County Fairs in Virginia
Virginia's county fair tradition is deeply rooted in the Commonwealth's agricultural heritage. The Shenandoah Valley, Piedmont, and Southside regions anchor the fair circuit with events that celebrate livestock, crops, and community traditions dating back to the early 1800s. The State Fair of Virginia at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell serves as the flagship, drawing visitors from across the state each fall.
From the apple orchards of the Blue Ridge to the tobacco fields of Southside, Virginia's agricultural diversity shapes the character of each county fair. Home arts divisions featuring quilting, canning, and baking remain central to the experience, alongside 4-H youth programs, FFA competitions, and the carnival midways that bring families back year after year.
Top County Fair Events in Virginia
- State Fair of Virginia — Meadow Event Park, Doswell; late September through early October; livestock, home arts competitions, craft vendors, carnival rides, and grandstand entertainment
- Rockingham County Fair — Harrisonburg; mid-August; one of the strongest agricultural fairs in the Shenandoah Valley with 4-H livestock and home arts
- Augusta County Fair — Fishersville; early August; Shenandoah Valley agricultural traditions with livestock shows and quilting competitions
- Chesterfield County Fair — Chesterfield; late August; community-centered fair south of Richmond with 4-H exhibits and home arts
- Clarke County Fair — Berryville; August; one of the oldest county fairs in Virginia, running since the 1930s, with a strong agricultural and community focus
What to Expect
Virginia county fairs typically run from late July through October, with the heaviest concentration in August and September. Livestock shows feature cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, and poultry, with 4-H and FFA youth competitions forming the backbone of many events. Home arts buildings showcase quilting, canning, baked goods, and flower arrangements, all judged with ribbon awards.
The Shenandoah Valley fairs tend to be the most traditional, emphasizing agricultural heritage and community gatherings. Fairs closer to Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads area often include larger vendor markets and more entertainment options. Admission ranges from free at smaller fairs to around $10-15 at the State Fair of Virginia.
Popular Cities for County Fairs
- Richmond — The State Fair of Virginia at nearby Doswell anchors the fall fair season in central Virginia
- Charlottesville — Albemarle County and surrounding Piedmont fairs celebrate the region's farming heritage
- Staunton — Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley fair circuit with strong agricultural traditions in Augusta and Rockingham counties
- Roanoke — Salem Fair and surrounding Blue Ridge county fairs feature mountain agricultural heritage and home arts
See all craft events in Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the State Fair of Virginia?
The State Fair of Virginia is held in late September through early October at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, north of Richmond. It runs for about 11 days and features livestock competitions, home arts exhibitions, craft vendors, carnival rides, and grandstand concerts.
What are the best county fairs in the Shenandoah Valley?
The Rockingham County Fair in Harrisonburg and the Augusta County Fair in Fishersville are two of the strongest in the Valley. Both feature robust livestock shows, 4-H youth programs, and home arts competitions including quilting and canning. The Shenandoah County Fair in Woodstock is another well-regarded event.
Do Virginia county fairs have quilting competitions?
Yes. Quilting is a longstanding tradition at Virginia county fairs, particularly in the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge regions. Most fairs include home arts divisions with competitive categories for quilts, along with canning, baking, and needlework. The State Fair of Virginia also has a dedicated textile and needlework competition.