Carnival season is back, and communities across Maryland and southern Pennsylvania are gearing up for some of the most anticipated events of the year. Whether you’re a fan of thrill rides, funnel cake, live music, or simply spending a summer night with friends and family, there’s something for everyone. Below is a roundup of local carnivals and fairs happening near you this year. Be sure to check each organization’s website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date info before you go.
May Carnivals
May 20 – 24 | New Windsor Carnival
New Windsor Fire Department, 101 High Street, New Windsor, MD
This annual carnival features rides, games, and classic carnival food. No parade this year, but plenty of fun every night.
More info
May 23 – 31 | Gamber Fire Company Carnival
(closed Wednesday, May 28)
Gamber & Community Fire Company, 3838 Niner Road, Finksburg, MD
Enjoy live music, a major raffle, and rides by Rosedale Attractions. Discounted ride nights available. Fireworks scheduled for May 26.
More info
May 23 – 31 | Great Boonsboro Rescue Company Carnival
Shafer Park, 241 Potomac St, Boonsboro, MD
Free nightly concerts at 6:30 and 8:30 PM, plus rides, games, and food. Fireworks will take place on May 30.
More info
May 27 – 31 | Thurmont Ambulance Company Carnival
Thurmont Event Complex, 13716 Strafford Dr, Thurmont, MD
Enjoy nightly entertainment, rides, games, raffles, and fireworks at 10 PM on Friday. A fun-filled community event for all ages!
More info
May 28 – 31 | Mother Seton School Carnival
100 Creamery Road, Emmitsburg, MD
Ride-all-night wristbands, nightly entertainment, carnival food, games, raffles, and bingo.
More info
May 29 – 31 | Union Bridge Fire Company Carnival
8 West Locust Street, Union Bridge, MD
Serving pit beef, ham, and turkey platters nightly. Beer garden for ages 21+, plus raffles, games, and a silent auction.
More info
June Carnivals
June 2 – 7 | 4 County Lions Community Carnival
1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy, MD
Live music every night from local bands, along with rides, food, and games.
More info
June 9 – 14 | Taneytown Fire Company Carnival
49 Memorial Drive, Taneytown, MD
A full week of community fun with rides, live music, food, and family-friendly entertainment.
More info
June 10 – 14 | St. Joseph Carnival
St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2935 Kingston Rd, York, PA
This beloved community event features rides, games, and food every night from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. A great way to support local volunteers and enjoy summer fun in York.
More info
June 16 – 21 | Thurmont Firemen’s Carnival
Thurmont Carnival Grounds, 123 East Main St, Thurmont, MD
Enjoy rides, games, food, and live music nightly at the Thurmont Firemen’s Carnival.
June 23 – 28 | Reese Fire Company Carnival
1745 Baltimore Blvd, Westminster, MD
Voted Carroll County’s BEST Carnival! Enjoy a week of great food, games, rides, a beer garden, and nightly live entertainment starting at 7:30 PM. Music lineup includes The Amish Outlaws, The Fabulous Hubcaps, Dean Crawford & the Dunn River Band, and more.
More info
June 23 – 28 | Shrewsbury Firemen’s Carnival
21 W Forrest Ave, Shrewsbury, PA
Enjoy rides by RUSS Amusement, nightly entertainment, classic carnival food, and games all week long. Fireworks Friday at 10:30 PM and a community parade Saturday at 3:30 PM.
More info
June 30 – July 5 | Manchester Fire Company Carnival
3297 York St, Manchester, MD
A full week of rides, games, nightly live music, and great food, including nightly platters and a beer garden (21+). Fireworks on July 3 (rain date July 5) and a parade on July 1.
More info
June 30 – July 5 | Walkersville Volunteer Fire Co. Carnival
79 W. Frederick St., Walkersville, MD
Enjoy rides, games, food, and live bands at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Co. Carnival! Fireworks on Thursday at 10 PM, sponsored by TriState Home Services.
More info
June 30 – July 5 | New Freedom Lions Club Carnival
Marge Goodfellow Park, 1 Playground Alley, New Freedom, PA
Enjoy a week of family fun, food, and festivities at this annual community carnival.
More info
July Carnivals
July 7 – 12 | Winfield Fire Company Carnival
1320 W. Old Liberty Road, Sykesville, MD
Join the community for a week of nightly entertainment, delicious food, and family fun from 6–10 PM.
More info
July 7 – 12 | Mason Dixon Fair
6988 Delta Rd, Delta, PA
A classic country fair featuring livestock shows, contests, food, dirt drags, and nightly music. Kids 12 and under get in free!
More info
July 14 – 19 | Eureka Firemen’s Carnival
Hopewell Area Recreation Park, 16 College Ave, Stewartstown, PA
Enjoy six days of food, games, rides, bingo, raffles, and live entertainment. Fireworks on Thursday, July 17 at 9 PM.
More info
July 14 – 19 | Jefferson Carnival
57 Hanover St, Spring Grove, PA
A long-standing local favorite with food, games, and fun, hosted by the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company and local community groups.
More info
July 14–19 | Urbana Fire & Rescue Carnival
3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD
Enjoy a week of carnival fun with rides, games, food, and live entertainment at the Urbana Fire & Rescue Carnival! A classic community event for all ages.
July 18 – 27 | York State Fair
York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave, York, PA
Back for its 260th year! Featuring major concerts (Riley Green, Foreigner, T-Pain & more), rides, agricultural exhibits, and mouthwatering fair food.
More info
July 21 – 26 | Mount Airy Fire Company Carnival
1008 Twin Arch Road, Mt Airy, MD
Live music each night, carnival rides, and classic fair eats. Don’t miss YötRöx on Thursday for some retro yacht rock vibes.
More info
July 21 – 26 | Pleasant Hill Firefighter’s Carnival
2941 Baltimore Pike, Hanover, PA
Enjoy nightly entertainment, games, rides from Russ Amusements, and plenty of local flavor. Dean Crawford & the Dunn’s River Band closes it out Saturday.
More info
July 22 – 26 | South Mountain Fair
Rt 234, Arendtsville, PA
Admission is just $8 and includes unlimited carnival rides and live entertainment! Open Tuesday–Friday from 4–10 PM, and Saturday from 1–10 PM.
More info
August Carnivals
August 2 – 9 | Howard County Fair
2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD 21794
Enjoy livestock shows, kids and critters exhibits, rides, horse shows, entertainment, home arts, commercial exhibits, horse and tractor pulls, a talent show, and much more. The fair runs daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
More info
August 4 – 9 | Hampstead Fire Company Carnival
Former North Carroll High School, Panther Dr, Hampstead, MD
The HVFC Annual Carnival offers rides, games, food, and fun from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. Located at the Coppermine Pantherplex Parking Lot, this community favorite brings the fun every evening.
More info
August 4 – 9 | Littlestown Fireman’s Carnival
Alpha Fire Company Carnival Grounds, Littlestown, PA
Join the fun at this local fireman’s carnival! Running daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, enjoy rides, games, and plenty of fair food to satisfy your cravings.
More info
August 11 – 16 | Rocky Ridge Carnival
13527 Motters Station Road, Rocky Ridge, MD
Enjoy the rides, games, and food at the Rocky Ridge Carnival, a fantastic community event for all ages.
More info
August 12 – 16 | Dallastown Community Carnival
Dallastown Community Park, 50 S. School Pl, Dallastown, PA
Free parking and admission! This 26th annual event features nightly live music (including Deep Six, Bluestone, and more), carnival rides, games, and plenty of food.
More info
September Carnivals
September 12–20
The Great Frederick Fair
Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
The Great Frederick Fair returns with agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, youth contests, carnival rides by Reithoffer Shows, and more. A true celebration of the best of Frederick County.
More info