The start of a new school year may mean summer vacation is winding down, but there’s still plenty of time for one more family adventure.
Fair season is here across the DMV.
From Ferris wheels and midway games to funnel cakes, livestock shows, live entertainment, tractor pulls, and good old-fashioned fair food, county and state fairs offer something for almost every age.
That’s why we’re highlighting some of the region’s upcoming fairs in Bhlen’s Seasonal Celebrations & Family Fun Guide, making it easier to see what’s happening across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia as we head toward the end of summer and the beginning of fall.
Whether you’re going for the rides, the food, the animals, or simply the tradition, here are some fairs to put on your calendar.
Arlington County Fair
August 12–16 | Arlington, Virginia
We’re starting close to home with the Arlington County Fair, one of the largest free events on the East Coast.
Held at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, the fair brings together carnival rides, midway games, food and drinks, shopping, live performances, children’s activities, and plenty of free entertainment.
For Arlington families, it’s a great way to squeeze in some summer fun just as everyone starts thinking about heading back to school.
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
August 14–22 | Gaithersburg, Maryland
The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair combines the excitement of the midway with the traditions of an agricultural fair.
Expect carnival rides, games, livestock, 4-H activities, demonstrations, entertainment, exhibits, and plenty to explore throughout the fairgrounds. Kids ages 11 and under receive free admission, making this an especially appealing option for families looking for a full day—or evening—of fun.
Maryland State Fair
August 27–30, September 3–7 & September 10–13 | Timonium, Maryland
If one weekend isn’t enough, the Maryland State Fair gives you three.
A Maryland tradition dating back to 1879, the State Fair brings together agriculture, entertainment, exhibits, competitions, carnival rides, and classic fair experiences across three weekends.
It’s one of the region’s biggest opportunities to experience everything people love about fair season in one place.
Prince George’s County Fair
September 10–13 | Upper Marlboro, Maryland
September brings another opportunity for families to keep fair season going at the Prince George’s County Fair.
Held at the Prince George’s County Fairgrounds in Upper Marlboro, this is another local tradition worth adding to your September calendar.
Anne Arundel County Fair
September 16–20 | Crownsville, Maryland
The Anne Arundel County Fair packs five days with more than 100 scheduled events.
Families can experience carnival rides, live animals, homegrown and homemade exhibits, tractor pulls, pie-eating contests, pig races, concerts, and even dinosaur and firefighting shows in 2026.
It’s the kind of fair where different generations can find completely different things to enjoy.
Charles County Fair
September 17–20 | La Plata, Maryland
Celebrating its 102nd year, the Charles County Fair continues a Southern Maryland tradition with livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, competitions, demonstrations, children’s activities, and entertainment.
And then there’s the food.
Visitors can find fair favorites ranging from BBQ, crab cakes, corn dogs, sausages, and pizza to cotton candy, ice cream, funnel cakes, homemade lemonade, and caramel apples.
That’s reason enough to make the trip.
The Great Frederick Fair
Frederick, Maryland
The Great Frederick Fair combines family entertainment with a larger mission centered around agricultural education and youth development.
It’s an opportunity for families to enjoy the fun of fair season while children get an up-close look at farming, agriculture, animals, and the traditions that continue to play an important role in communities throughout the region.
St. Mary’s County Fair
Leonardtown, Maryland
Held each September, the St. Mary’s County Fair celebrates community, agriculture, and local tradition.
The volunteer-run fair features livestock, home arts, 4-H competitions, exhibits, and other activities that give families an opportunity to experience a classic Southern Maryland county fair.
State Fair of Virginia
September 25–October 4 | Doswell, Virginia
If you’re willing to make the drive, the State Fair of Virginia provides a big finish to fair season.
Running from September 25 through October 4, the fair features a combination of thrilling midway rides, kid-friendly attractions, exhibits, entertainment, and classic fair traditions.
It’s also a great excuse for a fall road trip.
Calvert County Fair
Prince Frederick, Maryland
The Calvert County Fair has been a Southern Maryland tradition since 1887.
Agriculture, contests, entertainment, exhibits, and community pride come together for another classic county fair experience and another opportunity for families to enjoy the beginning of fall together.
Come Hungry
Let’s be serious.
For some of us, the food is half the reason to go to the fair.
Funnel cakes covered in powdered sugar. Corn dogs. Fresh lemonade. Cotton candy. BBQ. Sausages. Ice cream. Caramel apples. Pizza. Roasted peanuts.
And depending on the fair, you’ll often find local specialties and food vendors that make each experience a little different.
The rides may bring you through the gates, but there’s a good chance the smell of something cooking will determine where you go first.
It’s Not Just for Kids
One of the things we love about fairs is that there’s no single way to experience them.
Kids may head straight for the rides and midway games.
Parents might enjoy the food, live entertainment, and vendors.
Others come specifically for livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, tractor pulls, demonstrations, concerts, or traditions they’ve enjoyed since childhood.
And sometimes the best part is simply walking around together.
That’s what makes fair season such a great family experience.
Discover Seasonal Celebrations & Family Fun
We created Bhlen’s Seasonal Celebrations & Family Fun Guide to make experiences like these easier to discover.
Throughout the year, the guide will feature fairs, food and music festivals, cultural celebrations, community events, outdoor activities, and other family-friendly experiences happening across the DMV.
Instead of searching multiple websites every weekend trying to figure out what’s happening, you can open one guide and explore what’s coming up around the region.
And because these experiences are seasonal, the guide will continue changing throughout the year.
Summer fairs will eventually make way for fall festivals.
Fall activities will give way to winter experiences.
And when spring arrives, there will be something new to discover all over again.
Fairs. Festivals. Family fun. Discover what’s happening around you with Bhlen.
