The DC State Fair is a FREE showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a daylong celebration of all things homegrown. While the DC State Fair is inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, animal husbandry, and deep-fried foods—it also honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. This means the DC State Fair holds competitions to find the best pupusas, mumbo sauce, and Double Dutch jumpers in the city, puts on a Pet Parade instead of a pig race, and works with local businesses and organizations that are committed to helping our community thrive. A schedule of events will be posted as soon as it is available.

The eighth annual DC State Fair will take place Sunday, September 24, 2017, at Waterfront Station in Southwest DC (375 and 425 M St. SW).

Contests

Our contests for kids and adults highlight local talent and foster friendly competition among District of Columbia residents. Several favorites will return in 2017 (including honey, homebrew, pickled foods, pie, and the history-making Best Bud), and new contests have been added (including bread, fiber art, and wine). For the second year, live competitions will encourage Fairgoers to get the recognition they deserve as the best hula-hooper, watermelon seed spitter, or whisker warrior in town.

Pet Parade

For the third year, friendly pets on leashes, in cages, in tanks, or in aquariums are invited to march in our Pet Parade. Pets and their owners are encouraged to don costumes or enter our pet-themed contests, from Most Unidentifiable Mutt to Best Frisbee Catcher, Best Tennis Ball Fetcher, and Longest Sit-Stay.

Education, Entertainment and More

The Fair will be packed with activities and entertainment for everyone. Our Education Stage will feature demonstrations and workshops coordinated by Knowledge Commons DC. Our Main Stage will feature live competitions and performances from local artists. Our Kid’s Corner will feature free activities for children and kid-specific contests like Ice Cream Eating and a Water Balloon Toss.

Vendors and Exhibitors

More than 35 food, drink, art, and craft vendors will showcase and sell their wares at the Fair. Local businesses will offer apparel and accessories for people and pets, prints, posters, plants, ceramics, kitchen supplies, home goods, and more. Twenty government agencies and nonprofit organizations will also exhibit at the Fair.

Want to participate in the DC State Fair? Enter a contest, volunteer, or just show up on the big day! Learn more at http://www.dcstatefair.org.