Blistering heat delays start of Great American State Fair on Saturday

Attendees dip their hands in ice water at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Independence Day holiday visitors endure sweltering temperatures as they try to get a view of the White House beyond metal fencing surrounding Lafayette Park, in Washington, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

A child waves toward a robot wearing a branded America 250 Kalshi jersey outside of the fairgrounds after the event was closed for the afternoon due to extreme heat on the National Mall, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Attendees cool off in a misting station outside the Great American State Fair after the event was closed for the afternoon due to extreme heat on the National Mall, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Attendees rest in the shade shortly before the event was closed for the afternoon due to extreme heat on the National Mall, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Attendees exit the grounds of the Great American State Fair after the event was closed for the afternoon due to extreme heat on the National Mall, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Medics carry a gurney through the grounds of the Great American State Fair after the event was closed for the afternoon due to extreme heat on the National Mall, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

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Excessive heat forced the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in D.C. to close for a few hours Friday, and the lingering scorching temperatures Saturday have led to a later fair start.

The fair will open Saturday at noon, instead of 10 a.m. The FIFA Fan Zone will also open at noon.

Schedule Update for the National Mall events on Saturday, July 4th.

The Great American State Fair and the FIFA Fan Zone will now open at 12:00 PM (instead of 10:00 AM).

With warm temperatures expected, guests are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, apply… pic.twitter.com/fWPDJTq7Hh

— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) July 3, 2026

High temperatures hit 100 degrees in D.C. for the second straight day, leading organizers to temporarily close the fair on Friday, which reopened at 5 p.m.

Freedom250, the Trump administration organization behind the fair, said it made the decision to shut the fair down Friday afternoon in coordination with public safety officials.

“The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority. Conditions are expected to improve later this afternoon, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back at 5:00 p.m. as preparations continue for this evening’s festivities,” the organization said in a post on X.

In a CSPAN videoposted on X, an announcement to fair guests can be heard.

“Attention fairgoers, the event has been postponed. We will reopen at 5 p.m. Please refer to Freedom250 social media for updates. Please proceed to the nearest exit,” a voice said over event speakers.

Now that the fair has reopened, there will be performances from Hugo Castillo, Mickey Smith Jr. and Grace Moody Miller. The Washington Monument illumination show will also take place for the third night.

Before the fair shut down at around 1 p.m., attendees enjoyed military flyovers, which were rehearsals for Fourth of July flyovers scheduled from morning until night.

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