Step right up! Experience good old-fashioned family fun at the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair, coming to Frying Pan Farm Park from Thursday, July 31, to Sunday, Aug. 3. This year’s event is bigger than ever, featuring rides and games, fair food, tractor demonstrations, 4-H exhibits, farm animals, Big Truck Night and live entertainment.

Event Hours

Thursday, July 31

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.
• Big Truck Night: 5–7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 2

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–10 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Opening Ceremony: 10 a.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities, and farm demos): 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 3

• Carnival: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 5–7 p.m.
• 4-H Fair (Exhibits, activities and farm demos): 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• 4-H Fair Closing Ceremony: 4 p.m.

Please note: The carnival will pause daily from 4–5 p.m.

A $10 parking fee applies on Friday (after 4 p.m.) and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Cash and credit are accepted.

Carnival rides require tickets which can be purchased online or on site. Unlimited ride wristbands for Thursday and Friday are available for purchase: $21.25 per person (prepay online) or $25 per person at the gate between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wristbands are good for one day. Please note that an additional convenience fee will be applied to credit/debit transactions.

For ticketing details, visit the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair website.

The 4-H Fair takes place Saturday and Sunday. Currently in its 75th year, the event showcases Fairfax County youth achievements in agriculture, STEM, healthy living and civic engagement through hands-on exhibits, competitions and interactive activities.

"We’re excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Fairfax County’s 4-H Fair, honoring decades of positive youth development and accomplishments," said India Pearson, 4-H Extension Agent for Fairfax County. “This milestone is a tribute to the talent, dedication and future leadership of our youth here in Fairfax County.”

Visit the 4-H Fair Digital Guide for the full schedule of events

To learn more about the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, check out Fairfax County’s 4-H website.

“At its heart, the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is about bringing people together,” said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “Through our strong partnerships and community support, this event offers a vibrant space where families can enjoy classic fair fun, explore local resources, and build lasting memories. We’re grateful to all the sponsors and organizations who help make this annual tradition possible.”

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. For more information, visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website or call 703-437-9101.

The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is provided through a partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Fairfax County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.