If you’re looking for some of the area’s best activities & attractions in one spot, you’ll want to visit the Washington County Fair! This fun-filled week of entertainment, rides, animals and more continues to reign supreme as New York’s #1 Agricultural County Fair! This year, the Fair will take place August 19 – 25, 2024.
Far more than cotton candy and carnival games, the Washington County Fair has been a vital part of our community for over a century. With its many unique buildings and structures, the Fair becomes a one-stop showcase of the best tastes, sights and sounds of Washington County, NY! Whether you’re craving classic midway rides, the thrill of a pulling contest or the taste of a fresh maple cider donut, there’s only one way to experience it all at once.
Let’s explore what to expect at the 2024 Washington County Fair!
Get a Taste of Our Area at the 2024 Washington County Fair
As the backbone of Washington County’s economy, we live and breathe agriculture in its many forms! The Fair celebrates this fact, allowing residents and visitors alike the chance to see, taste & explore how their favorite products are made, from milk to maple. In fact, each day of the week has a different theme! On Thursday (both Children’s Day and Maple Day), high school-age kids and under enjoy free admission, as well as carnival rides reduced by one ticket. That day you can enjoy a uniquely sweet experience: an all-day Maple Scavenger Hunt and demonstrations in the Maple Trailer!
Of course, you’ll also want to pop by the County Bounty building to enjoy the Farmers’ Market, a great opportunity to chat with local farmers, sample their goods, and purchase products made right here in Washington County, NY! You’ll also find both Washington County Tourism and information about our 250th Anniversary history celebration in that building, so stop by to say hi and chat about what’s happening in the county.
Want to enjoy a locally-made craft beverage? Visit the Craft Beverage Corral in the County Bounty building each day starting at 12 PM! There, you’ll be able to enjoy tastings of locally-made beer, wine, cider and spirits.
Are you a lover of carnival rides? Each ride at the 2024 Washington County Fair takes between 2 – 5 tickets. Or, visit on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, the Fair’s hand-stamp days with unlimited rides from noon til closing for only $25.
Try New Fair Favorites and Twists on the Classics
For foodies, the 2024 Washington County Fair is a tasty treat, gathering tons of great options in one place. It can be tough with so many great treats to choose from! This year, the tradition of voting continues – help your favorite win by scanning the QR code at each participating location; the winner will be crowed Sunday during the Chainsaw Auction.
Be on the lookout for these delicious new options: Buffalo Wing Fries from Fries Before Guys, S’mores Sundaes from Polar Bear Ice Cream, Deep Fried Dough Cinnamon Dough Kabobs from F&W and Cotton Candy Milkshakes from Crazy Shakes. More new treats include Tie-Dye Energy Smoothies from Jungle Juice, Chicken Sandwiches from Prime Concessions, Lobster Mac & Cheese Eggrolls from Hearts Concessions, and Caramel Macchiatos from S&S Concessions. Yum!!
Entertainment Available at the 2024 Washington County Fair
Every year, the Washington County Fair features a range of great local musicians, comedians, entertainers and instructors! This means you’ll find fun for everyone, all week long. Check out the daily schedule to discover everything from veggie car races and the mustache/mullet contest to barrel racing, drill teams and beyond. Don’t miss the Draft Horse Exhibition Under the Lights in the Horse Arena on Saturday at 8 PM!
When it comes to daily entertainment, visitors have a range of options! From the Living Zultar to the mobile blacksmith, pig racing to chainsaw artistry, you’ll love seeing all the Fair has to offer. For a truly unique agricultural experience, visit The Big Push Birthing Center on Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM – 10 PM to witness the miracle of life in the form of a new baby cow!
Or, you should check out the Front Porch Stage near the Family Pavilion to hear from some talented local musicians. This year’s lineup consists of Catalyst Quartet, Greene Brothers, Spellbound, Ragged Rascal, David Payne, Northern Borne, and Burns More Bridge. On the Caboose and Broadway Stages, you’ll find entertainers performing daily! These include Pirate Dan, the Benjamin Jackson Hypnotist Show, Jay Mattioli Electrifying Magic, October Rose and Buffalo Barfield.
But, that’s not all! Each night in the main Entertainment Tent, you’ll find popular performances like Kevin Warren Music, Our Region’s Got Talent, Adirondack Fiddlers, Shake Rattle & Roll, Big Sky Country, The Beetles and Not Sorry Band.
At the Grandstand: Adrenaline-Fueled Action
Of course, there’s one big area we haven’t talked about yet: the Grandstand and Motorsports Arena! This year, you can enjoy a Demolition Derby on Monday, WCF Rodeo on Tuesday, and Garden Tractor Pulls and 4WD Diesel Truck Pulling on Wednesday. On Thursday, you can find the Tri-County Antique Tractor Club’s display, as well as the 4WD Gas Truck Pulling Contest. Then come some fan favorites: Out of Field Tractor Pulls on Friday and NYSTPA Sanctioned Tractor Pulls on Saturday. Finally, the week is topped off with the Power Wheel Derby and another Demolition Derby on Sunday!
First-Hand Learning: Arts, Ag and More
As one of New York’s best agricultural-focused county fairs, what better place to learn about the rural way of life? Don’t miss your chance to explore the Washington County Farm Museum at the fairgrounds, with live demonstrations throughout the week from skilled artisans!
A hit last year, the “Fleece to Shawl” competition returns Sunday at 1 PM in the County Bounty building! There, you’ll be able to see teams of fiber artists racing to take raw wool through the whole garment-making process: skirting, carding, spinning and weaving! What a great chance for an up close & personal look at what it takes to make your favorite knitted clothing, from scarves to sweaters. Explore the daily schedule to discover your family’s can’t-miss events and learning opportunities.
Make Your Plans Now to Attend the Washington County Fair in New York State
From fun-filled days to thrilling nighttime entertainment, nothing beats a day at the Washington County Fair. Pre-order your tickets before the gates open on August 19.
Discover what to expect at the 2024 Washington County Fair in this neat video:
Make Your Trip to the 2024 Washington County Fair Even Better
Of course, that’s just the start of the many fun things to do across Washington County, New York in the summer! Explore our many outdoor recreation options, from fishing and paddling down the Battenkill, horseback riding, cycling, or golfing.
Additionally, If you’re looking for great places to stay, you’ll find accommodation ranging from farm stays and campgrounds to renovated historic structures and quaint bed & breakfasts. So, we hope to see you here in Washington County, NY soon!
