Take a lighted trail walk at Reston's Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Winterfest
24 Best Things to Do in DC December 2024 with Kids: Sing-A-Longs, Christmas Events, and New Year's Eve
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks
30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids
GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids
Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia
The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Pull on a signature blue parka for Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Christmas Tree Farms Near DC
Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights .event.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Skate in the shadow of the National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families
There are so many places to have breakfast with Santa throughout the DC area. Photo courtesy of Theissman's Restaurant's Facebook page
Breakfast with Santa in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
75 Free Fun Things To Do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with Kids

29 Summer Festivals and Fairs in 2024 in the DC Area for Families

The DC State Fair showcases the talents and uniqueness of the city. Photo courtesy of the fair
The DC State Fair showcases the talents and uniqueness of the city. Photo courtesy of the fair
5/17/24 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for a summer festival 2024 in the DC area? Here's our fun list!

Summer festivals and fairs are a great way to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine in the DC area. After all, nothing says "summer" more than festival food, carnival rides and games, and live music. 

Luckily, you can find a summer festival taking place in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia all summer long. They range from cultural and food festivals to state and county fairs with rides, games, food, and fun for kids and families.

Read on for our list of the best summer festivals and fairs in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For more activities, be sure to check out our Summer Activities Guide. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more fun things to do all over the DC area.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Learn about various cultures at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Photo courtesy of the UAE Embassy
Learn about various cultures at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Photo courtesy of the UAE Embassy

Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC in June

Manassas Railway Festival at Manassas Railroad Depot

Manassas, VA - Saturday, June 1, 2024
Free
This family celebration of rich railroad history features model train displays, train memorabilia, and specialty vendors, and is free to attend. These elaborate train displays are created by a number of local model train groups.  READ MORE

World Heritage Festival at Silver Spring Veterans Plaza

Silver Spring, MD - Sunday, June 2, 2024
Free
Families can sample delicious ethnic foods, watch cultural performances, and shop from more than 70 vendors at Silver Spring's World Heritage Festival.  READ MORE

Puerto Rican Festival (at Harris Pavilion)

Manassas, VA - Saturday, June 15, 2024
Free
Puerto Rico Cafe's 2024 Puerto Rican Festival marks its 2nd annual event celebrating the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico in Manassas, which includes musical and dance performances, plus food and vendors reflecting this beautiful Caribbean island. READ MORE

The Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival (at Cabin John Regional Park)

Bethesda, MD - Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Free
Featuring a children’s carnival, musical performances, art exhibitions, food, sports, and presentations on Black history in the region, the annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival takes place across Cabin John Regional Park, Cabin John Village, and the Scotland community on Seven Locks Road. READ MORE

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival

Alexandria, VA - Friday & Saturday, June 21 & 22, 2024
Free
Summer kicks off at this fun festival that begins Friday evening with an eclectic collection of jazz performances. It continues Saturday with live music, a beer garden, local food, hands-on art and history activities, and more. READ MORE

Astronomy Festival on the National Mall

Washington, DC - Saturday, June 22, 2024
Free
Hofstra University’s Astronomy Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC, offers visitors a free guided tour of the sky. The event features solar, optical, and radio telescope observations; hands-on activities, demonstrations, handouts, posters, banners, and videos; speakers from scientific and educational organizations; and a chance to mingle with astronomers. READ MORE

Manassas Bee Festival (at Liberia House and Grounds)

Manassas, VA - Saturday, June 22, 2024
Free
Celebrate pollinators at the Manassas Bee Festival. Guests can taste fresh honey, dance with other bees and butterflies in costume, enjoy honey crafts, and see an apiary. READ MORE

Giant National Capital BBQ Battle

Washington, DC - Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23, 2024
Restaurants and chefs from around the country compete at this festival, which also offers plenty of food, live music across four stages, BMX and skateboarding freestyle shows, backyard games, and lots of other activities.  READ MORE

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, DC - Daily, June 26 - July 7, 2024 (except Monday & Tuesday, July 1 & 2)
Free
Through cultural performances, storytelling, workshops, food, and more, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival aims to spark curiosity of various cultures and nurture human connection. READ MORE
The Loudoun County Fair features carnival games and rides, food, a petting zoo, and more. Photo courtesy of the fair
The Loudoun County Fair features carnival games and rides, food, a petting zoo, and more. Photo courtesy of the fair

Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC in July

National Ice Cream Fest (at One Loudoun Festival Grounds)

Ashburn, VA - Saturday, July 20, 2024
Enjoy a day of ice cream, games, music, fun, and more at the National Ice Cream Fest. This year, the fest is at One Loudoun Festival Grounds. READ MORE

Purcellville Wine & Food Festival (at Dillon's Woods)

Purcellville, VA - Saturday, July 20, 2024
This family-friendly festival in the heart of DC's wine country features live music, vendors, kids' activities, and of course food and wine. READ MORE

Loudoun County Fair

Leesburg, VA - Tuesday - Saturday, July 23-27, 2024
Enjoy food, carnival rides, live entertainment, games, a petting zoo, a demolition derby, and more at the annual Loudoun County Fair. READ MORE
The Howard County Fair has sweets and treats for everyone! Photo courtesy of the fair
The Howard County Fair has sweets and treats for everyone! Photo courtesy of the fair

Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC in August

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival

Herndon, VA - Thursday - Sunday, August 1-4, 2024
Free
This annual festival includes carnival rides and games, food, farm animals, live  entertainment, tractor demos, and lots more family fun. READ MORE

DC Water Lantern Festival at National Harbor

National Harbor, MD - Saturday & Sunday, August 3 & 4, 2024
Families will be dazzled as they witness the beauty of thousands of lanterns floating on the water in National Harbor. The event also includes food trucks, music, and giveaways.  READ MORE

Howard County Fair

West Friendship, MD - Daily, August 3-10, 2024
At the annual Howard County Fair, families can enjoy rides, agricultural exhibits, a dog show, a parade, food, live music, and more. READ MORE

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Gaithersburg, MD - Daily, August 9-17, 2024
This 75th annual fair offers 62 acres of fun for families, including over 5,000 animals, carnival rides and games, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more.  READ MORE

Prince William County Fair

Manassas, VA - Daily, August 9-18, 2024
The Prince William County Fair features livestock and arts exhibits, tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies, live music and shows, food, carnival rides and games, and more. READ MORE

Arlington County Fair

Arlington, VA - Wednesday - Sunday, August 14-18, 2024
Free
The Arlington County Fair is back this year with competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Library of Congress National Book Festival

Washington, DC - Saturday, August 24, 2024
Free
The National Book Festival brings together bestselling authors and thousands of book fans for author talks, panel discussions, book signings, and other activities. The lineup includes children's authors and activities. READ MORE

The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival

Bealeton, VA - Saturday & Sunday, August 17 & 18, 2024
Head out to the Flying Circus Airshow to watch hot air balloons and aircraft take flight. Families wanting a breathtaking view of the area can take a ride for an additional fee. Arrive early, as lines get longer throughout the day. READ MORE

Summers Farm Sunflower Festival

Frederick, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, August 17 - September 8, 2024 (also on Monday, September 2, 2024)
Take beautiful, Insta-worthy family pictures in the acres of sunflower fields at the Summers Farm Sunflower Festival. There are also dozens of activities at the farm for kids, including corn hole, jumping pillows, farmer golf, farm animals, and more. READ MORE

Around The World Cultural Food Festival (at Oronoco Bay Park)

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, August 24, 2024
Free
The Around the World Cultural Food Festival features national dishes and beverages from around the world available for purchase along with cultural presentations. READ MORE

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival (at Historic Roosevelt Center)

Greenbelt, MD - Friday - Monday, August 30 - September 2, 2024
Free
The Greenbelt Labor Day Festival includes carnival rides and games, a craft fair, live performances, food trucks, children's activities, and more.  READ MORE

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Annapolis, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, August 24 - October 20, 2024 (also on Monday, September 2, 2024)
This massive annual Renaissance Festival includes live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more. Visitors are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes to get into the spirit. READ MORE

Virginia Scottish Games & Festival

The Plains, VA - Saturday & Sunday, August 31 & September 1, 2024
Celebrating 50 years, the Virginia Scottish Games kick off Labor Day weekend with competitions, musical performances, dancing, and more from the Highlands. Watch athletes toss logs, learn about dogs of Scotland, or listen to the beautiful sounds of bagpipes. READ MORE
Enter fun contests at the DC State Fair. Photo courtesy of the fair
Enter fun contests at the DC State Fair. Photo courtesy of the fair

Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC in September

LoCo Kids Fest (at Segra Field Parking Lots)

Leesburg, VA - Monday, September 2, 2024
Free
Families are invited to Loudoun County’s annual LoCo Kids Fest, with tons of family-friendly activities at the Segra Field Parking Lots on Labor Day. READ MORE

Adams Morgan Day

Washington, DC - Sunday, September 8, 2024
Free
DC's longest-running neighborhood festival is a free, family-friendly celebration with music, art, lawn games, face painting, sports, and other activities for all ages. Food and wares from local businesses are available for purchase. READ MORE

Silver Spring Arts & Crafts End Of Summer Celebration

Silver Spring, MD - Sunday, September 8, 2024
Free
Celebrate the end of summer on Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring with arts and crafts, music, dancing, live performances, more than 80 vendors, and fun activities for kids and adults.  READ MORE

Takoma Park Folk Festival (at Takoma Park Middle School)

Takoma Park, MD - Sunday, September 8, 2024
Free
The Takoma Park Folk Festival features six music stages, crafts, food, community nonprofit tables, and games and activities for children.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Liberia House and Grounds
One Loudoun Festival Grounds
Thomas Jefferson Community Center
Walter E Washington Convention Center
Historic Roosevelt Center
Silver Spring Veterans Plaza