July in Northern Virginia is synonymous with long summer days, scorching weather, and vibrant festivals and fairs. You’ll find everything from July festivals celebrating the summer peach season to food and wine festivals that showcase flavor and tradition.
Each event promises to be a memory-making event.
Fauquier County Fair
July 17–19, 2–11 p.m.; July 20, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
The arrival of the Fauquier County Fair means one thing: it’s finally fair season in NoVA. Ride tickets can be purchased in person or you can buy an unlimited ride pass online before the fun kicks off. A full slate of events is planned, including a pie-eating contest, a watermelon-eating contest, and the youth tractor-driving contest. When you’re ready for a break from the action, grab an elephant ear (or an ear of corn, for that matter) and savor this summer treat. 6209 Old Auburn Rd., Warrenton, $10 admission for 13 and older, $5 admission for 12 and younger, additional charge for rides and refreshments
Purcellville Wine and Food Festival
July 20, 2–8 p.m.
Sample some of Virginia wine country’s finest at this celebration. There will be live music throughout the event, including the Chris Timbers Band. Drink tickets are available at the event or in advance. Children ages 16 and younger may attend for free but must be accompanied by an adult. Fireman’s Field Park: 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville, $5 in advance, $10 admission at the door, additional charge for drink tickets
Loudoun County Fair
July 23–27, times vary
This five-day tradition is back with livestock shows, thrilling rides, and deep-fried fair cuisine. Unlimited ride passes can be purchased online in advance. Live entertainment comes courtesy of artists like Spencer Hatcher, a Virginia county music artist who found fame through TikTok, the bluegrass quartet Mountain Highway, and Jack and Davis Reid, grandsons of the Statler Brothers. Don’t miss the True Grit Rodeo on Thursday and Friday nights. Loudoun County Fairgrounds: 17558 Dry Mill Rd., Leesburg, $15 admission for 13 and older, $5 admission for 12 and younger, free admission for ages five and younger
Peach Fuzztival
July 27–28 and August 3–4, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Show your love for the fuzzy fruit at Great Country Farms. Start the day by hopping a wagon into the grove to pick your own peaches, and then it’s time for games. There will be farm games, and winners will receive a “Friend of the Farm” pass for the remainder of the 2024 season. Throw your hat in the ring for the peach pie–eating contest, or try to beat the 2019 peach pit spitting record of 38 feet. Concessions will be available for purchase on-site. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $12 admission for 18 and older, $10 admission for 17 and younger, free for infants two and younger
Beats, Bites, and Brews
July 27, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Soak up the sun in Old Town Alexandria at this craft beer and food festival. The event will feature live music and over 65 local vendors and artisans. Over 15 food vendors will have food. Yes, your dog can tag along. 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, free admission, registration recommended
Summer Renaissance Fair at Shipgarten
July 27, 1–6 p.m.
Embrace your medieval side at this pop-up renaissance fair. Grab a mug of ale and relax while knights joust for your entertainment. Or perhaps you’re ready to graduate from squire to knight — you’ll first need to prove your skills in axe throwing. The fair is dog-friendly, with an adjacent dog park where you can play with your pups. Don’t forget the knight sword show or stein-hoisting competition. Show up in character for a chance to win the best costume contest. 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free admission, registration recommended
Feature image courtesy Purcellville Food & Wine Festival
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
