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, cornhole tournaments, 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 Grounds: 6209 Old Auburn Rd., Warrenton, adults $10, children ages 2–11 $5, seniors $5
Loudoun County Fair
July 22–26
Get loud and enjoy the vibrant Loudoun County Fair where there will be activities for all ages every hour. Bring your family to watch the Agricadabra Magic Show, Oreo stacking contests, foam parties, renegade monster truck rides, and line dancing. There will be over 10 food vendors showcasing a wide selection of foods and drinks, ranging from Haulin Butts BBQ to Uncle Kebba’s Lemonade. Loudoun County Fairgrounds: 17558 Dry Mill Rd., Leesburg, adult one day pass is $16.50, children’s one day pass is $5.75
Fairfax County Carnival and Fair
July 31-August 3
For four days only, the Fairfax Fair will be hosting 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. Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Rd., unlimited wristbands starting at $21.25
Prince William County Fair
August 8–16
This nine-day event has countless family-friendly activities, making it a venue for all occasions. From motocross races and demolition derbies to craft shows and live music, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy. The fair will also include its annual PWC Fair Pageant. Prince William County Fairgrounds: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, adult day pass $20, child day pass $10, senior day pass $10
Arlington County Fair
August 13–17
Stop by and enjoy the Arlington County Fair for classic carnival rides, stage performances, obstacle courses, and games. Feel free to also enjoy the fair foods like arepas, barbecue, and fried Oreos. The fair will also include a shopping adventure stroll through local vendor aisles to engage small business owners, sample honeys, and help support local artists. Thomas Jefferson Community Center: 3501 Second St. S., Arlington, free
State Fair of Virginia
September 26–October 5
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: 13191 Dawn Blvd. Doswell, adults $13.50, children ages 5–12 $12.50
Stafford County Fair
October 9–12
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, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, free for children 3 and under
Feature image courtesy Prince William County Fair
