Excitement is in the air as the 2024 Arlington County Fair kicks into gear.
As the sun set on Thomas Jefferson Community Center park yesterday (Wednesday), hundreds gathered to enjoy the first night festivities and enjoy heart-stopping rides, sweet treats and classic games.
Upon arrival, the fair pulsed with energy, filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and intermittent screams from the thrill rides. The midway was bustling with game booths, inviting visitors of all ages to try their hand at the milk bottle knockdown and basketball shootout, competing for stuffed animals and other prizes. Older fair-goers, meanwhile, took on the challenge of more adult-oriented games like archery and axe throwing.
A highlight of the fair was The Brute, a towering claw-shaped ride where riders sat in bottomless seats with their feet dangling as the claw rotated and swung back and forth. Those looking for a quieter ride opted for the Ferris wheel, which provided sweeping views of the fairgrounds.
Food vendors lined the paths, filling the air with the aromas of funnel cakes, corn dogs and barbecue. There was also a beer garden offering local brews and a shaded spot to relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The fair resumes this evening from 5-10:30 p.m. and continues through Sunday, Aug. 18.
Below is the schedule for outdoor activities this weekend.
- Friday, Aug. 16: 2-10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 17: 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 18: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Admission is free, and ride tickets are available online or in-person for $1.25 each, or in bundles of $25 for 24 and $60 for 72.
Parking restrictions and a number of road closures are in place in the neighborhood around the fair. Official fair parking is at a distance, in Courthouse, with free shuttle service provided. More, below, from ACPD.
The Arlington County Fair will take place from August 14–18 at Thomas Jefferson Community Center located at 3501 2nd Street South. The Arlington County Police Department will conduct the following road closures to accommodate the event:
- 2nd Street S., between S. Jackson Street and S. Irving Street, will be closed from 8:00 AM on August 14th, 2024, until 11:00 PM on August 18th, 2024.
- S. Old Glebe Road between S. Glebe Road and 2nd Street S. will be closed daily from 2:00 PM until 11:00 PM on August 14th, 15th and 16th, 2024.
- S. Old Glebe Road between S. Glebe Road and 2nd Street S. will be closed daily from 10:00 AM until 11:00 PM on August 17th and 18th, 2024 for Bus Traffic Only.
Additional road closures not mentioned above may be implemented at police discretion in the interest of public safety.
Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout 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 where it is located. The online portal is updated in real time. If you cannot locate your vehicle or need additional support using the online portal, call the County non-emergency number at 703-558-2222. For additional information on getting to the fair, visit the event organizer’s website.
