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Blue Ribbons, Ferris Wheels and Cotton Candy: DMV County Fairs

Funnel cakes, pig races, prize pumpkins and rodeo nights: your guide to the summer county fairs around DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Originally published July 14, 2025, with that year’s dates. These fairs return every summer, usually around the same weeks, so check each fair’s website for current dates.

There’s something timeless about a summer fair: funnel cake in the air, kids squealing on the rides, prize-winning pumpkins and proud 4-H kids showing off their livestock. From July through September, the DMV comes alive with county fairs that celebrate community, local agriculture and all the fried food your heart desires.

Virginia fairs

Fauquier County Fair

Mid-July | Warrenton, VA

As classic as it gets: carnival rides and midway games, prize livestock, rodeo thrills, a petting zoo, local crafts and live music. Visit website

Loudoun County Fair

Late July | Leesburg, VA

A Loudoun tradition since 1936, with 4-H animal shows, pig races, a rodeo, a packed midway, farm-fresh treats and STEM activities. Visit website

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival

Late July to early August | Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA

A taste of country life in the suburbs: farm animals, tractor rides, 4-H competitions, baked goods and a classic carnival. Visit website

Prince William County Fair

Mid-August | Manassas, VA

One of Virginia’s biggest fairs, with grandstand shows, rodeos, demolition derbies, motocross, a huge midway and animal barns. Visit website

Arlington County Fair

Mid-August | Arlington, VA

One of the largest free fairs on the East Coast, with rides, games, live performances, local vendors and a Kids Court full of crafts and inflatables. Visit website

Local Tip

The Arlington County Fair is free to enter.

It’s one of the easiest family outings of the summer, and it’s Metro-accessible.

Maryland fairs

Carroll County Fair

Late July | Westminster, MD

A week-long celebration of 4-H and FFA, with barns full of animals, tractor pulls, a demolition derby and a pet show. Visit website

Howard County Fair

Early August | West Friendship, MD

Nine days of agricultural fun, with livestock shows, horse pulls, a carnival midway, giant vegetables and classic pie contests. Visit website

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Mid-August | Gaithersburg, MD

Billed as the biggest county fair in Maryland, with a big midway, prize animals, garden displays, quirky contests and live music. Visit website

Anne Arundel County Fair

Mid-September | Crownsville, MD

The perfect send-off to summer, with livestock shows, garden exhibits, a midway, baking contests and local music. Visit website

The Great Frederick Fair

Mid-September | Frederick, MD

A nine-day celebration of Maryland’s farm roots, with 4-H and FFA barns, a birthing center, a lively midway, tractor pulls and grandstand concerts. Visit website

DC State Fair

Late September | Washington, DC

DC may not have farmland, but the DC State Fair celebrates urban agriculture, local talent and neighborhood pride, from the biggest vegetables to the best pies to the wildest pet costumes. It’s free, festive and totally DC.

From fried Oreos to prize goats and rodeo nights, the DMV’s fairs are packed with summer fun. Grab your favorite people and go chase that Ferris wheel sunset, and tag @wardmanre in your fair photos so we can share the fun!

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