It’s the summer which means it’s fair and festival season. Want to see livestock, enjoy rides, and eat fair food? This Guide to local festivals and fairs is for you! Each fest or fair has their own unique traits that we look forward to each year. This guide is organized by dates. These fairs begin now and go through the Fall. We are lucky to live in an area with ALL of these opportunities for learning, culture, and fun!
Alexandria Jazz Fest
June 12–14, 2026
Alexandria Waterfront, Alexandria, VA
Admission: Free and paid parking garages and street parking is available nearby.
Enjoy waterfront entertainment, artisan vendors, food offerings, live music, and family activities along Alexandria’s scenic Potomac River shoreline. The festival provides a perfect summer outing with plenty to see and do.
Children’s Summer Reading Festival
June 13, 2026
Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax, VA
Admission: Free with free onsite parking.
Designed especially for young readers, this annual festival features authors, storytelling, crafts, educational activities, and interactive performances. It’s a wonderful way to encourage a love of reading before summer break begins.
Pride on the Pier
June 13, 2026 from 4-9 pm
The Wharf, Washington, DC
Admission: FREE! Paid garages available at The Wharf; Metro and water taxi access available.
Families can enjoy live entertainment, waterfront activities, community vendors, and festive celebrations during this popular Pride event. The Wharf’s lively atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for a summer day in the city.
Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival
June 13–19, 2026
Cabin John Regional Park, Bethesda, MD
Admission: Free with free onsite parking.
This weeklong celebration honors African American history and heritage through cultural performances, educational exhibits, music, food, and community events. Families can learn about local history while enjoying entertainment and cultural programming.
Juneteenth & Me Festival
June 19, 2026
Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge, VA
Admission: Free with free onsite parking.
Celebrate Juneteenth with live performances, family activities, educational exhibits, food vendors, and community engagement. The festival offers a welcoming environment for families to learn and celebrate together.
Manassas Bee Festival
June 20, 2026 from 10 am to 2 pm
Liberia House and Grounds, Manassas, VA
Admission: Free with free onsite and nearby public parking.
Learn all about pollinators through hands-on activities, educational exhibits, honey tastings, and family-friendly demonstrations. Kids will especially enjoy interactive opportunities to discover the importance of bees and local ecosystems.
Great American State Fair
June 25–July 10, 2026
National Mall in Washington, DC
Admission: Free, but registration recommended. Public transportation highly recommended.
This multi-day celebration showcases food, entertainment, exhibits, cultural displays, and attractions representing states from across the country. Visitors can experience a variety of traditions, flavors, and family-friendly activities in one place.
Giant National Capital BBQ Battle
June 27–28, 2026
Pennsylvania Avenue (3rd to 7th Streets), Washington, DC
Admission: Ticketed event with very limited street parking. Metro strongly recommended.
One of DC’s signature summer events, the BBQ Battle features championship pitmasters, live music, cooking demonstrations, family activities, and plenty of delicious barbecue. Come hungry and ready for a fun-filled weekend.
Purcellville Wine & Food Festival
July 18, 2026
Dillon’s Woods, Purcellville, VA
Admission: Ticketed event with onsite parking available.
While adults enjoy regional wineries and culinary offerings, families can browse artisan vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and take in the beautiful Loudoun County setting. It’s a relaxing summer outing with something for all ages.
Loudoun County Fair
July 21–25, 2026
Leesburg, VA
Admission: Ticketed event and free onsite parking.
Enjoy the 90th year of this classic county fair with carnival rides, livestock exhibits, agricultural demonstrations, live entertainment, competitions, and fair food favorites. Families can easily spend a full day enjoying the wide variety of attractions including cow pie bingo!
7th World Children’s Festival
July 25–27, 2026
National Mall, Washington, DC
Admission: Free and very limited street parking nearby. Metro highly recommended.
At this “three-day summer camp,” children from around the world come together to celebrate creativity, culture, and leadership through performances, workshops, and interactive exhibits. We love that this event highlights global citizenship in a family-friendly environment. Register HERE!
Fairfax County Carnival and Fair
July 30–August 2, 2026
Frying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA
Admission: Free (ride tickets sold separately) and $10 parking fee Friday after 4 p.m. and on weekends.
Frying Pan Park is a must for little kids! This top NoVA favorite summer traditions is a four-day event with carnival rides, animal demonstrations, 4-H competitions, pie-eating contests, live entertainment, and all the classic fair foods families love. Drawing approximately 27,000 visitors each year, there’s plenty to keep kids and parents entertained. Plus, see farm animals and play on the playground.
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.
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!
DC Water Lantern Festival
August 8–9, 2026
National Harbor, MD
Admission: Ticketed event with paid parking garages available.
This festival was voted the #1 festival in the world by USA Today! Families can decorate lanterns and watch them illuminate the waterfront after sunset in this memorable evening experience. Live entertainment, food vendors, and activities add to the festive atmosphere.
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.
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.
Library of Congress National Book Festival
August 22, 2026
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
Admission: Free and very limited parking; Metro recommended.
For one amazing day only, book lovers of all ages can meet bestselling authors, attend presentations, participate in hands-on activities, and discover new favorite reads. The festival offers gobs of programming for children and families.
Summers Farm Sunflower Festival
August 22, 23, 29, & 30 and September 5, 6, & 7
Summers Farm, Frederick, MD
Admission: Ticketed event with free onsite parking.
Stroll through acres of vibrant sunflowers, enjoy farm activities, capture beautiful family photos, and experience seasonal attractions. It’s one of the region’s most picturesque late-summer outings.
Around The World Cultural Food Festival
August 29, 2026 from 11 am to 7 pm
Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria, VA
Admission: Free with paid garages and street parking nearby. RSVP on their FB page!
Explore international cuisine, cultural performances, artisan vendors, and family activities celebrating traditions from around the globe. It’s a fun and delicious way to introduce kids to different cultures.
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.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Weekends August 29–October 25, 2026, plus September 7 (Labor Day) from 10 am to 7 pm
1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD
Admission: Ticketed event with free onsite parking. Get tickets early — they sell out!
Step back in time with costumed performers, jousting tournaments, crafts, games, and themed entertainment. Families can spend the day exploring one of the country’s largest and most beloved Renaissance festivals.
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
September 4–7, 2026
Historic Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt, MD
Admission: Free with free public parking available.
This longtime community tradition features a parade, carnival rides, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and family activities. The small-town atmosphere makes it especially welcoming for families with young children.
Virginia Scottish Games & Festival
September 5–6, 2026
The Plains, VA
Admission: Ticketed event with onsite parking available.
Experience Scottish culture through athletic competitions, bagpipe performances, Highland dancing, clan demonstrations, and children’s activities. Families can enjoy a unique cultural experience while learning about Scottish traditions.
DC State Fair
Sunday, September 6, 2026
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.
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.
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!
