You know summer is officially in full swing when Virginia’s annual county fairs come around. It’s time to make some memories with carnival rides, pig races, live music, and classic food items like cotton candy and corndogs. Throughout the summer and fall, visit these fairs for memorable experiences.
Fauquier County Fair
July 16–19
Enjoy the classic carnival rides and games, mechanical bull rides, food vendors, beer gardens, and food competitions with pie, pizza, and hot dogs at the Fauquier County Fair. Plan on also enjoying multiple days of live bluegrass music, magic shows, and bull rodeos. Fauquier County Fair Ground, Warrenton, adults $10, children ages 2–11 $5, seniors $5
Loudoun County Fair
July 21–25
Head to Loudoun County for this annual fair featuring live music, a demolition derby, a magic show, a carnival, and more. The fair also features a blue-ribbon showcase, Miss Loudoun pageant, pie and watermelon eating contests, and pig scramble. Loudoun County Fairgrounds, Leesburg, $16.50+
Fairfax County Carnival and Fair
July 30–August 2
For four days only, the Fairfax fair will host carnival rides and games, tractor demos, and old-fashioned family fun. The fair will also include multiple food vendors, live entertainment, and the chance to visit farm animals. Regular and unlimited ride wristbands are available online and day-of. Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, unlimited wristbands $25+
Prince William County Fair
July 31–August 8
This nine-day event has countless family-friendly activities, making it a venue for all occasions. From motorsport races and demolition derbies to petting zoos and live music, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. The fair will also include its annual PWC Fair Pageant. Prince William County Fairground, Manassas, prices vary
Arlington County Fair
August 12–16
Stop by and enjoy the Arlington County Fair’s classic carnival rides, stage performances, obstacle courses, and games. There will be lots to snack on, including Asian dishes, barbecue, and classic carnival foods. The fair will also include a shopping adventure stroll through local vendor aisles to engage small business owners and help support local artists. Thomas Jefferson Community Center, Arlington, free
State Fair of Virginia
September 25–October 4
Experience the statewide celebration in Doswell featuring amusement rides, shopping from local vendors, a giant vegetable weigh-off, state fair vendors, merchandise, and food and drink vendors. The state fair will also include a variety of competitions such as culinary and creative arts and horticulture and field crops. The Meadow Event Park, Doswell, adults $13.50, children ages 5–12 $12.50
Stafford County Fair
October 15–18
Explore the Stafford County Fair and enjoy pony rides, dance performances, kids’ power wheels derby, carnival rides, local vendors, live music, carnival foods, and a petting zoo. 121 University Blvd., Fredericksburg, free
Feature image courtesy Prince William County Fair
