Around Town

It was, both literally and figuratively, the calm before the storm.

The bottles were all lined up against the wall, awaiting their executioners. The lights were on at the rides, but the vehicles were frozen in place like cars on I-95 and crowded with fair workers savoring their last moment of downtime before the floodgates opened.


Events

Five days of live entertainment, family-friendly fun and, of course, food-eating contests kick off next week with the start of the 49th annual Arlington County Fair.

Starting next Wednesday, Aug. 13, and lasting through Sunday, Aug. 17, this year’s fair at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 2nd Street S.) includes a relocated beer garden and a new partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation.


Around Town

Matt Richards knows exactly what he wants to do on Saturday, Aug. 16: grab a beer and relax in the upper field at the Arlington County Fair.

After five years as chair of the Arlington County Fair Board, Richards is among those on the all-volunteer board who will be able to take a breath and enjoy the fruits of their labor this year thanks to a new partnership with the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation.


Schools

Four Arlington schools will be distributing cellphone storage pouches to students this year as part of an effort to restrict mobile phone use on campus.

The pilot program will kick off in mid-September at Wakefield High School, H-B Woodlawn (middle school only), Swanson Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School, APS announced in an email to parents Thursday.


Around Town

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.


Events

With free entertainment, family friendly attractions and food eating championships galore, the Arlington County Fair is returning next week.

New this year at the fair — which opens on Wednesday, Aug. 14 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 18. — is an additional eating competition. A burrito eating contest hosted by Los Chamacos will take place at 12:50 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, immediately after the Troy’s Italian Kitchen pizza eating contest and before the pie eating competition.


Events

The Arlington County Fair will open to the public on Wednesday, Aug. 16, continuing a four-decade tradition.

The fair — which features games, rides, food, musical performances and fun for all ages — runs through Sunday, Aug. 20 at Thomas Jefferson Community Center.


Events

Skate Night is coming back to Thomas Jefferson Community Center, marking its 30th year.

The family-friendly program is returning next weekend, on Saturday, Oct. 29, and going back inside for the first time since the pandemic. It will take place at Thomas Jefferson Community Center and is set to happen most Saturdays through the remainder of the fall, the winter, and into the spring. The last date scheduled is April 22.


Events

The Arlington County Fair is set to kick off this Wednesday and run through Sunday, Aug. 21.

As usual (though it was not without some debate) the fair is being held at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, at 3501 2nd Street S. It is free to attend and open to the whole family.


Events

Arlington residents can look forward to music shows, amusement rides and bouncy castles as the Arlington County Fair is set to return next month.

The annual county fair is scheduled to be held between Wednesday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, at 3501 2nd Street S. It is free to attend and open to the whole family.


News

The Arlington County Fair will be returning to Thomas Jefferson Community Center and grounds in 2022, the county parks department tells ARLnow.

The decision comes after the Arlington County Fair Board deliberated a change of scenery for the event for more than a year. Thomas Jefferson’s fields and community center space at 3501 2nd Street S. has been home to the fair for 45 years.


News

The board of the Arlington County Fair has its sights set on moving the annual event to Long Bridge Park.

But many residents who’ve weighed in say they’d rather see it stay at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center and grounds.


View More Stories