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Community Resources & Things to Do · County, state & agricultural fairs and seasonal festivals · 1 resource matching “Arlington Public Library”
Arlington
Arlington County Fair
Large urban county fair and community festival run by the nonprofit Arlington County Fair organization in partnership with Arlington County’s Department of Parks & Recreation at Thomas Jefferson Community Center and Park. Rides/midway: Outdoor carnival rides and games operating all five days, with evening openings mid‑week and full‑day hours on the weekend; Entertainment: Multiple stages with live music (local rock, Latin, family performers), magic shows, and a 50th‑anniversary program including an opening ceremony and DC Sports Zone with area pro teams; Community & exhibits: Indoor vendors and exhibits, competitions, a beer garden and night market on select evenings, plus free shuttles and bike valet enhancing accessibility.
Cost
Gate admission: Arlington County and the Fair FAQ state that admission to the Fair is FREE; no ticket is needed for exhibits, performances, and live entertainment; Rides: Carnival rides and some activities are fee‑based, with ride ticket prices listed separately by the fair; outdoor stage and Kids’ Court activities are free; Parking: There is no general on‑site public parking at the fairgrounds; limited ADA parking is provided at the community center lot. Fair and County guidance direct visitors to off‑site parking at the Ballston Mall Parking Garage, reached by a free shuttle; parking rates there start around $1 for three hours, charged by the garage, not by the fair; Free days/policies: Admission for all ages is free every day; no separate free‑for‑kids day is listed because the gate is always free.
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families, sen
Before you go
Aug 12–16, 2026 · every August. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
August 12 – 16, 2026, at Thomas Jefferson Community Center and Park. The County describes this as a 5-day annual fair in mid-August, consistent with prior years (e.g., August 13–17, 2025).