FAQ

HOW MUCH IS GATE ADMISSION & PARKING?

Adults (ages 11+): $10 {OR purchase advanced admission tickets online for $8}
Children (ages 10 & under): FREE

HOW MUCH IS PARKING? WHERE ARE THE PARKING LOTS LOCATED?

Take Exit 56 to get to the Fairgrounds. Click here to view a map of the parking lots.
For parking prices, click here.

WHAT IF I AM BEING DROPPED OFF OR PICKED UP BY A FRIEND, UBER, LYFT, TAXI OR ANOTHER TRANSPORT SERVICE?

Use the pull off area by the walk-in Gate #4A, on Highland Avenue. No other gate lends itself well to pick up/drop off.

HOW DO I BUY CONCERT AND MOTORSPORT TICKETS?

Reserved seating can be purchased online. Box office hours are announced each year once entertainment is released and on sale to the public.

DOES MY ENTERTAINMENT TICKET ALSO COVER MY ADMISSION TO THE FAIRGROUNDS?

YES, IF purchased in advance. Entertainment tickets purchased in advance INCLUDE your gate admission. Show your ticket at the gate for scanning and retain your ticket to be scanned in the grandstand before the show. You can purchase tickets at the Box Office the day of the concert INSIDE the fairgrounds (this would require you to purchase gate admission THEN purchase your ticket at the box office, building 2).

DOES MY YOUNG CHILD NEED A CONCERT TICKET?

Children 2 years old and under do not need a concert ticket as long as they will sit on your lap. Children 3 years old and above require a ticket.

WHERE IS THE WILL CALL WINDOW LOCATED?

Our Will Call window is located in our Box Office and is accessible from outside the Fairgrounds along E. Patrick Street just to the left of the Main Gate. Entry to the Fairgrounds is not required to pick up entertainment tickets at Will Call. Will Call is only for picking up pre-purchased tickets. (Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the will call window)

WHAT DOES ADA MEAN WHEN PURCHASING ENTERTAINMENT TICKETS

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is referring to handicapped seating available for purchase through the Box Office at 301-695-3928. These seats are reserved for those needing wheelchair access and their companion. These seats are not in the best location for hearing impaired individuals who may require a view of the interpreter. ADA seats are intended for those with disabilities that affect physical mobility.

Sign language interpreter for all evening musical performances at the grandstand (interpreter will be on the left side of the stage from the audience’s perspective, Track Right and Grandstand sections C–F offer the best views of the interpreter. Special seats notated/reserved)

HOW DO I GET A MEET AND GREET PASS TO MEET AN ENTERTAINER?

All meet-and-greet events with headline entertainers are coordinated through each artist’s fan club. For information regarding meet-and-greet opportunities, please contact that artist’s fan club.

CAN I BRING A BAG WITH ME?

Personal bags are permitted on the grounds. Be prepared for a potential search of your bag by security at the gates. Bag searching WILL happen at the grandstand entrance before concerts and motorsports.

WHAT ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED?

Illegal weapons of any sort; Illegal drugs or paraphernalia; Outside drinks, coolers or alcoholic beverages;  

ARE PETS ALLOWED ON THE FAIRGROUNDS DURING THE FAIR?

Pets are NOT permitted on the fairgrounds. The only exception is certified service animals in use by disabled persons.

CAN I COME TO THE FAIR JUST TO GET SOME FOOD FOR LUNCH?

We do offer a “lunch bunch” special which allows those with a business ID to enter the grounds without paying admission to get food and then exit the grounds. The special is available from 11 am – 2 pm Monday – Thursday. *Parking is a reduced $5 fee on site and a designated VIP parking lot

WHAT DAYS ARE DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS OFFERED?

Senior citizens age 65 and over are admitted free on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday until 3 p.m., but MUST PAY for parking at all fair operated parking lots.

DO YOU OFFER MILITARY DISCOUNTS?

Military Appreciation Day is Wednesday – Active duty military in uniform and/or with valid military ID are admitted free until 6 pm

WHAT DAYS DO YOU OFFER UNLIMITED CARNIVAL RIDE WRISTBANDS ON THE MIDWAY?

Carnival promotions and hours – Advanced sales of Wristbands (Jack Pass) – (1 admission and 1 unlimited ride wristband, good for any 1 day of the fair) – Must purchase before 5 pm on first Friday of the Fair

DO YOU SELL ALCOHOL?

Yes. Alcohol is served at the Beer Garden (located between the Farm and Garden Building (Bldg. 14A) and the Bathroom (Bldg.15))
The Homegrown Building (Bldg. 13) is located between the Youth (Bldg. 12) and the Poultry (Bldg. 14) barn. This building features local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Alcohol is also served in the grandstand during the concerts and motorsports.

ARE CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED?

MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted at each gate for admission and in the carnival midway. Many vendors accept credit cards. We recommend carrying a little cash just in case. ATM’s are on the grounds in various locations.

IS SMOKING PERMITTED ON THE GROUNDS?

Smoking and/or vaping is NOT permitted inside buildings or inside the Grandstand. Smoking is permitted outdoors only. (Please be respectful and mindful of other patrons when smoking)

DO YOU EVER CLOSE BECAUSE OF BAD WEATHER?

A little rain doesn’t shut us down! In the event of inclement weather, we watch the local forecast closely to always ensure the safety of our patrons. Be sure to check our website where we always keep you up-to-date on the latest information. Also, check the local weather forecast before you visit, and plan to bring a jacket, hat or sunscreen as appropriate.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

For your comfort and safety, we recommend that you wear low, close-toed shoes. Check the weather forecast before your visit and bring jackets, hats or sunscreen as appropriate.

ARE THERE NURSING FACILTIES AND DIAPER CHANGING FACILTIES?

There is a Family Care Station located near the Security office, across from Bldg. 3 Administration office. Several restrooms also have diaper changing stations.

WHAT DO I DO IF I LOST A PERSON OR AN ITEM WHILE AT THE FAIR?

If you’ve lost someone or something during your visit, all lost persons and property will be safely cared for in the Security Trailer. The Security Trailer is located across from Bldg.3 Administration office, at the entrance of the midway.

WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?

The Great Frederick Fair makes every effort to make sure your accommodations are met while visiting us.

For your Special Needs, contact the fair’s Administration Office at 301-663-5895 for questions pertaining to your special needs accommodations.

Accommodations

• • Limited wheelchair availability. Contact the fair’s Administration Office at 301-663-5895
  • TTY telephone use at Building 3
  • Grandstand event ticket purchases at wheel chair accessible sales window
  • Blind and hearing impaired visitors should contact the fair’s Ticket Sales Office at 301-695-3928 for grandstand accommodations
  • Sign language interpreter for all evening musical performances at the grandstand (interpreter will be on the left side of the stage from the audience’s perspective, Track Right and Grandstand sections C–F offer the best views of the interpreter. Special seats notated/reserved)
  • Limited special needs seating at the grandstand.
  • Contact the Ticket Office with questions, 301-695-3928

Parking

Handicapped Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis, vehicle must display proper documentation of parking placards, stickers or license plates entitling the vehicle occupants to handicapped parking.

Special needs vehicles should use the Gate 3 entrance

Special needs unloading and loading outside of Gate 1, Gate 4A or by Building 15

Handicapped parking in designated areas, lots A, B, C & D or onsite at fairgrounds (Regular parking fees apply)

Free ADA compliant shuttle service from Lot D (Monocacy Blvd.) to Gate 4A; shuttle runs frequently and is free.

HOW DO I BECOME AN EXHIBITOR AT THE GREAT FREDERICK FAIR?

If you are a 4-H or FFA Members in Frederick County, you are a YOUTH exhibitor. (Dept. 4A-4Z)

If you want to enter your photographs, fine arts (paintings, drawings), afghans/quilts, food preservation items, needle arts, arts & crafts, or baked goods, you will be a Household/Home Arts & Crafts exhibitor! There are even specific departments for Children and Youth that are NOT in 4-H or FFA. (Dept. M-Z)

If you want to beer, wine, mead, cider, grains, seeds, vegetables, fruit, fresh cut flowers, honey, beeswax, gourds, pumpkins or even paint a pumpkin, you will be a Farm & Garden exhibitor! (Dept. J-K-L)