12 Virginia fairs happening this August and September

Explore a dozen Virginia fairs happening this August and September, featuring everything from agricultural showcases to carnival rides.

Summer in Virginia comes with the understanding that fair season is in full swing. These fairs offer a never-ending supply of rides, livestock shows, pageants, and carnival food. Whether you’re looking to take in a thrilling tractor pull, take a spin on a Ferris wheel, or learn more about the commonwealth’s agricultural heritage, consider attending one of these Virginia fairs happening in August and September.

August

Prince William County Fair

Dates: Aug. 8-16

Location: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, VA 20112

The Prince William County Fair bills itself as a “fairground extravaganza.” Notably, it offers something for everyone, including carnival rides, pageants, motosports, livestock competitions, and musical performances. Tickets are $10 for children and seniors and $20 for adults.

Rockingham County Fair

Dates: Aug. 11-16

Location: 4808 S Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Dating to 1949, the Rockingham County Fair has become the can’t-miss summer event in Rockingham County. Notably, the fair features a wide variety of competitions, including photography, homemaking, farm crops, flowers, rabbits, and dairy. Even if competitions aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy some carnival rides. Be sure to attend on August 10, when admission to the fair is free.

Fluvanna County Fair

Dates: Aug. 14-16

Location: 271 Pleasant Grove Dr., Palmyra, VA 22963

The Fluvanna County Fair bills itself as “Virginia’s biggest small-town fair.” As such, it features rodeo performances, carnival rides, home arts exhibits, and livestock demonstrations. Tickets are $5 for those over the age of 3.

Page Valley Ag & Industrial Fair

Dates: Aug. 16-24

Location: 15 Fairlane Dr., Luray, VA 22835

This year marks the 72nd Page Valley Ag & Industrial Fair. Set against the backdrop of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, the fair offers attendees the chance to enjoy a carnival ride, taste some traditional fair fare, and gain further insights into the region through cultural exhibitions. Admission is free for those under 6, $5 for those 6-12, and $10 for adults.

Highland County Fair

Dates: Aug. 23, 27-30

Location: 386 Myers-Moon Rd., Monterey, VA 24465

The Highland County Fair is a true community effort, as it’s staged by several civic clubs. While the fair features traditional activities, like tractor pulls and exhibits, it also showcases clogging and bluegrass music. A highlight of the fair is the Highland County Fair Parade on August 27. Admission is free for those 14 and under, while adults pay $15.

Shenandoah County Fair

Dates: Aug. 23-30

Location: 300 Fairground Rd., Woodstock, VA 22664

The Shenandoah County Fair is the oldest county fair in the Shenandoah Valley. Each year, the fair draws thousands of visitors from near and far to celebrate agriculture and enjoy an engaging grandstand concert. Some of the concerts this year will include Craig Morgan and Mackenzie Carpenter. Fair tickets are $7, with tickets to the various performances costing extra.

September

Washington County Fair

Dates: Sept. 8-13

Location: 17046 Fairground Dr., Abingdon, VA 24210

The Washington County Fair is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The long-running fair includes a food court, petting zoo, livestock barn, and carnival. Be sure to catch the Miss Washington County Scholarship Pageant and Junior Miss Washington County competitions.

Patrick County Agricultural Fair

Dates: Sept. 9-13

Location: 420 Woodland Dr., Stuart, VA 24171

The Patrick County Agricultural Fair offers locals the chance to snack on a funnel cake, ride a merry-go-round, browse livestock exhibits, and listen to some live music. Don’t miss the 4-H Livestock Shows, which are part of the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program.

Isle of Wight County Fair

Dates: Sept. 11-14

Location: 21311 Courthouse Hwy., Windsor, VA 23487

The Isle of Wight County Fair offers something for everyone, including entertainment, food, livestock and craft exhibits, motorsports, classic cars, pageants, and rodeos. The rodeos are a high point of the fair. Attendees get to take in barrel racing, mini bull riding, and Mutton Bustin’ before the Championship Belt Buckle is awarded on Sept. 13.

Floyd County Fair

Dates: Sept. 13

Location: 2697 Franklin Pike SE, Floyd, VA 24091

This year marks the 17th year the Floyd County Fair has been held. It serves as a celebration of the county’s agricultural roots, while also offering lots of fun for both children and adults. The livestock show lineup is extensive, with shows including goats, lambs, and hens. Admission is free for those under 5, $3 for those 6-12, and $5 for those 13 and over.

Five County Fair

Dates: Sept. 23-27

Location: 209 Fairgrounds Rd., Farmville, VA 23901

Unlike any other fair in Virginia, the Five County Fair in Farmville combines five fairs into one. It represents Appomattox, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, and Prince Edward counties. Offerings include carnival rides, beauty pageants, professional wrestling, magic shows, and livestock shows.

Henry County Fair

Dates: Sept. 24-27

Location: 340 Speedway Rd., Ridgeway, VA 24148

The Henry County Fair is a family-friendly fair that aims to offer fun for everyone. It features rides, fair food, live music, animal exhibits, magic shows, and fireworks. Admission to the fair is $5, with additional ride tickets available for purchase.