Excitement is in the air as the 2024 Arlington County Fair gets underway.
As the sun set on the Thomas Jefferson Community Center park yesterday (Wednesday), hundreds gathered to enjoy the first night festivities and delight in breathtaking rides, sweet treats and classic games.
Upon arrival, the fair was buzzing with energy, filled with laughter, music and the occasional roar of the rides. The fairground was teeming with game booths inviting visitors of all ages to try their hand at milk bottle tossing and basketball shooting and compete for stuffed animals and other prizes. Older fairgoers, meanwhile, took on the challenge of more adult-oriented games like archery and axe throwing.
A highlight of the fair was The Brute, a massive claw-shaped attraction where riders sat in floorless seats with their feet dangling as the claw rotated and swung back and forth. Those looking for a more relaxed ride opted for the Ferris wheel, which offered stunning views of the fairgrounds.
The streets were lined with food stalls filling the air with the aroma of funnel cakes, corn on the cob and barbecue. There was also a beer garden serving local beers and a shady spot where you could relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The fair continues tonight from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and lasts until Sunday, August 18.
Below you will find the schedule for outdoor activities this weekend.
- Friday, August 16: 2:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, August 17: 10:00-22:30
- Sunday, August 18: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Admission is free and tickets are available online or in person for $1.25 each or in packages of $25 for 24 and $60 for 72 tickets.
Parking restrictions and a number of road closures will be in place in the area surrounding the fair. Official fair parking is available a little further away at the courthouse. A free shuttle service is available. See more information from ACPD below.
The Arlington County Fair will be held August 14-18 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2.and Street South. Arlington County Police will close the following streets due to the event:
- 2nd Street S. between S. Jackson Street and S. Irving Street will be closed from August 14, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to August 18, 2024, 11:00 p.m.
- S. Old Glebe Road between S. Glebe Road and 2and On August 14, 15 and 16, 2024, Street S. will be closed daily from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- S. Old Glebe Road between S. Glebe Road and 2nd Street S. will be closed to bus traffic only on August 17 and 18, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.
Additional road closures not mentioned above may be made in the interest of public safety at the discretion of the police.
Street parking is restricted in the area. Motorists should be alert for temporary no parking signs, and illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed, please use the online portal to find out the status of your vehicle and its location. The online portal is updated in real time. If you are unable to locate your vehicle or need additional assistance using the online portal, call the county’s non-emergency number at 703-558-2222. For more information on getting to the fair, visit the event organizer’s website.
