It’s the summer which means it’s almost county fair season. Want to see livestock, enjoy rides, and eat fair food? This Guide to local fairs is for you! Each fair has their own unique traits that we look forward to each year. This guide is organized by dates. These fairs begin in August and go through the Fall.
Fairfax County Carnival and Fair
July 30 through August 2, 2026
2739 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171
Admission: Admission is free, but they do sell ride tickets online and in person. The online fee saves you money! There is a $10 parking fee Friday after 4 pm and on weekends.
Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, VA hosts a robust four‑day event with carnival rides, animal demos, 4‑H competitions, pie‑eating contests, and plenty of fair foods, it draws around 27,000 visitors annually.
Howard County Fair
August 8-15, 2026
2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD 21794
Admission: Varies based on age, day, fast pass options, and more!
This eight‑day agricultural extravaganza in West Friendship, MD at the Howard County Fairgrounds has livestock shows, 4‑H/FFA exhibits, carnival rides, home‑arts contests, and classic fair food. It’s the fair’s 80th year and a nearly week‑long highlight for families.
Prince William County Fair
July 31 through August 8, 2026
10624 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA 20112
Admission varies. Secure tickets online to avoid lines.
Take place at the PWC Fairgrounds in Manassas, VA. This nine‑day event includes carnival rides, games, agricultural displays, craft vendors, and evening entertainment. This is lots of fun for the whole family!
Montgomery County Fair
August 14-22, 2026
501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Admission varies based on activities and dates.
Hosted in Gaithersburg, MD from (and overlapping with Prince William’s dates), Montgomery County’s fair features carnival rides, local food vendors, livestock exhibits, 4‑H competitions, and entertainment. This beloved community favorite has everything from thrill rides to small‑town charm.
Arlington County Fair
August 12-16, 2026
Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 Second Street South, Arlington, VA 22204
Admission is free, but there tickets for purchase for rides. $1.25 per ticket and rides are 3-6 tickets per ride.
This community fair in Arlington, VA has carnival rides, live performances, craft vendors, and family‑friendly activities spread over five energetic days.
Maryland State Fair
August 27-30, September 3-7, September 10-13, 2026
2200 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093
Admission and ride-pass prices vary.
Taking place at the Timonium Fairgrounds near Baltimore, the Maryland State Fair has a lot to offer. Find horse races, livestock exhibitions, fair rides, concerts, wine and food vendors, and agricultural competitions.
PG County Fair
September 10-13, 2026
14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Admission: 13+ is $6 per person, 5-12 is $5 per person, and children age 4 and under are FREE!
Celebrate agriculture and community with livestock shows, 4‑H competitions, art displays and competitions, a beautiful baby contest (PG residents only!), crafts, baked goods, woodworking, flower arranging, and more. This event will host roughly 150,000 over the course of four days.
DC State Fair
*2026 Date and Location TDB*
Bryant Street NE, 680 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Admission: FREE!
Founded in 2010, the DC State Fair will be at Franklin Park and highlights urban agriculture, local craft vendors, produce and baking competitions, live music, food tastings, and kid‑friendly activities. This charming one-day event celebrates farm‑to‑city connections in a downtown setting.
Anne Arundel County Fair
September 16-20, 2026
1450 Generals Hwy, Crownsville, MD 21032
Admission: Prices vary based on date of visit and age.
Located in Crownsville, MD, this fair has carnival rides, livestock and 4‑H exhibits, midway games, arts and crafts, nightly entertainment, and plenty of classic fair food—offering something for all ages during its five‑day run.
State Fair of Virginia
September 25-October 4, 2026
13191 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA 23047
Admission: Prices vary, but cheaper prices are found on their website!
Just outside Richmond at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, this fair is known for its historic charm. The fair features pig races, log‑rolling, chainsaw demonstrations, concerts, carnival rides, agricultural exhibitions, craft vendors, and fair food. It’s Virginia’s grandest fall fair.
Which local fair will your family go to?
Each fair offers a unique slice of local culture and agriculture. Whether you’re looking for family‑friendly rides and food, competitive livestock showcases, craft vendors, or live entertainment. Dates span from late July through early October, giving you plenty of opportunities to attend a farm‑flavored experience just outside DC. Always check official fair websites for current admission prices, hours, and event lineups. Enjoy the fairs!
