Attending a fair with your family is an exhilarating experience, but the joy doesn’t have to come with a price tag. Many fairs offer an array of free activities that provide endless fun and entertainment for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the wonderful world of free fair activities that you can enjoy with your loved ones, creating unforgettable memories without spending a dime.
1. Kid Zones:
Fairs in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland region often feature specially designed Kid Zones that offer a variety of engaging activities for children. From face painting and arts and crafts to interactive games and storytelling sessions, your little explorers will be entertained and enthralled.
2. Live Entertainment:
Fairs often host various live performances and shows suitable for the whole family. You can catch anything from magicians and acrobats to puppeteers and local bands. These entertaining acts create a festive atmosphere, ensuring a memorable day out for everyone.
3. Animal Exhibits:
Many fairs feature animal exhibits, showcasing farm animals, petting zoos, or exotic creatures. Watch your kids’ faces light up as they interact with gentle farm animals or marvel at the majesty of exotic birds and reptiles. These experiences foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for the animal kingdom.
4. Family-Friendly Contests:
Participate in family-friendly contests that require little to no registration fees. From pie-eating contests and Lego competitions to races and beauty pageants, these contests add an element of friendly competition and laughter to your fair experience.
6. Arts and Crafts Activities:
Look out for arts and crafts stations where your kids can unleash their creativity. From face painting and temporary tattoos to hands-on crafts, these activities keep young ones engaged and entertained while allowing them to express their artistic flair.
7. Demonstrations and Workshops:
Many fairs offer free demonstrations and workshops that provide insights into various skills and crafts. From blacksmithing and pottery making to cooking demonstrations and gardening tips, these experiences enrich your family’s knowledge and inspire new hobbies.
A day at the fair with your family doesn’t have to break the bank. Embrace the joy of free activities at these events, offering laughter, excitement, and unforgettable experiences for everyone. From demonstrations and live entertainment to interactive animal exhibits and creative arts and crafts, the fair provides endless opportunities to bond as a family and create cherished memories. So, the next time you visit a fair, explore the world of free activities and immerse yourself in the wonder and magic that only fairs can offer.
District of Columbia Fair
DC State Fair – 14th Annual State Fair
Date: September 10, 2023
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Admission: FREE
Location: Franklin Park, 1332 I St NW, Washington, DC
Virginia Fairs
Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair
Date: July 28-August 6, 2023
Time: Weekdays 5:00pm-10:00pm, Weekends 12:00pm-10:00pm
Admission: $12/Adult (4-59), $8/Seniors (60+), Free/3 and under
Location: Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg, VA
Event Highlights: Demolition Derby, Golf Cart Drag Races, Contests, Farm Animals, Live Entertainment, Carnival Games & Rides, Fair Food, Local Food Vendors
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival
Date: August 3-6, 2023
Time: 10:00am-7:00pm (10:00pm on Saturday)
Admission: FREE
Location: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Rd, Herndon, VA
Parking: $10.00 on Saturday & Sunday
Event Highlights: Big Truck Night Friday 5-7pm, Live Farm Animals, Carnival Rides & Games, Tractor Demos, Live Entertainment, 4-H Shows
Bergton Fair
Date: August 8-12, 2023
Time: 5:00pm-11:00pm (Midnight on Friday & Saturday)
Admission: $2/Adults (13+), Free/12 and under
Location: Bergton Fairgrounds, 18482 Crab Run Rd, Bergton, VA
Event Highlights: Live Entertainment Every Night @ 6:30/7:00pm including Spencer Hatcher on Saturday, Carnival Rides, Best Blue Ribbon Exhibits, Fair Foods
Prince William County Fair
Date: August 11-19, 2023
Time: Opens at 5:00pm everyday except 8/15 & 8/19 at 2:00pm
Admission: $20/Adults (14-64), $10/Child & Senior (5-14, 65+), Free/4 and under & Military
Location: Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA
Event Highlights: Monster Truck Show, Demolition Derby, Power Wheel Race, Tractor Pull, Daily Dog Show, Camel & Pony Rides, Beauty Pageant, Live Entertainment Every Night @ 7:00pm, Carnival Rides & Games, Fair Food, Live Farm Animals, 4-H Exhibits, Home Arts
Clarke County Fair
Date: August 13-19, 2023
Time: Gates & Building Exhibits @ 10:00am, Carnival @ 6:00pm
Admission: $10/Adults (16+), $5/Child (5-15), Free/4 and under
Location: Clark County Fairgrounds, 890 West Main St, Berryville, VA
Event Highlights: Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull, Beauty Pageant, Car & Truck Show, Demolition Derby, Horse Show, Tractor Pull, Carnival Rides, Animal Shows, Great Chicken BBQ
Arlington County Fair
Date: August 16-20, 2023
Time: Wednesday & Thursday 5:00pm-10:30pm, Friday 2:00pm-10:30pm, Saturday 10:00am-10:30pm, Sunday 11:00am-10:00pm (Indoor Hours May Differ)
Sensory Friendly Hours: Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm & Sunday 11:00am-1:00pm
Admission: FREE
Location: Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd St S, Arlington, VA
Event Highlights: Family Fun Spot with Kids Court, Entertainers, & Foam Party, Stage Performances, Carnival Rides & Games, Competitive Exhibits, Fair Food
Page Valley Fair
Date: August 20-26, 2023
Time: 4:00pm Daily
Admission: $10/Adults (13+), $5/Child (6-12), Free/5 and under
Location: Page Valley Fairgrounds, 15 Fairlane Dr, Luray, VA
Event Highlights: Truck & Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby, Rodeo, 4-H Exhibits, Carnival Rides & Games, Fair Food, Axe Throwing, Ed’s Dinosaurs LIVE!
Chesterfield County Fair
Date: August 25-September 2, 2023
Time: Monday-Friday 5:00pm-11:00pm, Saturday & Sunday (& 9/1) 11:00am-11:00pm
Admission: $12/Adults (13-59), $7/Seniors (60+), $5/Child (4-12), Free/3 and under (Check website for discounts offered!)
Location: Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Rd, Chesterfield, VA
Event Highlights: Acrobats, Dog Show, Cowboy Circus, Beauty Pageant, Power Wheels Derby, Lawn Mower Races, Carnival Rides & Games, Fair Food
Shenandoah County Fair
Date: August 27-September 2, 2023
Time: TBA
Admission: $8/Gate, $7/Presale
Location: Shenandoah County Fairgrounds, 300 Fairground Rd, Woodstock, VA
Event Highlights: Russell Dickerson, Chris Tomlin, Figure 8 Race, Derby, Truck & Tractor Pull, Truck Drag, Carnival Rides & Games, Fair Food
State Fair of Virginia
Date: September 22-October 1, 2023
Time: 10:00am-9:00pm
Admission: $16/5 and older (Check website for discounts)
Location: The Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA
Event Highlights: Taste of Virginia, Live Musical Performances Nightly @ 7:30pm, Triple Crown Circus, Racing Pigs, Jetpack Flying Water Circus, Petting Zoo, Fire Guy, Chainsaw Carver, Animals & Livestock, Carnival Rides & Games, Kiddie Land, Fair Food, Creative Competitions, 4-H Exhibits & Competitions
King George Fall Festival
Date: October 14, 2023
Time: Run at 7:30am, Food Court, Craft, Vendor, and Car Show at 10:00am, Fair and Entertainment at 12:00pm
Admission: Run $8-$17, Fair is FREE
Location: King George High School, 10100 Foxes Way, King George, VA
Event Highlights: 10k, 5k, and 1 mile Fun Run, FREE Activities for All Ages, Food Court, Craft and Vendor Show, Carnival Games & Rides, SKILLS USA Car Show
Maryland Fairs
Caroline-Dorchester County Fair
Date: August 2-5, 2023
Time: 11:00am-9:00pm Daily
Admission: FREE Wednesday 8/2 for Chamber of Commerce Night
Location: William Still Interpretive Center, 8230 Detour Rd, Denton, MD
Event Highlights: Live Entertainment, Wood Carving, 4-H Exhibits and Competitions, Food Concessions, Royal Pageant, BBQ Chicken Dinner, Pitt Beef Dinner, Magician, Comedy Night
Howard County Fair
Date: August 5-12, 2023
Time: Gates at 8:00am, Midway at 12:00pm on Weekends and 2:00pm on Weekdays, Closes at 10:00pm
Admission: Online $10/Adults (13+), $5/Seniors, Free/12 and under
Location: Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd, West Friendship, MD
Event Highlights: Main Stage Entertainment, Mini Tractor Pull, 4-H Competitions, Home Art Demonstrations, Carnival Games & Rides, Fair Food
Queen Anne’s County Fair
Date: August 7-12, 2023
Time: Gates at 9:00am, Midway at 2:00pm on Saturday and 5:00pm on Weekdays, Closes at 10:00pm
Admission: $3/Adults (13+), Free/12 and under
Location: Queen Anne’s County Fair, 100 Dulin Clark Rd, Centreville, MD
Event Highlights: Pedal Pull, BBQ Chicken Dinner, Live Entertainment, Rodeo, 4-H Exhibits, Crab Cake Dinner, Fireman’s Challenge, Cake Auction, Carnival Rides, Fair Food
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Date: August 11-19, 2023
Time: Opening Day at 3:00pm, Daily 10:00am-11:00pm/12:00am
Admission: $15/Adults (12+), Free/11 and under
Location: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 501 Perry Pkwy, Gaithersburg, MD
Parking: Free with Shuttle at Lakeforest Mall, $15/Car at Fairgrounds
Event Highlights: Touch-A-Truck, Truck Drag Racing, Monster Truck Show, Demolition Derby, Agricadabra, Stilt Walker, Chainsaw Carver, Motor Sports, Game Show, Pig Races, Honey Bee Demonstration, Farm Animals, Carnival Games & Rides, Fair Food
Maryland State Fair
Date: August 24-27, August 31-September 4, & September 7-10, 2023
Time: Thursday 5:00pm-9:00pm, Friday-Sunday & Labor Day 10:00am-9:00pm
Admission: $12/Adults (12-61), $10/Seniors (62+), $7/Child (6-11), Free/5 and under
Location: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd, Lutherville-Timonium, MD
Event Highlights: Live Concerts, Rodeo, Horse Racing, Lumberjack Show, Blacksmith & Glass Blowing Demonstrations, Bird Paradise, Pig Races, Robocars, Carnival Games & Rides, Fair Food, Farm Animals, 4-H Competitions, Craft Vendors
Prince George’s County Fair
Date: September 7-10, 2023
Time: Weekdays 5:00pm-10:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm
Admission: $6/Adult (13+), $5/Child (6-12) & Seniors (55+), Free/5 and under
Location: Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave, Upper Marlboro, MD
Event Highlights: Petting Zoo, Beautiful Baby Contest, Art Competitions, 4-H Competitions, Farm Animals, Carnival Games & Rides, Fair Food
Damascus Community Fair
Date: September 8-10, 2023
Time: Friday 12:00pm-9:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-9:00pm, Sunday 9:00am-3:45pm
Admission: FREE
Location: Damascus MD Fairgrounds, 10201 Lewis Dr, Damascus, MD
Event Highlights: Touch-A-Truck, Live Music, Silent Auction, Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, Fun Run, Ice Cream Making Contest, Fair King & Queen, Pet Show, Animal Exhibits, Food Vendors
Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show
Date: September 8-10, 2023
Time: Friday 5:30pm-9:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-9:00pm, Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm
Admission: FREE
Location: Catoctin High School, 14745 Sabillasville Rd, Thurmont, MD
Event Highlights: Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Baked Goods Auction, Family Dinner Buffets, Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull, Live Music
Anne Arundel County Fair
Date: September 13-17, 2023
Time: Weekdays 5:00pm-10:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-11:00pm, Sunday 9:00am-8:00pm
Admission: $10/Adults (10+), Free/9 and under
Location: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Hwy, Crownsville, MD
Event Highlights: Concerts, Bubble Circus, Pig Races, Tractor Pull, Kids Contests, Farm Animals, 4-H Competitions, Carnival Games & Rides, Fair Food
Charles County Fair
Date: September 14-17, 2023
Time: Thursday 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday & Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-7:00pm
Admission: $10/Adults (11+), Free/10 and under
Location: Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Rd, La Plata, MD
Event Highlights: Children’s Day, Pet Show, Children’s Pie Eating Contest, Lawnmower Races, Horse Pull, Farm Animals, 4-H Competitions, Carnival Games & Rides, Fair Food
The Great Frederick Fair
Date: September 15-23, 2023
Time: Opening Day at 4:00pm, Daily 9:00am-10:00pm
Admission: $10/Adults (11+), Free/10 and under
Location: Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD
Parking: $4/Online, $5/Lots B, C, & D, $10/Inside & Lot A
Event Highlights: Cowboy Circus, Pig Races, Magic Show, RC Races, Live Entertainment, Farm Animals, Farm & Garden Displays, Home Arts Competitions, Youth Competitions, Carnival Games & Rides, Fair Food
St. Mary’s County Fair
Date: September 21-24, 2023
Time: Opening Day at 3:00pm, Daily 9:00am-10:00pm
Admission: TBA
Location: St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Rd, Leonardtown, MD
Event Highlights: Horse Pull, School Exhibits, Farm Animals, 4-H Competitions, Home Arts Competitions, Fair and Local Foods, Carnival Games & Rides
Calvert County Fair
Date: September 27-October 1, 2023
Time: Opening Day 4:00pm, Daily 9:00am-10:00pm
Admission: 9/27 $1 with a can of food 14oz or larger, 9/28 Free to Calvert County Residents
Location: 140 Calvert Fair Dr, Prince Frederick, MD
Event Highlights: Aerial & Acrobatic Show, Chainsaw Carvings, Farm Animals, 4-H Competitions, Calvart County Idol, Horse Pull, Children’s Contest, Carnival Games & Rides, Fair Food