Events

The annual county fair features a performance by country music band Lonestar on Aug. 18, gospel with Dailey & Vincent Aug. 15, carnival rides and more. Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds 890 West Main St., Berryville, VA | 540-955-3755, 540-955-2530

Demolition derbies, monster trucks, hermit crab races, loads of farm animals and, of course, plenty of gut-busting fried foods are what make MoCo's annual fair a beloved tradition. Montgomery County Fairgrounds 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg, MD | 301-963-3247

Agricultural and livestock exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, food vendors and other activities. Unlimited ride wristbands are $16 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; $18 on Friday; and $20 on Saturday. Individual ride tickets are $2 on Tuesday. Admission on Aug. 14 is $2. Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, VA | 703-368-0173

The event features numerous blue ribbons, a midway, concerts and an attempt at building the world record setting crab cake. Maryland State Fairgrounds 2200 York Rd., Timonium, MD | 410-252-0200

In addition to the 4-H judging, there are dance exhibitions, carnival rides, pig and duck races, a horse pull competition and a beautiful baby contest. Prince George's County Equestrian Center 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD | 301-442-7393

The Queen Nicotina pageant and livestock auction are held among animal and domestic exhibits, carnival attractions, musical entertainment, games and pig races. Charles County Fairgrounds 8440 Fairground Rd., La Plata, MD | 301-932-1234

Live music, agricultural exhibits, rides, food vendors and many more activities. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds 1450 Generals Hwy., Crownsville, MD | 410-923-3400

A day-long living history event features army reenactments, crafts, live music and refreshments of the early 1800s. After 6 p.m., it's Tavern Night, with period food, drink, music and bar games. Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum 10515 Mackall Rd., Leonard, MD | 410-586-8501

Agricultural displays, food vendors, rides, activities and live music from Pistol Annies (Sept. 15), the Gaither Vocal Band (Sept. 16), Scotty McCreery (Sept. 21) and Foreigner (Sept. 22). Frederick County Fairgrounds 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick, MD | 301-663-5895

The county fair features animals, exhibits, vendors, performers, games and a carnival. On Thursday, admission and lunch are free for seniors and the handicapped until 2 p.m.; Friday, age 17 and younger enter free until 4 p.m. Bring a canned food donation Friday. Calvert County Fairgrounds 140 Calvert Fair Drive, Barstow, MD | 410-535-0026