There’s just something timeless about a summer fair: the smell of funnel cakes drifting through the air, the squeals of kids spinning on carnival rides, the prize-winning pumpkins and the proud farm kids showing off their best livestock. If you’ve been craving some good old-fashioned summertime fun, you’re in luck — the DMV (that’s D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for the newbies!) comes alive from July through September with county fairs that celebrate community spirit, local agriculture, and all the fried food your heart desires.

Here’s your guide to summer county fairs around the DMV (D.C.–Maryland–Virginia) from July through September 2025, featuring dates, highlights, and links to learn more or grab tickets.

🟢 Virginia Fairs

Fauquier County Fair

🗓 July 16–19, 2025 | Warrenton, VA


Celebrating 75 years this summer, the Fauquier County Fair is as classic as it gets. Enjoy four days of small-town charm with carnival rides and midway games, rows of prize-winning livestock, and old-school rodeo thrills. Kids will love the petting zoo and magic shows, while grown-ups can browse local crafts and tuck into fair food favorites. Don’t miss the live music and the always-popular alligator shows — yes, real gators!

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Loudoun County Fair

🗓 July 22–26, 2025 | Leesburg, VA

A Loudoun County tradition since 1936, this fair blends rich agricultural heritage with family fun. Watch 4-H youth show off their prize animals, catch the popular pig races, or take in a rodeo under the stars. The midway is packed with rides and games, and you’ll find farm-fresh treats, BBQ, and local sweets at every turn. There’s even STEM activities and reptile shows for curious minds.

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Fairfax County 4-H Fair & Carnival

📅 July 31–August 3, 2025 | Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA

A beloved local favorite, the Fairfax County Fair is held at Frying Pan Farm Park, giving families a taste of country life right in the suburbs. Meet farm animals up close, enjoy tractor rides, marvel at 4-H youth competitions, and sample award-winning baked goods. The carnival brings classic rides and fair snacks, and special events like Big Truck Night are a huge hit with kids.

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Prince William County Fair

📅 August 8–16, 2025 | Manassas, VA

The largest county fair in Virginia, the Prince William County Fair goes big every year with more than a week of grandstand shows, rodeos, demolition derbies, and motocross thrills. The midway is huge, with rides for all ages and a fair food lineup that’s impossible to resist. Explore animal barns, arts and crafts exhibits, and live performances that keep the energy going day and night.

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Arlington County Fair

📅 August 13–17, 2025 | Arlington, VA

This urban gem is one of the largest free fairs on the East Coast! Held at Thomas Jefferson Community Center, Arlington’s fair is a summer highlight for locals. Expect colorful rides, carnival games, live performances, local vendors, and a dedicated Kids Court filled with crafts and inflatables. There’s no admission fee, so it’s an easy family outing you can enjoy without breaking the bank.


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🟢 Maryland Fairs

Carroll County Fair

📅 July 25–August 1, 2025 | Westminster, MD

A showcase of rural roots, the Carroll County Fair is a week-long celebration of 4-H and FFA talent. Stroll through barns of cattle, sheep, goats, and rabbits, then check out tractor pulls, a demolition derby, and a pet show. Kids can participate in hands-on activities while adults enjoy local food, live entertainment, and the warm, welcoming community vibe that makes this fair feel like home.

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Howard County Fair

📅 August 2–9, 2025 | West Friendship, MD

Now in its 79th year, the Howard County Fair brings nine full days of agricultural fun to central Maryland. Livestock shows, farm machinery demos, and horse pulls keep the ag spirit alive, while the carnival midway, games, and craft barns offer fun for all ages. Be sure to check out the giant vegetables and classic pie contests, then stick around for an evening concert or magic show.

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Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

📅 August 8–16, 2025 | Gaithersburg, MD

Known as “The Biggest County Fair in Maryland,” this one’s a can’t-miss. You’ll find every fair staple: big midway, prize-winning animals, barnyard babies, garden displays, home arts, and quirky contests — from pie-eating to tractor driving. Kids love the carnival rides and pony rides, while adults can relax with live music, craft brews, and unbeatable funnel cake.

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Anne Arundel County Fair

📅 September 10-14, 2025 | Crownsville, MD

This long-running fair is the perfect send-off to summer. Expect livestock shows, horse pulls, garden exhibits, and a midway full of rides and fair eats. Local music, baking contests, and a big focus on family activities make it a local favorite.

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Frederick County Fair

📅 September 12-20, 2025 | Frederick, MD

End your fair season on a high note at this beloved nine-day celebration of Maryland’s agricultural roots. Stroll through barns filled with 4-H and FFA animals, visit the birthing center, and see prize-winning produce and flowers. With a lively midway, classic fair foods, tractor pulls, and big-name concerts at the grandstand, it’s the perfect mix of small-town charm and big-time fun.

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🟢 DC State Fair

DC State Fair

📅 September 25, 2025 | Bryant Street NE, Washington, DC

D.C. may not have wide-open farmland, but its annual State Fair is a celebration of urban agriculture, local talent, and neighborhood pride. Join neighbors and local makers to see who grows the biggest veggies, bakes the best pies, or designs the wildest pet costume. It’s free, festive, and totally DC!

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From fried Oreos to prize goats and wild rodeo nights, the DMV’s county fairs are packed with summer fun just waiting for you to jump in. So grab your favorite people, clear your calendar, and go chase that Ferris wheel sunset — there’s no better way to soak up sweet summertime than at the fair!

Don’t forget to tag @wardmanre in your favorite fair photos so we can share in the fun right along with you!


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