The 77th annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair returns to Gaithersburg on Friday with the theme “Barn in the USA” to highlight the county’s agricultural heritage amid America’s 250th anniversary. This year is also Montgomery County’s 250th anniversary.
The fair runs from Aug. 14 to Saturday, Aug. 22, bringing together agriculture, entertainment and community.
Entertainment
For the first time, the fair will host a “Sensory-Friendly Midway Morning” on Monday, Aug. 17 for people with autism and sensory sensitivities. From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. during the sensory-friendly time block, rides and games will operate without lights or music, and vendors turn off their lights and music, as well.
Fair-goers who love animals can find farm exhibits featuring cows, rabbits and more.
The monster truck shows are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, and a demolition derby Saturday, Aug. 22. Tickets are sold separately from general admission.
A list of more than 30 rides at the fair can be found online this year to help residents plan their trip. Plus, the Kidzone opens Saturday, Aug. 15 featuring Danny Grant’s Cowboy Circus daily in the grassy area next to the Heritage Building.
There are plenty of food options at the fair, from concessions to local favorites like “The Big Cheese.”
The fair also has contests like the “My Best Fair Photo” competition.
Tickets and Parking
General admission is $18 per person. Kids 11 and under get free admission. Parking is $20 per car at the 501 Perry Parkway entrance — there is no parking at the other entrance on Chestnut Street. But ride share like Uber and Lyft must use the 16 Chestnut Street entrance.
There is also an option for free parking and shuttle buses, which are scheduled to operate from the Montgomery College Germantown and Rockville campuses.
