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28 Summer Festivals and Fairs in 2025 in DC for Families

The Arlington County Fair promises loads of fun! Photo courtesy of the fair
The Arlington County Fair promises loads of fun! Photo courtesy of the fair
5/16/25 - By Stephanie Shipman

Looking for a summer festival 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 summer festivals 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

Buzz your way over to the Manassas Bee Festival. Photo by founder Theresa Ellis
Buzz your way over to the Manassas Bee Festival. Photo by founder Theresa Ellis

Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC in June

World Heritage Festival at Silver Spring Veterans Plaza

Silver Spring, MD - Sunday, June 1
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

Manassas Railway Festival at Manassas Railroad Depot

Manassas, VA - Saturday, June 7
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

Puerto Rican Festival (at Harris Pavilion)

Manassas, VA - Saturday, June 14
Free
Puerto Rico Cafe's Puerto Rican Festival celebrates 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 - Saturday - Thursday, June 14 - June 19
Free
Featuring a children’s carnival, musical performances, art exhibitions, food, sports, and presentations on Black history in the region, this annual 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 - Saturday, June 14
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

Manassas Bee Festival (at Liberia House and Grounds)

Manassas, VA - Saturday, June 21
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 21 & 22
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

Astronomy Festival on the National Mall

Washington, DC - Saturday, June 28
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
The Loudoun County Fair features carnival games, rides, and more. Photo courtesy of the fair
The Loudoun County Fair features carnival games, rides, and more. Photo courtesy of the fair

Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC in July

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, DC - Daily, July 2 - 7
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

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

Purcellville, VA - Saturday, July 19
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 22 - 26
Enjoy food, carnival rides, live entertainment, games, a petting zoo, a demolition derby, and more at the annual Loudoun County Fair. READ MORE
Step back in time at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Photo by Amaury Laporte via Flickr 2.0
Step back in time at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Photo by Amaury Laporte via Flickr 2.0

Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC in August

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival

Herndon, VA - Thursday - Sunday, July 31 - August 3
Free
This annual festival includes carnival rides and games, 4-H exhibits and shows, food, farm animals, live  entertainment, tractor demos, and lots more family fun. READ MORE

Howard County Fair

West Friendship, MD - Daily, August 2 - 9
At the annual Howard County Fair, families can enjoy rides, agricultural exhibits, a dog show, a parade, food, live music, and more. 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

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Gaithersburg, MD - Daily, August 8 - 16
This 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 8 - 16
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 13 - 17
Free
The Arlington County Fair is back this year with competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Summers Farm Sunflower Festival

Frederick, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, August 23 - September 7 (also on Monday, September 1)
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 23
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 29 - September 1
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 23 - October 19 (also on Monday, September 1)
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 30 & 31
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
Adams Morgan Day always draws crowds! Photo by Angela N. via Flickr 2.0
Adams Morgan Day always draws crowds! Photo by Angela N. via Flickr 2.0

Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC in September

LoCo Kids Fest (at Segra Field Parking Lots)

Leesburg, VA - Monday, September 1
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

Library of Congress National Book Festival

Washington, DC - Saturday, September 6
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

Silver Spring Arts & Crafts End Of Summer Celebration

Silver Spring, MD - Sunday, September 7
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 7
Free
The Takoma Park Folk Festival features six music stages, crafts, food, community nonprofit tables, and games and activities for children.  READ MORE

Adams Morgan Day

Washington, DC - Sunday, September 7
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

The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival

Bealeton, VA - Saturday & Sunday, September 20 & 21
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

Places featured in this article:

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