The arrival of late summer and early fall means it’s fair season in the D.C. area. So break out your boots and prepare your appetite for deep-fried cuisine. Here’s what to know about all the region’s fairs and festivals.
In Maryland, the Prince George’s County Fair was canceled because of a lack of volunteers. The fairs in Howard and Carroll counties happened earlier this summer.
Fauquier, Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Virginia hosted their fairs already. But not to worry, there’s plenty of other chances to get your fair fix at the events below.
More Local Fair Coverage:
- Montgomery County fair brings a taste of country living to the DC suburbs
- 2024 Arlington County Fair road closures: What you need to know
Statewide celebrations
State Fair of Virginia
- When: Sept. 27 to Oct. 6
- Where: The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia
- What’s happening: Enjoy performances from Let’s Sing Taylor, Cooper Alan, Will Overman, Hinder, Lonestar and more. There’s also plenty of fair fun to be had, with events such as lawn mower racing, a petting zoo, rodeo and magic show. Full details are on the fair’s website.
Maryland State Fair
- When: Aug. 22-25, Aug. 29 to Sept. 2, Sept. 5-8
- Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland
- What’s happening: There will be performances from Let’s Sing Taylor and Big Time Rush. Attractions include horse and pig racing, glass blowing and a rodeo. The full schedule is on the fair’s website.
Maryland’s county fairs
Montgomery County Fair
- When: Now until Aug. 17
- Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, Maryland
- What’s happening: Paid attractions include Wednesday and Thursday night’s monster truck show and Friday and Saturday night’s demolition derby. There’s other free fun to be had with chain saw carving, comedy and hypnotist shows, circus shows and pig racing. More information is on the fair’s website.
Anne Arundel County Fair
- When: Sept. 11-15
- Where: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville, Maryland
- What’s happening: Tractor pulls, eating contests, concerts, carnival rides, a livestock auction and more await at this year’s Anne Arundel County celebration. Find all the information in this year’s fair catalog.
Charles County Fair
- When: Sept. 12-15
- Where: Charles County Fairgrounds in La Plata, Maryland
- What’s happening: It’s the 100th Charles County Fair and this year’s event features livestock shows of all kinds, along with eating contests, lawn mower racing and horse pulling. A full schedule of events is available online.
The Great Frederick Fair
- When: Sept. 13-21
- Where: The Frederick Fairgrounds in Frederick, Maryland
- What’s happening: This year’s fair in Frederick features big-name performances from Flo Rida, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Riley Green and more, along with tractor and truck pulls and two nights of demolition derby action. More information is online.
Virginia’s county fairs
Arlington County Fair
- When: Now through Aug. 18
- Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington, Virginia
- What’s happening: Catch a slew of live music performances, the D.C. Roller Derby, eating contests, a petting zoo and plenty more at this year’s fair, happening now through this weekend. A full schedule of events is online.
- What you need to know about road closures
Prince William County Fair
- When: Now through Aug. 17
- Where: Prince William County in Manassas, Virginia
- What’s happening: The PWC Fair’s remaining grandstand events include two nights of monster truck madness and a demolition derby on the fairs final night. There’s also daily wine tasting, camel and pony rides and more. More information on events is available online.
Stafford County Fair
- When: Oct. 17-20
- Where: University of Mary Washington campus in Fredericksburg, Virginia
- What’s happening: The Stafford County Fair welcomes visitors with carnival rides, a petting zoo and pony rides, along with sheriff displays and demonstrations. The weekend features the Miss Stafford County Pageant and kids power wheels derbies and tractor pulls. A full schedule of events is online.
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