational programs and exhibits
Below, we have mentioned other details of this big festival in Frederick County, which you must attend for an unforgettable fun:
Festival Dates: 12 September 2025 to 20 September 2025
Venue: Federick Fairgrounds, Frederick, Maryland
Admission Tickets Information: $8 (online) and $10 (on-site) for 11 years and over, and free for kids age 10 and below. For all updates, keep in touch with their official website.
7- Towsontown Spring Festival
For all thrill-seekers, entertainment lovers, foodies, and Maryland explorers, Towsontown Spring Festival 2025 is no less than a premium experience. Furthermore, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a vibrant community gathering for those looking for free festivals in Maryland or free things to do in Maryland. The admission to this event is free while the rides and food have a set price. Making a 56th annual comeback to welcome the spring season, this year’s Towsontown Spring Festival is something you can’t afford to miss. The standout attractions of this exciting event include:
- Hosting around 100,000 visitors every year, more than 200 vendors will display arts, craft, jewelry, and other artworks
- Roller coaster and other exhilarating carnival rides
- Top-notch music artists from Baltimore
- Best gourmet delights, from cuisine to snacks, and drinks
Further details of the Towsontown Spring Festival 2025 are:
Festival Dates: 3 May 2025 to 4 May 2025
Venue: Baltimore County Historic Courthouse
Admission Tickets Information: Free
8- Anne Arundel County Fair
Inviting all families from Anne Arundel County and surrounding areas, Anne Arundel County Fair provides one of the best outdoor events in Maryland. We have enlisted the key attractions and must-see highlights of the festival here:
- An array of handcrafted items by more than 100 vendors
- Indoor exhibits of agriculture, horticulture, and more
- Exciting carnival rides for all ages
- Free Music and dance performances
- Easter Egg Hunt and fun games for adults and kids
- Livestock auction
- Pig races
- Petting zoo
- Educational opportunities about farming and food preservation
Event schedule: 10 September 2025 to 14 September 2025
Admission Tickets Information: $10 for attendees age 10 and over and free for kids below 10 years
Location: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville, Maryland
9- Howard County Fair
Another famous festival in Maryland, Howard County Fair offers fun for all ages and provides enriching educational learning. Moreover, attendees can experience the following activities and fun things at the event:
- Celebrate the agricultural heritage and featuring learning opportunities with engaging agriculture demonstrations
- Petting Barns allowing visitors interact with farm-friendly animals
- An assortment of games and fun rides
- Livestock shows
- Local agriculture competitions
- Music entertainment
- Food stall and vendors offering a great selection of culinary delights
- Young Farmer Barn
- Cover Art Competition with prize money around $250
Event Dates: 2 August 2025 to 10 August 2025
Venue: Howard County Fairgrounds
Admission Tickets Information: $10 for attendees age 13 and over, $5 for people age 62 and over, and free for kids age 12 and below
10- New Windsor Fire Company Carnival
Supporting the fire department and raising funds, New Windsor Fire Company Carnival attracts locals and visitors to enjoy a family-friendly activities and environment. To boot, this annual event holds a meaningful cause and connects the community in a vibrant way. Moreover, the key attractions of the carnival include:
- New Windsor Fire Department Parade
- Carnival rides for every age
- Delicious food stalls
- Live music entertainment
- Exciting games
Carnival Dates: Expected to be in late May to late June (still not announced)
Venue: 101 High Street, New Windsor, Maryland
Admission Tickets Information: Free while rides has charges
Read out the top 10 outdoor adventures and fun things to do in Marylandhere.