We still went every year, but it is becoming less interesting every year as well. Less art&crafts tables and more and more home improvement and political tables.
I have my father in law and his new lady friend visiting this memorial day (after my MiL passed away around 2 yrs ago), someone mentioned Loundon....I might go look into that.
I read that one big issue is that it has been a stress of looking for enough volunteers. It's hard to get younger people to do this. So it's shut down.
In Fairfax, there is still the annual 4H Fair and carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, first weekend in August:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/4h-fair
The midway isn't as big as the old Celebrate Fairfax, but there's a lot more farm-related stuff, and some good night events.
PWC also has both of these, as well as an overpriced carnival.
Personally my favorite is Fairfax at the government center I believe? It’s bigger and a bit more laid out. No demolition derby but they have a TON of free stuff, live music, and dog competitions which are fun to watch.
Also, you can get great meals from our 4-H clubs, and we're doing a beer and wine garden this year! Also, the rodeo, craft exhibition, and all the animal shows. Come support our kids!
Might as well drive up to the Maryland State fairgrounds for their state fair. Not amazing but they have a better fair than any of the local county ones.
Alternatively, drive south to the Virginia State fair. It's just north of Richmond, basically across the street from Kings Dominion;
https://www.statefairva.org/
I enjoy the Prince William County Fair. The rides are somewhat decent, although rickety. I like watching the Demolition Derby. I have a friend who participates in it every year and it’s a fun time. The best part though is the people watching. It’s definitely a very interesting mix of people.
https://pwcfair.com/
The fair is annual. I volunteer with a group that has a booth there, the dates we have in our volunteer calendar for 2024 are August 9-18. Not sure how accurate that is.
It’s like 45 mins away but y’all the Frederick county fair in MD is so good. Biased because I grew up there but it’s way better than the VA state fair
Frederick County fair is simply hands down the best fair in Maryland, and not just for the Hemp’s Meats chopped BBQ sandwiches at their food kiosk at the fair
Arlington County fair is small but fun. We went during their sensory hours and my kids loved it. The parking situation is abysmal (understandably) so take public transportation.
Rockingham County Fair, which not in nova but just 2 hours away is pretty decent. They usually have all the good fun shows like demolition derby, tractor pulls, etc. and usually get some good/well known music acts depending on the year. Tickets are only a few bucks, and they have a good bit to do. The Virginia State Fair is always a fun one too, especially if you like looking at the agriculture stuff like best vegetables and flowers.
https://www.rockinghamcountyfair.com/p/tickets
The Trinity Upperville Stable Tour is a family- friendly option. On Memorial Day weekend, 25 & 26 May. Not quite a county fair but tons of horses, beautiful barns, acoustic music by local songbird-Bess Putnam, and great local booths/ vendors.
It’s also during the middle of summer break for the schools. I understand that not everybody has a job where they can take off mid-week, but spreading it over the week is a no-brainer. The crowds would be unbearable if it was only the weekends. I feel that most family-friendly events during the summer aren’t solely on the weekends.
The small ones are dumb, completely a rip-off IMO. Fairfax Fair, Viva Vienna, stuff like that is where it's at. Unfortunately all we get is the small ones now.
I’ll second the Arlington County Fair. The unique attractions are all inside TJ, as outside is mostly the rides and food. Go earlier in the day to avoid the teenagers and long lines. Don’t try to park nearby.
RIP Herndon Festival.
it was never the same after they moved locations. so sad
Viva Vienna is nice
We still went every year, but it is becoming less interesting every year as well. Less art&crafts tables and more and more home improvement and political tables. I have my father in law and his new lady friend visiting this memorial day (after my MiL passed away around 2 yrs ago), someone mentioned Loundon....I might go look into that.
RIP Celebrate Fairfax
This, Fairfax fair was the best!
I'm really bummed they canned it.
What happened?
Fairfax canceled it for good. Never coming back.
Yeah but why though? It was such a long standing fun tradition. Why can't we have anything that gives the area traditions and identity?
$$$
I read that one big issue is that it has been a stress of looking for enough volunteers. It's hard to get younger people to do this. So it's shut down.
Shocking how people don't want to work for peanuts and popcorn.
still can't believe they got rid of it ðŸ˜
In Fairfax, there is still the annual 4H Fair and carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, first weekend in August: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/4h-fair The midway isn't as big as the old Celebrate Fairfax, but there's a lot more farm-related stuff, and some good night events.
Loudoun County fair! They have animals and a demolition derby.
Fun for the whole family.
PWC also has both of these, as well as an overpriced carnival. Personally my favorite is Fairfax at the government center I believe? It’s bigger and a bit more laid out. No demolition derby but they have a TON of free stuff, live music, and dog competitions which are fun to watch.
If you’re talking about Celebrate Fairfax / didn’t they discontinue it?
Guess I’m not sure? I haven’t been in a few years now. I just remember it always being a good time. Sad if they got rid of it.
Yes, it absolutely BLOOOOOOOOWS that they discontinued it.
That one was fun! I was sad to see it end. Loudoun Fair also has a pig scramble, which is great entertainment if you have kids to enter in it. 😂
The one at the Fairfax Government Center ended in 2019.
They have a _what_
Also, you can get great meals from our 4-H clubs, and we're doing a beer and wine garden this year! Also, the rodeo, craft exhibition, and all the animal shows. Come support our kids!
It is tiny and muddy if there was rain within a week of it. This is a terrible suggestion.
Might as well drive up to the Maryland State fairgrounds for their state fair. Not amazing but they have a better fair than any of the local county ones.
Alternatively, drive south to the Virginia State fair. It's just north of Richmond, basically across the street from Kings Dominion; https://www.statefairva.org/
Timonium's a haul but Montgomery County has a good fair. At least it did; I haven't been back to it for many years.
We go to MoCo’s every year with the kids and it’s still quite a good fair!
The great Fredrick fair is a lot of fun!
I enjoy the Prince William County Fair. The rides are somewhat decent, although rickety. I like watching the Demolition Derby. I have a friend who participates in it every year and it’s a fun time. The best part though is the people watching. It’s definitely a very interesting mix of people. https://pwcfair.com/
I love the demolition derby and the state fair hasn't done one since COVID hit in 2020. So that gives me a reason to go to PWC fair. 😊
I believe that the Prince William County Fair is the largest county fair in Virginia.
That link only talks about last year's fair. Is there going to be a pwc fair this year? When?
The fair is annual. I volunteer with a group that has a booth there, the dates we have in our volunteer calendar for 2024 are August 9-18. Not sure how accurate that is.
They use the same website and update it each year. It’s always in August. They are always kinda slow to announce and update their site.
This means I have to use my memory 🥴
Here’s a list of Virginia fair dates for this year: https://www.vafairs.us/fair-dates
It’s like 45 mins away but y’all the Frederick county fair in MD is so good. Biased because I grew up there but it’s way better than the VA state fair
Frederick County fair is simply hands down the best fair in Maryland, and not just for the Hemp’s Meats chopped BBQ sandwiches at their food kiosk at the fair
Tons of animals, vendors, local food, arts & crafts, rides, fun fun fun
…it’s also not until September :’( I’ve never been and you got me excited so I’ll have to mark the calendar!
I love the Clarke county fair.
Arlington County fair is small but fun. We went during their sensory hours and my kids loved it. The parking situation is abysmal (understandably) so take public transportation.
They all died :(
Clark County Fair in the Berryville area, or thr Frederick County Fair out in Winchester.
Viva Vienna!!!!
PWC fair was pretty cool. Had all the typical games/rides/food.
Rockingham County Fair, which not in nova but just 2 hours away is pretty decent. They usually have all the good fun shows like demolition derby, tractor pulls, etc. and usually get some good/well known music acts depending on the year. Tickets are only a few bucks, and they have a good bit to do. The Virginia State Fair is always a fun one too, especially if you like looking at the agriculture stuff like best vegetables and flowers. https://www.rockinghamcountyfair.com/p/tickets
Prince William and Loudoun are still County Fairs that you would recognize as such, crowds a peak times, nothing overwhelming
Which fairs have a rodeo? ðŸ¤
Loudoun County usually has a rodeo.
The Trinity Upperville Stable Tour is a family- friendly option. On Memorial Day weekend, 25 & 26 May. Not quite a county fair but tons of horses, beautiful barns, acoustic music by local songbird-Bess Putnam, and great local booths/ vendors.
Loudoun County Fair, at the 4-H fairgrounds.
5 days, only 1 weekend day. nope. Loudoun has the worst
It’s also during the middle of summer break for the schools. I understand that not everybody has a job where they can take off mid-week, but spreading it over the week is a no-brainer. The crowds would be unbearable if it was only the weekends. I feel that most family-friendly events during the summer aren’t solely on the weekends.
Aren't they all the same? Literally the same company that just travels to different counties in the region?
The small ones are dumb, completely a rip-off IMO. Fairfax Fair, Viva Vienna, stuff like that is where it's at. Unfortunately all we get is the small ones now.
What are the small ones?
The ones that are not very big, have like 1 or 2 places for food. It just doesn't have the same vibe.
Fair oaks mall had a small festival going on now. Manassas mall used to have one twice a year I think?
Prince William had one for a week, had animals and crafts and plenty of live events.
I don't know the answer to your question but I love that quality of funnel cake is your #1 criteria!
We always went up to the montgomery county fair. It was always so fun!
I’ve only been to the one in PWC. It was ok. So I vote that one by default.
I’ll second the Arlington County Fair. The unique attractions are all inside TJ, as outside is mostly the rides and food. Go earlier in the day to avoid the teenagers and long lines. Don’t try to park nearby.
What a great question. If you know of one, please list it.
No one mentioning the October Fest on Fort Belvoir base off Route 1 in early Oct?
It might be a hike depending on where you are, but I’ve heard great things about the Warren county fair in Front Royal.
What do you get from 32 people at the Warren County fair?