The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is The Place To Be In October! From live music, local food and drink, and corgi and pony racing to an up-close view of former elite, world-class horses at the Hall of Champions exhibit, and the Kids Corner with tons of fun for children of all ages, there are so many things to see and do throughout the event!
Thursday through Sunday, enjoy daily live music on the Main Stage, adjacent to the North Aintree Grandstand. Admission is free with the purchase of any valid ticket.
Thursday through Sunday in the infield, the Kids’ Corner welcomes children of all ages! The Kid’s Corner features interactive games and activities from partners Milburn Orchard, Great Wolf Lodge, Fair Hill Nature Center, Cecil County YMCA, The Fluffy Eventer and more. For a full list of activities, click HERE. Admission is free with the purchase of any valid ticket.
Join us on Friday for the first ever Maryland Masterclass! During the lunch break meet former MARS Maryland 5 Star Cross Country Course Designer, Ian Stark for a course walk of Sawmill Field. Following the course walk, enjoy lunch and a Q&A with new 2025 Cross Country Course Designer, Pierre Le Goupil in the Sawmill Waterfront Club! A Maryland Masterclass ticket is required in addition to a valid ticket for Friday admission. Buy your ticket for the Maryland Masterclass today.
On Friday and Sunday come and visit the internationally renowned horses from around the Cecil County in the Hall Of Champions! The Hall of Champions is located in the infield, and the horses stabled there for the day are accessible by the public for petting and pictures. Admission is free with the purchase of any valid ticket.
Saturday features the Local Beer, Wine and Spirits Showcase hosted by Cecil County’s own Elk River Brewing Company. Be sure to visit the event located between MARS VIPet and the North Aintree Grandstands! Admission is free with the purchase of any valid Saturday ticket.
On Saturday The Real Rider Cup comes to the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill for the first time in 2025, following the conclusion of the 5 Star (CCI5*-L) Cross-Country competition phase. Admission is free with the purchase of any valid Saturday ticket.
Saturday’s Pony Racing is produced by US Pony Racing. Two Shetland Pony Races will be held on the Fair Hill Turf Track during the lunch break in front of the North Aintree Grandstand. See below for more information. Admission is free with the purchase of any valid Saturday ticket.
On Sunday the Local Food Festival, hosted by Horizon Farm Credit and supported by Cecil County Agriculture, features local vendors representing Cecil County and its surrounding areas. Admission is free with the purchase of any valid Sunday ticket.
The Maryland Corgi Cup races also kick off on Sunday morning, with the championship race being held during the lunch break. Admission is free with the purchase of any valid Sunday ticket.
On Sunday morning, The Fair Hill Nature Center will be hosting their Fox Trot 5K and 1 Mile Bark in the Park in Sawmill Field. Join in the fun to get in your steps before a final day of competition at the MARS Maryland 5 Star! For more information and to register for the run, click HERE.
On Sunday, Andrew’s Bridge Foxhound Parade will take place during the lunch break in the Main Arena. Admission is free with the purchase of any valid Sunday ticket.
See below for more about our special events and activities!
Music on the Main Stage
Musical acts to be announced soon!
Hall of Champions
Participants coming soon!
Pony Racing – Saturday
Pony Racing is being produced by US Pony Racing
Shetland Pony Racing
Two Races
Between CCI3* & CCI5*, during the lunch break.
The Shetland Pony Race will start from the turn on the turf just adjacent to the CCI3* and CCI5* cross country course that run across the turf track, run right along the track and finish past the finish line pole in front of the permanent North Aintree Grandstand.
The US Pony Racing Shetland Team puts on Shetland pony flat and steeplechase racing exhibitions as entertainment for large venues. Many of the ponies in these exhibitions are owned by US Pony Racing, but some are privately owned. All pony and rider combinations have been pre-screened as a duo in order to ensure the mount and rider will be safe on the course. Riders in the Shetland divisions are typically between 8 and 12 years old.