Your 2013 County Fair Rundown

Has it been far too long since you last gorged on fried Oreos while watching monster truck shows? Yeah, we thought so. Fortunately, fair season is coming up!

Here's a roundup of some of the local fairs in our area:

MARYLAND:

  • Montgomery County Agricultural Fair: Aug. 9-17 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds (16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg, Md.)

    You won't want to miss out on that aforementioned monster truck show, plus demolition derby, a So You Think You Can Dance show, and plenty of rides, food and crafts. Admission for adults and children 12+ is $10; kids 11 and under are free. Buy tickets online here.
  • Prince George's County Fair: Sept. 5-8 at the Prince George's Equestrian Center and Show Place Arena (14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, Md.)

    In addition to all that county fair goodness, a beautiful baby contest, southern mix chorus, dance performances and a balloon man are the main draws here. Tickets for those 12+ are $6; kids 6-11 are $5, and kids younger than 5 can enter free.
  • Anne Arundel County Fair: Sept. 11-15 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds (1450 General's Highway, Crownsville, Md.)

    Head out to see an "Arundel Idol" competition and enjoy food, crafts and carnival rides. General admission is $6 for those 16 and over; $4 for kids 8-15 and free for kids younger than 7.
  • Charles County Fair: Sept. 12-15 at the Charles County Fairgrounds (8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata, Md.)

    Enjoy games, pony rides, lawn mower races, craft displays, and four stages filled with music and other performances. Admission is $5 for ages 11+ and free for kids 10 and younger. Season passes are available for $12.

VIRGINIA: 

  • Loudoun County Fair: July 29-Aug. 3 at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds (17558 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg, Va.)

    Go for carnival rides, animal exhibits, craft displays and two very important words: demolition derby. General admission $10; $5 for ages 6-12; free for military personell and children under 6. Youth 15 years and younger are free July 31 until 4p.m.; Seniors 62 and older are free August 1 until 4 p.m.
  • Arlington County Fair: Aug. 7-11 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 2nd St. S., Arlington, Va.)

    Not only is this fair free, it's Metro-accessible. Check out the scavenger hunt, racing piglets, pony rides, face painting and of course, the carnival rides. A shuttle bus is available for $2 from the Ballston Metro station and other locations; parking at the fair is prohibited.
  • Prince William County Fair: Aug. 9-17 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds (10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas, Va.)

    Virginia's largest fair features craft exhibits, animal and midway shows, a kids' fun zone (featuring a chain saw artist!), pony rides, show barn performances and plenty more. Adults ages 14-59 are $10; kids 5-13 and seniors older than 60 get in for $5. Unlimited ride wristbands are $16 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and $20 Saturday. Everyone admitted $5 Friday Aug 1; active duty military admitted free. Veterans free Sun., Aug. 11 for Veteran Appreciation Day. Buy tickets online here.

THE DISTRICT:

  • DC "State" Fair (Sept. 28): at the Barracks Row Fall Festival (8th Street SE)

    Celebrate some of D.C.'s "home-grown" talent. Check out photography, plants and art by locals. The event will be held this year in conjunction with the Barracks Row Fall Festival.
Contact Us