Carnival rides, games and that deep-fried fair food are essential for many people’s summer.
A bunch of counties in D.C., Maryland and Virginia are bringing back their annual county fairs with fun activities including petting zoos, auto shows and live entertainment.
Here’s a list of all the fairs coming soon to the DMV.
The Montgomery County Agriculture Fair
Aug. 9-17
Montgomery County Agricultural Center: 16 Chestnut Street Gaithersburg, Maryland
Details
This Agricultural Fair in Maryland is prepping for huge events, including: Animal and barn exhibits, a monster truck tour, carnival rides, and a red-eye rodeo.
Parking at the fair costs $15. The fair is also transit accessible! Free shuttle buses and parking will be available at Montgomery College's Rockville Campus and the Lakeforest Mall (R.I.P.). Check the date of your ticket, too: They’re offering discounted prices for all-day ride wristbands on certain days.
The fair is closed on Aug. 9 because of severe weather.
Prince William County Fair
Aug. 9-17
10624 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, Virginia
Details
The PWC Fair is geared up and ready to go. The huge schedule includes dog shows, pageants, wine tasting, auto shows and more. Gate admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
Arlington County Fair
Aug. 14-18
Thomas Jefferson Community Center: 3501 Second Street South Arlington, Virginia
Details
Admission to the Arlington Fair and the associated outdoor stage is free, but bring cash for the individual rides. The kid’s court will have moonbounces, music performances and a pie-eating contest with registration.
Tickets to ride are $1.25 each, with rides costing between 3 and 6 tickets. There are different deals when you get tickets in bulk, and you can check out those prices (and the price of parking) on their website.
Maryland State Fair
Aug. 22-Sept. 8
2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland
Details
This state fair has horse racing, live entertainment, and a kiddie fair for small children. Puppy yoga will also be offered with the purchase of a ticket. Admission for those aged 6-11 is $8.25 and $13.25 for those 12 and older.
DC State Fair
Sept. 7
Franklin Park
Details
The free state fair showcases local makers, organizations and food vendors. There's also competitions for the best mambo sauce, best honey and top photographers. Registration is still open for entertainers and volunteers, as of July 30.
Anne Arundel County Fair
Sept. 11-15
1450 General’s Highway (Route 178) Crownsville, Maryland
Details
These five jam-packed days will be filled with livestock auctions, carnival rides, indoor exhibits and Friday-and-Saturday-night concerts. They are also accepting volunteer applications. Admission is $10 for people 10 years and older.
Charles County Fair
Sept. 12-15
8440 Fairgrounds Rd, La Plata, Maryland
Details
Sheep shows, pie-eating contests and lawnmower races will all be included alongside your typical carnival rides. Food vendors and drinks will be available on-site for purchase -- but parking is free. Admission for those aged 11 and older is $10, and free for those 10 and under.
The Great Fredrick Fair
Sept. 13-21
797 E Patrick St, Frederick, Maryland
Details
They call themselves the “greatest of all time,” and it’s for a reason. This fair has plenty of carnival rides, live barn stock, concerts and motorsport shows. Tickets for admission, parking and concert events are now available for purchase online. Alcohol and food will be available on-site.
Stafford County Fair
Oct. 27-20
121 University Boulevard Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Details
Pony rides, vendors, and carnival rides will be there all four days. Registration is also now open for the Miss Stafford County Fair pageant, if you know any girls or young women ready to talk about a platform of their choice.
Past events
Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair
Jul. 26 to Aug. 4
2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Details
Register for their pageant, or join their karaoke night and demolition derby: There's a whole range of activities to try. Admission for those aged four to 59 is $15, and $10 for those 60 and older.
Annual 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park
Aug. 1-4
2739 West Ox Rd, Herndon, Virginia
Details
Visit farm animals, see tractor demos, and potentially milk a cow or goat! Carnival games and rides will be included. Parking is $10 after 4 p.m. on Friday and all day during the weekend.
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