The carnival games, funnel cake and Ferris wheels (there will be two this summer for the second year in a row) are perennial favorites at the Arlington County Fair, but organizers also keep things fresh by adding new and different events to the schedule every year.
Simone DeAlba of WUSA 9, kicks off this year’s fair, emceeing the opening ceremony August 13 at 5 p.m. The theme this year is Endless Summer. “Families have been looking forward to the Arlington County Fair for nearly 50 years,” says Kacey Roberts, Arlington County Parks and Recreation marketing specialist. “We are honored that we can be part of those memories for so many people.”
Visitors can look forward to an upbeat rotation of live music, including Gracie Jay, Mystery Friends and Rock Creek Kings. Admission to the fair and all the activities on the Outdoor Stage and Family Fun Spot are free. (If the lights and sounds are just too much, try out the sensory-friendly hours on Saturday and Sunday morning)
New this summer, the free shuttle to the fair will leave from a new location—the Ballston Mall parking garage. Parking is tight, so plan to take the shuttle, a rideshare or bike over and leave your wheels in the free valet bike parking.
Here are five of the newest and most enticing activities coming to this year’s extravaganza, which runs August 13-17.
Vienna Princess Glam Tent
Come as a kid, leave as royalty. New this year, the Vienna Singing Princesses, a local group of fairytale princess performers, will add a touch of magic to your fair-going experience—no fairy godmother required. Meet the princesses and get your face painted on the Upper Field, Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Shop and support a market run entirely by kids. This is the second year for the Children’s Entrepreneur Market. “It is one of the most heartwarming and inspiring parts of the weekend,” says Roberts. Budding CEOs ages 5 to 17 can run their own business in a safe, fun environment, and learn about the power of entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership. Kid entrepreneurs will be setting up their businesses on the upper field Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Have a child who’d like to participate? Sign up here.
Action Jaxx Foam Party
Love bubbles? Get crazy with an all-out foam party. Back by popular demand, this sudsy good time will take place on the upper field, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It’s like swimming, but without the pool. Just “swim” around or challenge fellow fairgoers in a frothy pool noodle battle. “We do encourage guests to bring a change of clothes or towels, because they will have fun—and then be damp,” Roberts says.
Ready, Set, Eat!
This summer, in addition to the typical pie eating contest, you can try your hand (er-mouth?) at a pizza or burrito eating contest. Fairgoers with big appetites can take on the trio of food challenges Saturday at noon, inside Thomas Jefferson Community Center. The feeding bonanza starts with a race to finish a slice of Troy’s Italian Kitchen Pizza at noon. At 1 p.m. try to be the first to put away a burrito. Stay a little longer and dig into a slice of triple berry pie—no utensils allowed.
Portable Inflatable Planetarium
Want to beat the heat? Cool off indoors in a portable, inflatable planetarium. Coming back for its second year, the inflatable dome is supplied by the Friends of the David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington, along with Marymount University. Find it and learn all about celestial phenomena inside the Thomas Jefferson Community Center. Shows run Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday.