PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County Fair is returning Wednesday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Calvert County Fairgrounds outside of Prince Frederick. The fair brings back a host of family-friendly events, educational events, and fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
The fair will take place at the Calvert County Fairgrounds located at 140 Calvert Fair Drive, Prince Frederick, Md. The fair has been organized in some capacity since 1887, and fairgoers will be treated to a day filled with traditions, contests and prizes. The fair still has an agricultural focus, and 4-H will be there to showcase its programs.
Plus, attendees will get to enjoy carnival rides and games, as well as local entertainment and vendors, plus special events like Calvert Idol, Horse Pull Friday, and the Children’s Contest. Check out the Calvert County Fair Book for more information on events and sponsors.
Learn more about the fair and what promises to be a fun-packed weekend!
Calvert County Fair Admission
In past years, the cost for general admission was $10 for ages 12 and up, while kids 11 and under are admitted for free. Ride tickets were sold separately, and the price varies depending on the day. You can purchase your tickets at the gate when you arrive and reach out to calvertfair@comcast.net or (410) 535-0026 if you have any questions. Keep an eye on the official website and event page for updates.
The fair also offers special promotions and discount days for kids and more:
- Wednesday: Feed the Needy Night — Enter the fair for $1 or a 14-ounce or larger can of food
- Thursday: Senior Citizen & Special Needs Night — Calvert County residents get free admission and a free bagged lunch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wristband Night!
- Friday: Youth Day — Kids under 18 are free until 4 p.m. (Calvert County schools closed)
Calvert County Fair Hours
Wednesday, Sept. 24
4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 25
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for senior citizens and special needs persons, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for wristband night.
Friday, Sept. 26
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Calvert County Fair Parking And Transportation
Attendees can park at the fairgrounds. Additional satellite parking will be available at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM). A free shuttle bus service will operate between CSM and the fairgrounds Friday through Sunday.
The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) released its traffic safety plan for the fair’s busiest days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. When the traffic pattern is in place, no vehicles will be permitted to turn left from Route 231 into the fairgrounds. To enter the fairgrounds, motorists should follow the alternate route:
Take Route 506 (Sixes Road) to Route 508 (Adelina Road)
Turn onto Route 231, allowing a right-hand turn into the fairgrounds.
Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to carpool when possible, since this event is popular and there may be congestion on the fair routes.
Highlights And Special Events
The Calvert County Fair features nonstop events and attractions, so here are a few that are sure to capture your imagination and your heart (or your wallet). Throughout the fair, attendees can enjoy special exhibits and vendors, games and carnival rides.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
The fair officially opens at 4 p.m., and opening ceremonies start at 6 p.m. The “Idol Showcase” to gear up for the Calvert County Idol competition starts at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 25
The fair is open only to senior citizens and special needs persons from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., then opens for Wristband Night to the general public at 5 p.m. The 4-H and open swine shows start pre-opening at 9 a.m. The “Idol” semifinals are at 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 26
Youth Day promises plenty of kid- and family-focused activities. The 4-H sheep and goat shows start at 9 a.m., and the horse pull is at 6 p.m. The “Idol” finals start at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27
4-H cattle show (9 a.m.), corn hole tournament at 1 p.m., and Southern Md. mini pullers at 6 p.m. Saturday has plenty of live entertainment starting with DJ Graham Cracker at 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28
Another busy day: Antique tractor pull at 10 a.m. and the Calvert County Fair Children’s Contest (Main Hall) at 10:30 a.m. The Unclouded Day Gospel Music is at 11 a.m., followed by the horseshoe pitching contest at 1 p.m. and the 4-H and Livestock Awards Program at 3 p.m.
Family Friendly
The fair is very family focused, and kids are participating through events and 4-H livestock exhibits. The Children’s Contest is a popular event that’s fun for the whole family, even if your kid isn’t participating. Youth Day, on Sept. 26, is packed with fun events for kids like the pie-eating contest.
In order to keep the fair safe for all, attendees are reminded that the Calvert County Fairgrounds are a smoke-free zone. Pets, drones and selfie sticks are also prohibited.
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