The one good thing about the end of summer is that all of the fairs and carnivals start to come through town. And there’s no better way to celebrate another amazing summer and the start of autumn than with games, fried food, and plenty of rides. Here are 10 of the best fairs and carnivals NoVA has to offer this year.
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
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
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
Falls Church Festival
Sept. 17
If you don’t want summer to end, don’t miss the 46th annual Falls Church Festival. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, head to this family-friendly event featuring a beer garden, live music, booths from local crafters and businesses, and lots more. 300 Park Ave., Falls Church
Colonial Market and Fair
Sept. 17–18
Step back in time for the annual Colonial Market and Fair at Mount Vernon. The 12-acre marketplace on Mount Vernon’s field will include colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares. Don’t miss period crafting demonstrations and live music from the colonial era. Of course, Gen. Washington himself will be the consummate host, roaming around his property, welcoming guests, and spending time in the General’s Tent. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon
The Bluemont Fair
Sept. 17–18
The 52nd Bluemont Fair is a traditional country fair in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Offerings include local wine, beer, and music; a petting zoo; and an archaeology demonstration. Games in the Children’s Fair section are free, and kids ages 9 and under get in free. 33846 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont
State Fair of Virginia
Sept. 23–Oct. 2
Make the trip to Doswell for the annual State Fair of Virginia. Learn how to make butter, take in a youth cattle show, or see a trapeze act. There will of course be lots of food, rides, and music. 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell
Clarendon Day
Sept. 24
Clarendon Day is one of Arlington’s favorite street festivals. It typically includes food from local and regional restaurants, craft beers, Virginia wine, arts and crafts, live music, and a great kids’ area. The eight-block radius has drawn tens of thousands of people over the past 20-plus years. 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Ste. 200, Arlington
Waterford Fair
Oct. 7–9
The Waterford Fair will be celebrating its 78th event this year. The village in western Loudoun County is less than an hour from Washington, DC, and is proud to host the mid-Atlantic’s classic cultural festival. There will be plenty of historians and a juried art show. 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford
Feature image courtesy The State Fair of Virginia
This story originally ran in our August issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
