Country Fairs in Virginia
Virginia's country fair heritage runs as deep as the Commonwealth's agricultural roots, which stretch back over four centuries. The State Fair of Virginia, held at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, serves as the centerpiece of the state's agricultural exhibition calendar, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each fall for livestock competitions, craft displays, and farm-to-table celebrations.
From the apple orchards and cattle farms of the Shenandoah Valley to the peanut and cotton fields of Southside Virginia, county fairs reflect the agricultural character of each region. The Blue Ridge and Appalachian communities of Southwest Virginia maintain strong traditions in heritage crafts and homesteading skills, while Piedmont fairs celebrate the state's horse country heritage and diverse crop production.
Top Country Fair Events in Virginia
- State Fair of Virginia — Doswell (Meadow Event Park); held each fall with livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, craft competitions, a fine arts show, concerts, and a large midway.
- Shenandoah County Fair — Woodstock; one of the oldest continuously running county fairs in Virginia, featuring livestock judging, harness racing, craft exhibits, and grandstand entertainment in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
- Rockingham County Fair — Harrisonburg; a major agricultural fair in the state's top farming county, with livestock auctions, poultry shows, and home arts competitions.
- Highland County Maple Festival — Monterey; a spring celebration of Virginia's maple syrup production in the Allegheny Highlands, with sugar camp tours, craft vendors, and mountain heritage demonstrations.
- Chincoteague Volunteer Firemen's Carnival — Chincoteague Island; a summer tradition on Virginia's Eastern Shore combining fair rides, local seafood, craft vendors, and the famous pony penning week.
What to Expect
Virginia country fairs showcase the state's diverse agriculture, from the beef cattle and apple orchards of the Shenandoah Valley to the peanuts and soybeans of the Southside. Livestock shows are a centerpiece, with cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and poultry competitions drawing exhibitors from across the Commonwealth. 4-H and FFA youth programs are deeply woven into Virginia's fair culture, and junior livestock auctions are highlights at many county fairs.
Heritage craft demonstrations are a hallmark of Virginia fairs, particularly in the Shenandoah Valley and Southwest Virginia. Visitors can expect to see blacksmithing, woodworking, pottery, weaving, and quilting alongside modern handmade craft vendors. Home arts competitions in baking, canning, and floral arrangement remain popular. Many Virginia fairs also feature horse shows reflecting the state's deep equestrian tradition, along with tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and live bluegrass and country music.
Popular Cities for Country Fairs
- Richmond — Near the State Fair of Virginia at Meadow Event Park, with easy access to Piedmont county fairs
- Charlottesville — Gateway to Albemarle County agricultural events and Blue Ridge heritage fairs
- Staunton — Shenandoah Valley hub near Augusta County agricultural fairs and the Highland Maple Festival
- Abingdon — Southwest Virginia center for Appalachian heritage fairs and mountain craft traditions
See all craft events in Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the State Fair of Virginia?
The State Fair of Virginia is held each fall at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, north of Richmond. It typically runs for about two weeks in late September through early October and features livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, craft competitions, a fine arts show, concerts, and carnival rides.
What crafts are featured at Virginia country fairs?
Virginia fairs showcase a range of heritage and contemporary crafts. The Shenandoah Valley and Southwest Virginia fairs are known for traditional Appalachian crafts including woodworking, pottery, blacksmithing, and quilting. The State Fair includes juried fine arts and craft competitions. Many county fairs also host handmade craft vendor areas alongside home arts competitions in baking, canning, and needlework.
Are Virginia county fairs family friendly?
Yes, Virginia county fairs are designed as family events. Most offer children's activities, petting zoos, 4-H and FFA exhibits, carnival rides, and educational agricultural displays. Many fairs offer reduced admission or free entry for children, and family-oriented entertainment is a priority at most Virginia county fairs.