Calling all thrill-seekers, animal lovers, and fried food connoisseurs. These county fairs are sure to light up your summer with a full day of fun.
Fauquier County Fair
July 12–15
There’s no shortage of fun at the Fauquier County Fair. There are carnival rides and a petting zoo open every day, plus special events that will make you want to keep coming back. There will be musical performances by Blake Esse on July 12 and Glen Shelton on July 13. And don’t miss the biggest event of the fair, the True Grit Rodeo on July 14 and 15. 6209 Old Auburn Rd., Warrenton, $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for 12 and under, infants free
Loudoun County Fair
Through July 29, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Everythinbg wraps up July 29, so don’t miss out on the games, carnival rides, animals, music at more at the Loudoun County Fair. Entertainment includes performances by Carolyn Eyerly, Ian Vest, and The Mullins Sisters. 17558 Dry Mill Rd., Leesburg, $15 for adults, $5 for children, tickets for rides and games are extra
Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair
July 28–August 6
Since 1738, this fair has provided entertainment and fun in Fredericksburg. Events include the Miss Fredericksburg fair pageant, a demolition derby, and ATV drag races. The fair will also have a midway, musical performances, and showings of sheep, goats, and cattle. You can’t leave a carnival on an empty stomach, so stop by one of the food vendors, including Battlefield Kettle Corn, Sparky’s BBQ, and Wild Bills Sodas. 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg, $12 for ages 4–59, $8 for ages 60 and up, free for 3 and younger, rides extra
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival
August 3–6
Located in Frying Pan Farm Park, this fair offers traditional carnival and farm-related festivities. This year, there will be games, rides, live entertainment, and fair food. And, this Fairfax County festival will host tractor demos, 4-H exhibits, and farm animals. You can even try milking a cow or goat. 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, free but weekend parking costs $10, rides extra
One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown
August 9–20
Visit Loudoun County for a packed day of fair attractions. The One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown offers rides and mouthwatering bites. And, try your hand at a classic carnival game to win a prize. 20280 Exchange St., Ashburn, free, rides extra
Prince William County Fair
August 11–19
As the largest county fair in Virginia, the Prince William County Fair is expected to attract upward of 90,000 to 100,000 visitors, and will feature traditional carnival attractions including games, rides, and fair food. Throughout the week, there will be tractor pulls, demolition derbies, a rodeo, livestock exhibits, and art showings. 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, $20 for ages 14–64, $10 for ages 4-13 and seniors, under 4 free
Arlington County Fair
August 16–20
Where can you do goat yoga, ride a drop tower, and compete for the pie-eating championship, all in the same weekend? The Arlington County Fair, of course. This carnival has it all, from rides and games to competitions. Arlington’s 40 Miles Home, Beat Willy, and Demz will perform. It wouldn’t be a true fair without an assortment of fried food, including deep-fried pickles and Oreos. 3501 Second St. S., Arlington, free, rides extra
Bluemont Fair
September 16–17
Travel to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a weekend of fair festivities. Located in Bluemont, a 200-year-old village, this fair has artisan craft vendors, children’s games, and a petting zoo. There will be a beer and wine garden. Food vendors are selling locally sourced cheese, coffee, chocolate, and honey. There will be pony rides, blacksmith demonstrations, a quilt show, and live music. 33846 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $10 for anyone 10 or older, free for kids 9 and younger
State Fair of Virginia
September 22–October 1
At the State Fair of Virginia, you can enjoy more than a week of rides, live music, and attractions. The entertainment includes a circus, petting zoo, chainsaw carver, racing pigs, and FireGuy, a Guiness World Record-holding fire-eater. See who grows the biggest pumpkin and makes the best honey. There will be livestock contests, too. 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, $16 for ages 5 and older, rides extra
Feature image courtesy the State Fair of Virginia
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
