I was apprehensive about attending this community event because I only heard about it the day…read morebefore via Facebook events, and I didn't see too many reviews from recent history. However, let me be the voice that convinces you to go! It was quite kitschy, with local vendors selling German (sometimes just generally European) trinkets, crockery, snacks, and traditional German attire. That was of course in addition to the multiple food vendors and bakers and the MD German Association selling a la carte plates, where you could pick from multiple kinds of wurst sausage, schnitzel on a roll, sauerkraut, potato salad, pickles, and landjagerwurst dried sausage. For two full plates, it was $35, which I thought was a great deal, and they took card/Apple Pay. The MD German Association also had a couple beer tables where you could buy either by the cup ($8) or pitcher, and a wine/spirits table ($5 Bee Sting/Jagermeister shot). I bought my $15 ticket online, which came with some fees, but if I come again, I'll just buy with cash at the door to save a few bucks. They had a full performance schedule, including choreographed dancing, some dancing with audience participation, and a choir. My absolute favorite part was the barrel march, where all the performers walked behind a set of men carrying a small child balanced on a 4ft-diameter barrel on their shoulders. It felt so silly yet so fun. Fairly priced food and drinks, and I'm salivating right now just thinking about the strudel I brought home. Free parking at the MD State Fair Grounds in an air-conditioned building with rows of tables and chairs for 200+.

A fun and communal event. Great food and an excellent atmosphere. Traditional German dancing…read moredemonstrations. Large selection of merchandise to browse or buy. Most of the merchandise tables took credit cards and some food vendors. Several styles of German beer. If you have a chance to buy tickets through Eventbrite, there is a discount available. An enjoyable afternoon.

How can I not review my local festival...! Of course, its a five star event! I really enjoyed…read moremyself and I can see why it draws such a crowd. This year was my first time going and I was pleasantly surprised! If you're like me and you get anxiety over festival parking, be assured that all you need to do is look at the festival map posted online for the event and they have clearly marked parking garages- all for 5 bucks! All liquor was 6 bucks, and food averaged 12 bucks on up. I ended up also getting doggie waffle treats for cheap. I loved their concept and interaction. Overall plenty to do... if you go make sure to check out the live music, vendors, and stay true to Maryland by checking out the seafood food stands! See you next year!

Had a nice time at the festival. I expected more of a carnival with a lot of rides but this was…read moremostly stalls selling artisan soaps and handmade clothing and jewelry. There were rides but mostly they were for the kids enjoyment. Definitely not complaining because slong with the wares there was an abundance of food you only find at festivals like funnel cake and huge turkey legs not to mention pad thai stalls and Jimmy seafood. I ate wayyy too much but i was happy with it. The beer garden was a nice touch for the adults. There was a band going which was nice back ground music. This was a really nice sunday strolling with friends and i got my mothers day shopping out the way!

The MD State Fair has been a very good fair experience for me. Each year seems to bring strategic…read moreimprovements. For example, last year the seating area for the ribs, corn, and smoked meats vendors was situated in an area so to not obstruct walkways. However, what was new in 2025 (at least to my knowledge from previous years) is only patrons of those vendors could sit in that seating area. It could have been the case in previous years and it just wasn't enforced. I don't think the MD State Fair has congregate dining areas apart from those in the vicinity of the food pavilion and a few low-capacity, all-purpose seating in random areas which is frustrating because many of the food vendors are situated along narrow walking paths where you have to compete with ride goers. What keeps me from giving the MD State Fair a 5* experience is despite some improvements, it still lacks the variety of unique and creative food items and fair-goer experiences which are common at other thriving fairs around the country. The food court here is good, but lacks creativity as it essentially serves traditional table food with few novelty items. But no iconic items. The planners do a great job of organizing the farm animal exhibit. And it is expansive. The rides are your typical carnival rides. The value at the fair is the wristband and fun pass cards for ride goers. I recommend saving your fun pass as the same pass vendor is used every year, so you don't have to pay for the activation fee. You'll just need to load money onto the card every year. Also, there are plenty vendors that offer unlimited refillable soft drinks at a discount. In my opinion, it is best to choose your preferred beverage, purchase the refill price, and stick to refilling at that particular vendor throughout the park during your visit. There are many sweet tea and lemonade stands that offer this deal. Also, the cups are reusable, so you can keep them as souvenirs and bring them back at future fairs for refills. Parking on grounds at the fair is $15 and first-come, first served. The parking lot is uneven, very hilly, and on grass (and when it rains, mud). I recommend arriving early to get a good spot close to the main entrance of the fair. At the end of a long day, it is exhausting to walk up and down hills to your car. Parking spots are not marked, so workers direct parking traffic. Again, arrive early to get a good and hassle free spot. I like that there are restrooms at the front on the inside near the main entrance and indoors at the animal exhibits. The fair grounds isn't vast, so unless you have an itinerary to visit all the exhibits, you can get through the fair in less than 2.5 hours tops. Overall, the fair is a good experience with delicious food and entertaining activities for young, old, and families.

My daughter and her friend went to the fair, bought two tickets using Apple Cash. The cashier lady…read moretold her it's pending so she should buy two more ticket. She tried to reason with her but had to buy again two ticket again showing pending but $60 was removed from her Apple Cash account. Not for teens to go and get ripped off.

So much fun. Great opportunity to do something in the community that was positive. No drama, no…read morenegativity, just great music, new friends, and excellent weather. Common did great this year! So did Estelle and Joe! Food is expensive, parking is hard.. but eat before and after, and uber in and you will have a blast like we did. $20 off your uber with code carleyd150ue

Halloween Happening Fundraising Event…read more Definitely for those under the age of 8 or so 10 if you restrict TV/movies etc from your kids and they haven't been predisposed to certain things. Not bad for $15 per person They don't offer any discounts not even military.. You walk up the paved walkway purchase your ticket ($15pp), I think under 6 is free but don't quote me on that. And you wait in line. We waited about 45mins before our group of roughly 20 went into the Haunted Barn walked down a lil hill to the mini maze, and we all loaded up in the trailer for the hayride. Please dress for the occasion, it was 43 degrees out and they don't have space heaters outdoors or fire pits etc to keep you toasty wok you wait. Although a fire pit and selling s'mores kit would've been another selling point. They did have apple cider, canned sodas chips candy and popcorn for sale. I'd suggest pack your own snacks and drinks. Oh and they had glow sticks for the kids. Organization could've been a bit better, lighting to the restroom would've been nice and more scary props. And that god awful smoky smell from the fog machine or whatever was horrendous like old fireworks just bad.

Amazing! I had an awesome time here yesterday for the Hot Air Balloon Festival and Laser Show…read more Food, Drinks, Live Music and beautiful scenery.

Really fun (and free admission!) carnival to take the kiddos to. Ride wristband for unlimited rides…read more$25 each and if I had to guess, there are probably about 15+ rides varying from little kid rides to rides that are fun for older kids and adults. They have a lot of typical carnival games like ring toss, they have clowns and face painting, etc. Also they sell food and drinks - pit beef, fries, Italian sausage, cotton candy, funnel cakes, beer, etc. And the food prices aren't bad at all. They did start a little later than their posted opening time of 3:00 when I went (6.1.19) and unfortunately the operator of the bumper cars was very obviously under the influence, but aside from that we had a fantastic time and definitely plan to make this an annual tradition.

Happy Holidays Everyone!! This is an amazing event we…read moreattended each year and support Kennedy Krieger Hosp. I am like a child in a toy store lol. I love decorating in themes and my ideal tree was there today with shells hand painted and beautiful starfish cone on top. I would have bought it but it was too expensive for this year. Did buy mom a small tree decorated with birds. Back to the beginning...we had a timed ticket but we had to wait with the new people who just bought tickets. Why get a time then? Handicap parking is a joke! There's definitely not enough available and the parking lot is huge. Please get a parking area up close with 200 spots for handicap parking and you will fill every spot. Very frustrating to buy items & have to walk a mile to truck in pain when I should be parking closer to the entrance. Building is handicap accessible. Getting around with stroller or wheelchair is tight in places. The vendors I dealt with were all very nice and friendly and I would recommend purchasing from them, I just can't say the names now because they are Christmas gifts. Unique items, decent prices and the holiday music and the Christmas trees!! Great fun all around. Even bought small Christmas tree, gifts etc. I posted a review of this for last year so this review is for this year 2023 but pics of both years are attached.

Pretty cool charity event for Kennedy Krieger Institute to get families thinking about others that…read moreare not so fortunate during the holidays. Lots of Christmas Trees, holidays decorations, family fun and games and Saint Nick himself.

WTMB First Thursday's festivals has been on my bucket list all summer. It happens during the first…read moreThursday of each month during the summer months. Located in the Canton waterfront park, you can enjoy local bands performing and local food trucks. Each month a few different bands are always featured. You can also enjoy bars that have been set up throughout the park, sponsored by Mother's bar and Grill. Some of my favorite food that is always featured, is Jimmy's Famous Seafood and Underground Pizza. Don't forget to also enjoy some ice cream from the ice cream trucks. Prices are reasonably priced and expected from the restaurants. You can always expect great quality food, great service, and fast service, especially as the night goes on and the park gets more crowded. Parking is best available on Boston Street or walking to the festival if you live in Canton is a perfect option. Don't forget to bring chairs and a blanket for sitting on the lawn, or if you get there early enough, you may be lucky enough to get a park bench where you can sit all night.

WTMB's summer festival series is a great family-friendly place to spend a summer evening. Its free,…read morehas a great crowd and friendly neighborhood vibe, and the cost can't be beat. Vendors have tons of food options--from fried chicken to veggie options, and local breweries and bars set up booths for drinks. It's heals rain or shine on the first Thursday of hot months, starting at 5:30. Oh, you you're so inclined, boat parking is provided.

We parked at the community college and bussed in. We got carded before heading on the bus which…read moresped up the time at the entrance. Food and beverages were delicious. Vendors were friendly and super fun!

I come to this event every year. Last year I pre-purchased the seafood sampler and I didn't have a…read moreproblem. This year it was total kace. At $25.00 I wish they had it together but they didn't. You could pick it up at 1pm at a particular location and the line was over a mile long. Now this was at 1pm. They ran out of food within 20 minutes. You had to constantly wait for this or wait for that. It was so annoying. I know I waited at least 30 more minutes for two items and they never did give us our bacon shrimp scallops. I had to ask about it and then they said oh we never got that in. So how about letting people know that. This was very disorganized. My advice don't purchase it. I know that next time. I will arrive early enough to make my own purchases at the different trucks. The lobster roll I purchased from Mason was really good. So the two stars is strictly for the seafood sampler.

Peruvian festival is a festival of happy and friendly Peruvians and friends of Peru that just…read morecelebrated its 30th anniversary. The parking was good, no entrance fee, a lot of free stuff (ice creams, water, bags, jello's, etc...), plenty of Peruvian food choices. Entertainment was rich and fun as you can tell by the pictures - they even had the horses do the tricks... I had food that I had never tried before: Anticuchos - marinated and grilled calf hearts, was delicious meal, with the taste and texture close to a calf liver. Picarones - Peruvian doughnuts were soft and sweet. I was expecting they will be soggy but they were perfect, melting in mouth. This festival is very colorful, and had all the colors under the sun, not just red and whites (their flag). The festival is family friendly and even had a NPS stand where kids can learn and touch objects. Only problem with that is the lack of alcohol (I would have loved a Peruvian beer) but that is a small price to pay for an excellent Peruvian experience.