WASHINGTON – This time of summer is often referred to as the “dog days.” But in certain areas of the region, it’s looking more like the llama and pony days.
That’s right: In Washington, it’s fair season.
Both the Montgomery County Fair and the Arlington County Fair are kicking into high gear this weekend.
If pie contests and livestock are not for you, there are plenty of other events happening in and around D.C., Aug. 9, 10 and 11.
If you’ve got a hankering for funnel cake and farm animals, you’re in luck. The Montgomery County fair begins Aug. 9 and runs through Aug. 17 in Gaithersburg, Md. The schedule is packed with contests, agriculture, live entertainment and food, plus the demolition derby and monster truck events.
On the other side of the river, and on a slightly smaller scale, is the Arlington County Fair, which runs through Aug. 11. This event is free to the public and features indoor and outdoor entertainment. On Sunday, the fair will host a 5K run/walk around the fairgrounds — so you can work off all that pie.
D.C.’s fifth annual Beer Week gets underway Sunday, Aug. 11, and the inaugural event is a food and beer pairing competition, called Hop Chef. Tickets are $55. If you can’t make it out this weekend, there are plenty of other events to keep your taste buds hoppy throughout the week.
Annual Dog Days Peach Festival
Great Family Farms in Loudoun County, Va., is hosting a dog-friendly day at the farm on Aug. 10. At the peak of peach perfection, visitors are encouraged to pick fruit and other produce and participate in the Doggie Olympics. Admission is $10. The festival runs from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Live Music in D.C., Maryland and Virginia
Washington is welcoming lots of big-name musicians to the area this weekend. Jimmy Eat World is playing at the 9:30 Club on Aug. 11, The Killers take the stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Aug. 10, Matchbox Twenty and the Goo Goo Dolls are at Jiffy Lube Live on Aug. 10 and country/folk stars Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin play at Wolf Trap on Aug. 10.
50th Anniversary March on Washington Concert
The 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington is Aug. 28, but a multi-cultural concert commemorating the event will take place on Aug. 10 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on Independence Avenue in Southwest. The concert is free and open to the public. It starts at 8 p.m.
Chelsea vs. AS Roma Friendly at RFK
While D.C. United is away, other teams will play. Two prominent European soccer clubs are coming to D.C. on Aug. 10 for a “friendly” match at RFK Stadium. The game starts at 8 p.m.
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