Those who’ve experienced a county fair in Virginia understand that they hold a special place in our hearts. More than the beloved corndogs and over-sized stuffed animals, these fairs provide a sense of community, joy, and are a timeless way to celebrate summer. If you’ve never been to a county fair, this list will provide you with the places to get started. So set aside a summer evening, gather friends and family, and try not to eat too much cotton candy before heading towards the ferris wheel.
- Prince William County Fair
Prince William County Fair/Facebook
Prince William County Fair/Facebook Located in Manassas, the Prince William County Fair is the largest in Virginia. The incredible attractions range from wine tastings to derbies, rodeos, pony rides, and mechanical bulls. Don’t forget the ferris wheel and the iconic cotton candy stand, either. This year, the fair will be hosted from August 12th - August 20th.
- Arlington County Fair
Arlington County Fair/Facebook
Arlington County Fair/Facebook For over 40 years, the Arlington County Fair has drawn visitors from all over the East Coast. And the best news? It’s free of admission! The event takes place at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center where folks of all ages can enjoy vendors, midway games, and even piglet races. This year’s event will be hosted from August 17th - August 21st.
- Bland County Fair
Bland County Fair/Facebook
Bland County Fair/Facebook The Bland County Fair will soon open for its 90th year of merriment. In addition to a crazy selection of rides and tasty treats, fair-goers can enjoy playing games such as the hay bale toss, entering into a pie eating contest, or participating in a turkey call contest. There will also be live bluegrass music each night. This year’s dates are August 24th - August 27th.
- Washington County Fair
Washington County Fair/Facebook
Washington County Fair/Facebook If you’re looking for the traditional carnival rides, you won’t want to miss out on the Washington County Fair in Abingdon. Events this year include a chili cook-off, a horse show, pageants, and a corn hole tournament. The live music is also a treat for visitors of all ages. This year, the fair will take place September 12th - September 17th.
- Shenandoah County Fair
Shenandoah County Fair/Facebook
Shenandoah County Fair/Facebook Woodstock’s Shenandoah County Fair will celebrate 99 years of fairground festivity this year. Visitors can choose from over 30 rides, carnival games, food stands, tractor pulls and incredible live music. Some of the past year’s acts have included nationally-touring artists such as Cole Swindell and Clint Black. This years fair will take place August 26th - September 3rd.
- Albemarle County Fair
Albemarle County Fair/Facebook
Albemarle County Faire/Facebook The Albemarle County Fair celebrates agriculture at the historic Ash Lawn-Highland, the home of James Monroe. There will be plenty of rides to choose from as well as craft exhibits and other games. Keep your eyes peeled for some friendly farm animals on the premises, too. This year’s dates are August 4th - August 6th.
- Dickinson County Fair
Dickinson County Fairgrounds/Facebook
Dickinson County Fairgrounds/Facebook Located in Clintwood, the Dickinson County Fair is an fun-filled annual event you won’t want to miss. Activities include a horse show, truck pull, arts and crafts exhibit, and rides that will make your stomach drop. The fair this year will run til August 7th.
With so many fairs in Virginia, we know we only scratched the surface with our list. So we’d love to hear from you: which are your favorite county fairs to attend? And if you’re looking to make the most of these fleeting summer days, here are 12 Picture-Perfect Summer Activities for you to try.
Prince William County Fair/Facebook
Located in Manassas, the Prince William County Fair is the largest in Virginia. The incredible attractions range from wine tastings to derbies, rodeos, pony rides, and mechanical bulls. Don’t forget the ferris wheel and the iconic cotton candy stand, either. This year, the fair will be hosted from August 12th - August 20th.
Arlington County Fair/Facebook
For over 40 years, the Arlington County Fair has drawn visitors from all over the East Coast. And the best news? It’s free of admission! The event takes place at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center where folks of all ages can enjoy vendors, midway games, and even piglet races. This year’s event will be hosted from August 17th - August 21st.
Bland County Fair/Facebook
The Bland County Fair will soon open for its 90th year of merriment. In addition to a crazy selection of rides and tasty treats, fair-goers can enjoy playing games such as the hay bale toss, entering into a pie eating contest, or participating in a turkey call contest. There will also be live bluegrass music each night. This year’s dates are August 24th - August 27th.
Washington County Fair/Facebook
If you’re looking for the traditional carnival rides, you won’t want to miss out on the Washington County Fair in Abingdon. Events this year include a chili cook-off, a horse show, pageants, and a corn hole tournament. The live music is also a treat for visitors of all ages. This year, the fair will take place September 12th - September 17th.
Shenandoah County Fair/Facebook
Woodstock’s Shenandoah County Fair will celebrate 99 years of fairground festivity this year. Visitors can choose from over 30 rides, carnival games, food stands, tractor pulls and incredible live music. Some of the past year’s acts have included nationally-touring artists such as Cole Swindell and Clint Black. This years fair will take place August 26th - September 3rd.
Albemarle County Fair/Facebook
Albemarle County Faire/Facebook
The Albemarle County Fair celebrates agriculture at the historic Ash Lawn-Highland, the home of James Monroe. There will be plenty of rides to choose from as well as craft exhibits and other games. Keep your eyes peeled for some friendly farm animals on the premises, too. This year’s dates are August 4th - August 6th.
Dickinson County Fairgrounds/Facebook
Located in Clintwood, the Dickinson County Fair is an fun-filled annual event you won’t want to miss. Activities include a horse show, truck pull, arts and crafts exhibit, and rides that will make your stomach drop. The fair this year will run til August 7th.
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