Nothing says “summer” quite like the joyous buzz of county fairs and local festivals. To help you wrap up the season with a bang, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite events. Think music, fair food, and non-stop fun!

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival

Herndon, VA

πŸ—“οΈ Thursday – Sunday, August 1-4, 2024
πŸ’² Free!

Get ready for carnival rides, games, scrumptious fair food, adorable farm animals, live entertainment, tractor demos, and endless family fun!

DC Water Lantern Festival at National Harbor

National Harbor, MD

πŸ—“οΈ Saturday & Sunday, August 3 & 4, 2024

Be mesmerized by thousands of lanterns floating gracefully on the water. Plus, enjoy food trucks, music, and awesome giveaways.

State Fair of West Virginia

Lewisburg, WV

πŸ—“οΈ August 8 – 17, 2024

From delicious fair food to thrilling carnival rides, livestock shows, car shows, rodeo action, and draft horse pulls, this fair has it all. Don’t miss performances by artists like Anne Wilson, Lil John, and Travis Tritt.

Howard County Fair

West Friendship, MD

πŸ—“οΈ Daily, August 3-10, 2024

Enjoy rides, agricultural exhibits, a dog show, a parade, food, live music, and more at the annual Howard County Fair.

Page County Fair

Luray, VA

πŸ—“οΈ August 17-24, 2024

Experience thrilling rides, tasty treats, and unforgettable moments against the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Immerse yourself in live music, talented performers, and cultural exhibitions.

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Gaithersburg, MD

πŸ—“οΈ Daily, August 9-17, 2024

Celebrating its 75th year, this fair offers 62 acres of fun, featuring over 5,000 animals, carnival rides and games, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more.

Prince William County Fair

Manassas, VA

πŸ—“οΈ Daily, August 9-18, 2024

Explore livestock and arts exhibits, tractor pulls, rodeo, demolition derbies, live music, shows, food, carnival rides, games, and more at the Prince William County Fair.

Arlington County Fair

Arlington, VA

πŸ—“οΈ Wednesday – Sunday, August 14-18, 2024
πŸ’² Free!

Join the fun with competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more.

Library of Congress National Book Festival

Washington, DC

πŸ—“οΈ Saturday, August 24, 2024
πŸ’² Free!

Book lovers unite! The National Book Festival brings together bestselling authors and thousands of fans for author talks, panel discussions, book signings, and other activities.

The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival

Bealeton, VA

πŸ—“οΈ Saturday & Sunday, August 17 & 18, 2024

Watch hot air balloons and aircraft take flight at the Flying Circus Airshow. For a breathtaking view, take a ride for an additional fee. Arrive early to beat the lines!

Summers Farm Sunflower Festival

Frederick, MD

πŸ—“οΈ Saturdays & Sundays, August 17 – September 8, 2024 (also on Monday, September 2, 2024)

Capture Insta-worthy pics in acres of sunflower fields at Summers Farm. Kids will love activities like corn hole, jumping pillows, farmer golf, farm animals, and more.

Around The World Cultural Food Festival (at Oronoco Bay Park)

Alexandria, VA

πŸ—“οΈ Saturday, August 24, 2024
πŸ’² Free!

Enjoy national dishes and beverages from around the world along with cultural presentations at the Around the World Cultural Food Festival.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival (at Historic Roosevelt Center)

Greenbelt, MD

πŸ—“οΈ Friday – Monday, August 30 – September 2, 2024
πŸ’² Free!

The Greenbelt Labor Day Festival offers carnival rides and games, a craft fair, live performances, food trucks, children’s activities, and more.

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Crownsville, MD

πŸ—“οΈ Saturdays & Sundays, August 24 – October 20, 2024 (also on Monday, September 2, 2024)

Step back in time at the Maryland Renaissance Festival with live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more. Don your family-friendly costumes to get into the spirit!

Virginia Scottish Games & Festival

The Plains, VA

πŸ—“οΈ Saturday & Sunday, August 31 & September 1, 2024

Celebrating 50 years, the Virginia Scottish Games feature competitions, musical performances, dancing, and more. Watch athletes toss logs, learn about Scottish dogs, or enjoy the enchanting sounds of bagpipes.

Mark your calendars and prepare for a fantastic end to summer! 🎑🌞

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