Your D.C. Weekend: County fairs, plus "Dancing With the Stars"
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It's still summer, but county fair season is officially underway in the D.C. region.
Why it matters: Corn dogs and funnel cake. Need we say more?
State of play: Two local fairs are kicking off this weekend — with several more opening across the region later in August.
🎡 Fairfax County Summer Carnival and Fair
This fair in Herndon kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday.
- Highlights include Big Truck night (Friday), an opening ceremony (Saturday), a rabbit show and judged dog demos (Saturday), plus shows for pigs, goats, sheep and cows (Sunday).
- Plus all the classics like fair food, an animal farm, games and rides.
- Free entry, with varying prices for ride packages. $10 parking.
🎡 Prince William County Fair
Head to Manassas for this fair starting Friday and running through Aug. 8.
- This weekend, check out a demo derby Friday, a fireworks show Saturday and a rodeo Sunday. And next week, events include a monster truck show and a tractor pull.
- Throughout the fair's run, also expect live music, a beer garden, a petting zoo, camel and pony rides, a dog show — plus fair food and rides, of course.
- Entry is $25 for adults, $15 for kids, and free for littles under 4.
What we're watching: Fair szn is only just beginning.
- To put on your calendar: Howard County Fair (Aug. 8-15), Arlington County Fair (Aug. 12-16), Montgomery County Agriculture Fair (Aug. 14-22), D.C. State Fair (Sept. 6), Prince George's County Fair (Sept. 10-13).
More fun things to do this weekend
🎉 The annual anime and manga fan fest, Otakon, returns to the Convention Center Friday through Sunday. (Ticket prices vary)
📚 MahoganyBooks is hosting its annual Black Books Matter fest Saturday at National Harbor, with author panels, signings and a kids' storytime. (Free, reservations required)
🕺"Dancing With the Stars" fans: Catch Derek Hough performing his dance moves live at MGM National Harbor on Saturday. (Tickets start around $80)
🎾 Get your tennis on at the Mubadala D.C. Open, which is running this week with the semi-finals on Saturday and finals on Sunday. (Ticket prices vary)
🎶 Colombian reggaeton icon Karol G will perform at Northwest Stadium on Sunday. (Tickets start around $180)