Few things scream ”summer,” like county fairs and local festivals. We've compiled a few favorites to help you celebrate the end of summer with music, fair food, and plenty of fun!
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival
Herndon, VA
Thursday - Sunday, August 1-4, 2024
Free!
This annual festival includes carnival rides and games, food, farm animals, live entertainment, tractor demos, and lots more family fun.
DC Water Lantern Festival at National Harbor
National Harbor, MD
Saturday & Sunday, August 3 & 4, 2024
Visitors will be dazzled by the beauty of thousands of lanterns floating on the water in National Harbor. The event also includes food trucks, music, and giveaways.
Lewisburg, WV
August 8 - 17, 2024
In addition to great fair food, carnival rides, livestock shows, and car shows, get ready for everything from rodeos to draft horse pulls. A wide range of artists, from Anne Wilson to Lil John and Travis Tritt, will take the stage.
West Friendship, MD
Daily, August 3-10, 2024
Families can enjoy rides, agricultural exhibits, a dog show, a parade, food, live music, and more at the annual Howard County Fair.
Luray, VA
August 17-24, 2024
Thrilling rides, delicious treats, and unforgettable experiences are offered against the majestic backdrop of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. Families immerse themselves in live music, talented performers, and cultural exhibitions.
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Gaithersburg, MD
Daily, August 9-17, 2024
This 75th annual fair offers 62 acres of fun for families, including over 5,000 animals, carnival rides and games, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more.
Manassas, VA
Daily, August 9-18, 2024
The Prince William County Fair features livestock and art exhibits, tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies, live music and shows, food, carnival rides and games, and more.
Arlington County Fair
Arlington, VA
Wednesday - Sunday, August 14-18, 2024
Free!
The Arlington County Fair is back with competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more.
Library of Congress National Book Festival
Washington, DC
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Free!
The National Book Festival brings together bestselling authors and thousands of book fans for author talks, panel discussions, book signings, and other activities.
The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
Bealeton, VA
Saturday & Sunday, August 17 & 18, 2024
Head to the Flying Circus Airshow to watch hot air balloons and aircraft take flight. For an additional fee, visitors can take a ride to get a breathtaking view of the area. Arrive early, as lines get longer throughout the day.
Summers Farm Sunflower Festival
Frederick, MD
Saturdays & Sundays, August 17 - September 8, 2024 (also on Monday, September 2, 2024)
Insta-worthy pictures abound in the acres of sunflower fields at the Summers Farm Sunflower Festival. The farm also offers dozens of activities for kids, including corn hole, jumping pillows, farmer golf, farm animals, and more.
Around The World Cultural Food Festival (at Oronoco Bay Park)
Alexandria, VA
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Free!
The Around the World Cultural Food Festival features national dishes and beverages from around the world available for purchase along with cultural presentations.
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival (at Historic Roosevelt Center)
Greenbelt, MD
Friday - Monday, August 30 - September 2, 2024
Free!
The Greenbelt Labor Day Festival includes carnival rides and games, a craft fair, live performances, food trucks, children's activities, and more.
Crownsville, MD
Saturdays & Sundays, August 24 - October 20, 2024 (also on Monday, September 2, 2024)
This massive annual Renaissance Festival includes live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more. Visitors are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes to get into the spirit.
Virginia Scottish Games & Festival
The Plains, VA
Saturday & Sunday, August 31 & September 1, 2024
Celebrating 50 years, the Virginia Scottish Games kick off Labor Day weekend with competitions, musical performances, dancing, and more from the Highlands. Watch athletes toss logs, learn about dogs of Scotland, or listen to the beautiful sounds of bagpipes.
