Late summer and early fall mean 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.
Statewide celebrations
State Fair of Virginia
- When: Sept. 26 to Oct. 5
- Where: The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia
- What’s happening: Enjoy performances from Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone; Tyler Braden; Chapel Hart; Quiet Riot; and Drew Baldridge, among other artists. There’s also plenty of fair fun to be had, with events such as a giant vegetable weigh-off, a petting zoo, a chainsaw auction and magic show. Full details are on the fair’s website.
Maryland State Fair
- When: Aug. 21-24, Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, Sept. 4-7
- Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland
- What’s happening: There will be performances from Maddox Batson and Marshall Tucker Band. Attractions include horse and pig racing, glass blowing and a rodeo. The full schedule is on the fair’s website.
Maryland’s county fairs
Prince George’s County Fair
- When: Sept. 4-7
- Where: Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro
- What’s happening: Livestock and crafts; 4-H; and a beautiful baby contest. Visit the Prince George’s County Fair website.
Montgomery County Fair
- When: Through Aug. 16
- Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, Maryland
- What’s happening: A rodeo on Aug. 15 and demolition derby on Aug. 16. There’s other fun to be had with chainsaw carving, a stilt walker and a hypnotist. More information is on the fair’s website.
Anne Arundel County Fair
- When: Sept. 10-14
- Where: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville, Maryland
- What’s happening: Tractor pulls, pie-eating contest, concerts and more. Find all the information in this year’s fair catalog.
Charles County Fair
- When: Sept. 11-14
- Where: Charles County Fairgrounds in La Plata, Maryland
- What’s happening: It’s the 101st 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. 12-20
- Where: The Frederick Fairgrounds in Frederick, Maryland
- What’s happening: T.I. performs Sept. 13; The Commodores with The Village People hit the stage Sept. 14; and Travit Tritt on Sept. 19. Of course, there’s the usual fair fun with endless thrills! More information is online.
Virginia’s county fairs
Arlington County Fair
- When: Aug. 13-17
- Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington, Virginia
- What’s happening: Catch a slew of live music performances. There’s also a baked goods contest, bingo, a night market and arts and crafts for the family. A full schedule of events is online.
Prince William County Fair
- When: Through Aug. 16
- Where: Prince William County in Manassas, Virginia
- What’s happening: Pageants, motorsports, competitions and music. More information on events is available online.
Stafford County Fair
- When: Oct. 9-12
- 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. A full schedule of events is online.
WTOP’s Thomas Robertson contributed to this report.
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