Funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, and giant turkey legs are reminiscent of one of our favorite summer traditions: fair season. Compete in a pie-eating contest, ride swings with your family, or watch pigs race at a county or state fair this summer.
AUGUST
Howard County Fair
This county fair just turned 80 years old. Watch a dog or horse and pony show, square dance in your cowboy boots, compete in a corn hole tournament, and find lots more excitement at the Howard County Fair ($10 for adults, $5 for seniors, free for children 12 and under).
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Summertime fun for families is back at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. Ride carnival attractions with your kiddos or watch giant monster trucks smash things. Whether you’re visiting solo or with a group of friends and family, there’s something cool for everyone to enjoy. Also, don’t miss the two-day rodeo ($17).
Prince William County Fair
Families can venture through a petting zoo, watch derby shows, twirl around the carousel, and ride a camel at the Prince William County Fair. The amusement spans nine days at the county’s fairgrounds ($25 for adults, $15 for ages 5 to 12, free for ages 4 and younger).
Clarke County Fair
Spin around on a ferris wheel, meet cuddly goats, and taste smoked meats at the 71st Clarke County Fair ($10 for adults, $5 for ages 5 to 15, free for children 4 and younger).
Arlington County Fair
The Arlington County Fair returns with entertainment for all ages. Neighbors can participate in archery and ax-throwing, shop for art at the Night Market, devour bites at Food Truck Alley, and zip through inflatable obstacle courses. If you’re a fan of local talent, you won’t want to miss the lineup of area musicians and entertainers performing daily, including acts such as Ari Voxx & The Sad Lads, Loveboat, and tropical Latin band Pablo Antonio y La Firma (free).
Maryland State Fair
Eat your fill of finger-licking chocolate chip cookies, fresh maple, and home-cooked soul food while sightseeing and thrill riding at the Maryland State Fair. The jam-packed schedule offers vendor shopping, horse and pig races, a K-pop dance party, otter shows, and educational exhibits ($13+ for adults, $8.25 for ages 6 to 11, $11.25 for seniors, free for children 5 and under).
SEPTEMBER
DC State Fair
If you like pie, mumbo sauce, and all things homegrown DC, then the DC State Fair is an event for you. Anthem Row will host a showcase of the city’s agricultural, culinary, and creative talents—which in past years has included gardening and photography. The full lineup isn’t live yet, but if this year resembles past fair days, then you can expect to vote for the yummiest mumbo sauce and honey creations (free).
Charles County Fair
All ages can sing along outdoors to live gospel, R&B, country, and rock concerts at this fair. Plus, Reptile World invites children to learn about sea creatures and meet them ($10 for adults, free for ages 10 and under).
State Fair of Virginia
Discover the state’s agricultural goods such as peanuts and soybeans in the Meadow Pavilion, and then groove to live performances from Leanna Crawford and George Birge on the main stage; there’s games, food, and other amusement, too (admission TBA).
OCTOBER
Stafford County Fair
Shop colorful tie-dye shirts and more fair merch at the Stafford County Fair. If you’re into thrills, take a ride on the high-flying raptor or ride a mechanical bull (admission TBA).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
