Before the kids head back to school, make sure end the summer season with a bang. Whether you’re looking to enjoy classic county fair experience with the family or want to imbibe the best local and international wines, you’ll want to add these fairs and festivals to your August calendar.
Frying Pan Farm Park 4-H Fair and Carnival
Aug. 4–7
This Herndon fair will have rides, games, and plenty of food. You can learn how to properly milk a cow or goat, observe livestock, and check out other 4-H exhibits. There will also be plenty of live entertainment. 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon
Peach Fuzztival
Aug. 6–7 and Aug. 13—14, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate peak peach-picking season at Great Country Farms in Bluemont. Kick off the morning with a pancake breakfast (topped with peaches, of course) to prep you for an afternoon of picking fresh fruit. There will also be a peach pie eating contest, peach pit spitting contest, peach cider at Henway Hard Cider, peach sangria at Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing’s Som’ Peach Ale, peach ice cream at Knead It Bakery, and much more peachy fun. Great Country Farms, 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown
Aug. 10–22
Head to Loudoun County for the annual carnival at One Loudoun Uptown. There will be rides, carnival food (funnel cake, anyone?), games, prizes, and more. 20365 Exchange St., Ste. 211, Ashburn
Prince William County Fair
Aug. 12–20
The Prince William County Fair has been a summer event since 1949. The county fair is back and better than ever, with lots of rides and food and even a performance by multiplatinum country recording artist Tracy Byrd. Kids will love the camel and pony rides and the petting zoo, and the whole family will want a turn on the mechanical bull. 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas
TASTE Leesburg
Aug. 13, 5–10 p.m.
Spend an evening exploring all the flavors of Leesburg. Enjoy fan-favorite bites from local restaurants, food trucks, and farm markets while you sip something special from area breweries, wineries, cideries, and meaderies. Once you’ve had your fill (or not!), walk the streets and jam to the beats of live music, or do a little shopping. Admission to the event is free. Wristbands for unlimited tastings of beer, wine, and cider are available for purchase online. Market and King streets, Downtown Leesburg
Arlington County Fair
Aug. 17–21
The 2022 Arlington County Fair will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center. There will be rides, games, and even a pie-eating contest. Kids can check out the Kids Court with a bounce house, carnival games, magicians, and musical entertainment. 3501 Second St., South Arlington
Festival of Crafts and Kites
Aug. 20, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
If a day filled with flying kites, shopping the booths of local artisans, and chowing down on some great food sounds like a good time to you, try Leesburg’s Festival of Crafts and Kites. This family-friendly event has more than 60 vendors, music from an international DJ, and a special kids’ zone. 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg
Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
Aug. 20–21, 6 a.m.–4 p.m.
The gates open at 6 a.m., and this festival provides the perfect opportunity to see the breathtaking views of the NoVA region from way up in the air. Keep in mind: The earlier you get there, the better. Lines grow as the day goes on. 5114 Ritchie Rd., Bealeton
Fairfax Comic Con
Aug. 27, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
With special guests John “Dak” Morton (who played Boba Fett in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back) and Carey Jones (who played Krrsantan in The Book of Boba Fett), this is one event Star Wars fans won’t want to miss out on. There’s no better time to channel your inner superhero than at this event with dozens of vendors and exhibitors in Artist Alley and a cosplay contest. Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
Aug. 27, 11 a.m.—7 p.m.
Spend an afternoon on Alexandria’s waterfront tasting national dishes from around the world. With only one restaurant selected to participate per country represented, the festival will offer attendees the best of the best from each nation, from Peru and Jamaica to Italy, Turkey, Japan, and Lebanon — among many others. In addition to diverse dishes, the free event will have a folk show featuring global singers and dancers, as well as shopping from artisans and crafters from all over the globe. Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Old Town Alexandria
Wine & Food Festival
Aug. 27, noon–6 p.m.
Explore the world through wine at this summer festival in Centreville. Guests will have the chance to sample wines from Italy, Spain, France, and California, as well as homegrown Virginia varietals. There will also be a special area pouring local beers and craft spirits. A “tasting theater” will have wine and food seminars, complimentary with admission. Tickets are $42 for general admission and $75 for VIP, which includes early entry to the event and a special Champagne lounge. Bull Run Special Events Center, 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville
Feature image by MDG Photography
This story originally ran in our August issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
