Fair Frequently Asked Questions
Know before you go
Please help us keep the Fair safe and fun for all!
The Delaware State Fair is and has always been a private entity. The Delaware State Fairgrounds is private property under the jurisdiction of the Delaware State Police.
Before being permitted to enter the fairgrounds, all patrons, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers and employees will be screened for any weapons or prohibited items by the Fair’s use of walk-through metal detectors that will be in use at all public entry gates (Main Gate, Gate 2, Gate 3 and Gate 7). The Fair will be utilizing the most technologically advanced weapons detection system known as “OpenGate by CEIA.” As such, initial screening will not require separation from outerwear garments, wallets, purses, backpacks, bags, strollers nor the removal of the contents of any pockets.
Should a walk-through metal detector or any security official identify the need for further screening, the Fair reserves the right to conduct additional screening of the fairgoer and their bags as a condition of gaining entry or maintaining admitted status on the fairgrounds.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
1. WEAPONS
Weapons of any kind or objects that appear to be weapons are prohibited and may not be brought onto the fairgrounds. Regardless of whether you are licensed to carry or not, all concealed or open carry forms of firearms whether registered or unregistered, machine guns, rifles including semi-automatics, shotguns, antique firearms, black powder rifles, black powder shotguns, or any muzzle-loading firearms, and/or other weapons including but not limited to any variety of knife (see exception below), switchblade, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun, cane sword, club, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, chukka sick, sandclub, sap, wrist-brace type slingshot or slingshot, shuriken or “Kung Fu star”, razor, imitation pistol, or any other dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon (or an imitation thereof that could be reasonably mistaken for a deadly instrument or weapon) are prohibited within the gates of the fairgrounds.
EXCEPTIONS:
A. SMALL POCKETKNIVES: Non-locking folding pocketknife or jackknife with a blade no longer than two and one-half inches. Anyone seeking to enter the fairgrounds with a pocketknife or jackknife that meets the dimensions described above, must display the knife in a folded condition to the security officer staffing the screening devices before proceeding through the first weapons detector; and
B. OFF-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS: Off-duty law enforcement officers currently employed by any of the following law enforcement agencies: (1) the Delaware State Police; or (2) New Castle County Police Department; or (3) any Delaware municipal police force; or (4) DNREC officers (Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resource, Parks & Recreation & Environmental Protection); or (5) Probation & Parole (sworn officers); and (6) agents of the State Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement; or (7) Delaware State Fire Marshals; or (8) Federal FBI, US Marshal or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agents will be allowed to carry a concealed firearm provided that they show their badge and law enforcement ID to the security officer staffing the screening devices before proceeding through the first weapons detector.
This exception does not include: (a) current or former members of the military; or (2) former law enforcement officials; or (3) law enforcement officials from any jurisdiction outside the State of Delaware.
2. OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS
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Illegal drugs, substances and related paraphernalia; and
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Alcohol of any kind except for alcohol lawfully possessed and consumed in the campground areas and alcohol purchased and consumed within the concert venue and the Roost; and
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Pets (except service animals permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act – ADA); and
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Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, bicycles, inline skates, foot-powered or electric scooters; and
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Bull horns, air horns, megaphones or similar noise makers or voice amplification devices; and
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Drones, UAVs, UASs or any type of remote-controlled craft, car or truck; and
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Fireworks, sparklers or explosives; and
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Laser pointers; and
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Offensive messages on clothing; and
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Flags, signs, apparel or any objects bearing the image of the confederate flag; and
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Gang-related clothes, colors, signs and jewelry; and
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Any form of apparel including face masks meant to conceal the wearer’s identity.
Those entering the fairgrounds will have the opportunity to discard any prohibited items at the security screening area or return the item(s) to their vehicle before entry. Prohibited items turned over to security at the time of entry will be considered confiscated and will not be returned.
Rev. 6.9.23
The Delaware State Fair is a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate all things Delaware by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. We want to make sure the Fair is a fun and safe place for all fairgoers, vendors, volunteers, shareholders, and staff. When you join us on the fairgrounds and attend the Delaware State Fair, all fairgoers shall observe the guidelines listed in our Code of Conduct: Click Here
- All youth under the age of 16 are required to be accompanied by a sober and competent person aged 21 or older who will supervise the youth while entering the Delaware State Fair (such as a parent, legal guardian, relative, or other adult). After 7 p.m., unattended youths attempting to enter the fairgrounds without an adult will be denied entry.
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- One adult may accompany no more than six (6) guests under the age of 16 per day.
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- Proof of age is required. Any fairgoer, including those over the age of 21, may be required to show a valid government identification for proof of age.
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- This policy applies regardless of entry method, such as the use of a pre-purchased ticket or re-entry with a handstamp from earlier in the day.
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- This policy will be enforced daily for the full ten-day run of the Delaware State Fair.
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- If a concertgoer under the age of 16 has a valid concert ticket for that evening’s show, they will be allowed to enter the fair and the concert after 7 p.m. without an adult as outlined above.
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- Those youth under the age of 16 with a valid concessionaire, youth livestock, 4H, or FFA exhibitor credential will be permitted to access the fairgrounds without supervising adult as outlined above. Each concessionaire and/or youth exhibitor must carry their Delaware State Fair-issued laminated credential to be permitted on the grounds without an adult after 7 p.m.
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- Each youth under the age of 16 working for a participating concessionaire will be issued a laminated credential at concessions check-in/set up.
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- Organized and ticketed group outings, such as school, church, corporate, summer camp, sports, and other pre-scheduled group visits are exempt from the policy as these groups have established chaperone policies and procedures already in place. Exceptions to this policy will be at the discretion of the General Manager.
Gate Admission Fees:
Adults (13+): $10.00 online ($10.50)
Youth (6 -12 years of age): $5.00 online ($5.50)
Child (5 and under) receive FREE gate admission
5 Day Adult Gate Admission Pass – Beat the lines and save when you order a 5-Day Adult Gate Admission Pass! Ages 13 & Up $35 + .50 online convenience fee
A savings of almost $15.00 over the cost of 5 separate Adult One Day Online Gate Admissions. One adult will be admitted on any 5 separate days using the ADULT 5 DAY PASS GATE ADMISSION. Cannot be used to admit more than 1 adult on the same day.
Please contact the Box Office at (302) 398-5020. Groups of 20 or more may purchase group tickets and save $2 off each adult ticket.
GENERAL FAIR INFORMATION
Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, August 1st, 2026
ADDRESS: 18500 S. DuPont Highway Harrington, DE 19952
DIRECTIONS:
From Wilmington / Philadelphia Take I-95 South toward Baltimore. Merge onto DE-1 South via exit number 4A toward Christiana / Mall Road (Portions toll). Exit 97 to 13 SALISBURY / NORFOLK. Bear left onto US Route 13 South; follow South toward Harrington. After passing over DE-14, look for the fairgrounds on your right.
From Baltimore / Washington D.C. Take US-50 East / US-301 North (Portions toll). At the US-50 / US-301 split, bear right taking the US-50 East exit toward OCEAN CITY. Turn left onto MD-404 East toward DENTON / REHOBOTH, continuing on to follow MD-404 East. Take the MD-313 ramp toward DENTON / GREENSBORO. Turn left onto MD-313 North. Turn right onto MD-317 East. As you cross into Delaware, MD-317 becomes DE-14. Continue to follow DE-14 East toward Harrington, and follow signs to the fairgrounds.
From Salisbury, MD From US-50, take US-13 North. Follow US-13 North through Laurel and Seaford. Fairgrounds are located 4 miles north of Farmington on your left. Turn left onto Tower Road and immediately right into the fairgrounds.
From DE Beaches Follow DE-1 North toward Milford. Turn left onto NE FRONT ST / NEW WHARF RD / DE-14 West. Continue to follow DE-14 West. At the intersection of DE-14 and US-13, turn left onto S. DUPONT HWY / US-13 South. The fairgrounds will be located on your right
1. Parking – Handicap Parking can be found behind the Administration building in the fenced-in blacktop lot. Please use the main fair entrance off of South DuPont Hwy (GPS address: 18500 S. Dupont Hwy) to access the Handicap Parking Area. Guests needing to park in the handicap parking lot must present proper Parking Credentials to parking staff prior to parking in lot. Guests parking in the main general parking areas have the option to ride a handicap accessible shuttle but must board at a designated shuttle top located in the Orange/Purple Parking Lot. Proper display of handicapped parking permits with tags must be displayed in order to access the handicap parking lot. In the event the handicapped parking lot is full or at capacity, there is an identified drop off area within the handicap parking lot and next to the main gate. After dropping off the handicap patrons, the driver will be directed to the general parking area where a handicapped accessible shuttle will be available to transport them to the front gate
2. An ADA wheel chair accessible shuttle is available onsite and servises the east side of the fairgrounds stopping at all shuttle stops identified on the fairgeounds map located in the Daily Schedule.
3. Family ADA Restroom are located next to the Grove Restrooms located on the Northern part of the fairgrounds next to the Department of Agriculture and DNREC Buildings. Private rooms feature air conditioning, additional needed space, sinks, baby changing tables, and showers. Accessible stalls have been identified in all restrooms throughout the fairgrounds.
4. Service Animals – ADA identified and compliant service animals are always welcome to the Delaware State Fairgrounds.
5. Rentals – Wheelchair & power mobility devices are available to rent near the main gate. Yes – stroller & wheelchair rental equipment may be found inside the Main Gate entrance beginning at 11:00AM. For patrons in need of a stroller or wheelchair, they are located near the main gate for a moderate charge by Mobility Concepts.
2023 Pricing
Electric Scooter/Wheelchair/Stroller Rental information
Available through Mobility Concepts located just inside the Main Gate
Electric Scooter – $60.00/day Wheelchair – $20.00/day Child Transport – $20.00/day (single, double or wagon)
Major Credit Cards Accepted Reservations can be made at this link https://mobilityconceptsllc.com/delaware-state-fair
For any additional info, please visit www.MobilityConceptsLLC.com
6. M&T Bank Grandstand Shows Accessible Seating – Handicapped patrons wanting to utilize wheelchairs may enter by way of track or M&T Bank Grandstand entrances. ADA Seating (including companion requests) can be requested from the box office at (302) 398-5020.
7. Accessible Seating has been identified at all buildings that showcase entertainment or livestock shows. Please look for the identified signage or blue markings in seating areas.
FREE! We do offer VIP PARKING for guests looking to park near the main gate. Visit the link for more details and pricing.
Yes. Our Cell Phone Lot is conveniently located in the yellow lot located off Fairgrounds Road, right behind Mountaire Farms. This gives you easy access to route 13.
Please note the following:
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Maximum wait is 30 minutes
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Lot is closed from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
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Vehicles must be attended
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Commercial vehicles are not permitted
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Space is available on a first come, first serve basis
Yes – stroller & wheelchair rental equipment may be found inside the Main Gate entrance beginning at 11:00AM. For patrons in need of a stroller or wheelchair, they are located near the main gate for a moderate charge.
Company: CND Scooters
Phone number to reserve equipment: 1-863-368-3000
Description & Pricing:
- Wheelchair: $20/day | A manually operated chair designed to assist individuals with limited mobility in moving around independently or with help.
- Scooter: $60/day | A battery-powered vehicle with a seat, handlebars, and wheels, designed to help people with limited walking ability travel longer distances comfortably.
- Single Stroller: $20/Day | A wheelchair chair designed to safely transport one child, typically featuring a seat, harness, and sunshade.
- Double Stroller: $25/Day | A child transport device that accommodates two children, either side-by-side or front-to-back, for convenient and safe travel.
- Rollator: $20/day | A wheeled walking aid with handlebars, brakes, and a seat, offering support and stability to individuals.
Rental Policy: A form of ID will be taken during the duration of rental and stored in a secure safe space (Examples: Driver’s License or a Government Issued ID)
Accepting credit/debit cards and cash. For more information, visit www.cndscooters.com
The Nursing Mother’s Area is located next to the Grove Restrooms located on the Northern part of the fairgrounds next to the Department of Agriculture and DNREC Buildings. Private rooms feature air conditioning, sinks, baby changing table and a comfortable rocking chair to help make the feeding procees comfortable for the mother and baby.
ATM’s are available throughout the grounds.
Minor injuries and ailments are treated at the First Aid station located at the base of the M&T Bank Grandstand. In the event of serious illness or injury, please dial 911.
Service animals, including service animals in training, are allowed onto the Delaware State Fairgrounds. Fair-goers are not allowed to bring pets or emotional support animals. Service animals are described as specially trained to perform a function or job for an owner with a physical, intellectual, or emotional disability. These working animals may provide the comfort of an emotional support animal, but they have been trained to complete certain tasks. Service animals are trained to help their owners deal with large crowds, loud or unexpected noises, as well as assist them during an unexpected emergency. Most importantly, service animals are offered legal protections through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An emotional support animal does not share those same legal protections. If an emotional support animal or pet were to bite another fair-goer, that animal’s owner will be held responsible, as could the Delaware State Fair for allowing a non-service animal on the grounds.
We want to keep everyone as safe as possible and that is why the Delaware State Fair does not allow pets or emotional support animals on the fairgrounds.
