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Fairfax County Carnival and Fair 2026 family guide
Quick answer
The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair runs July 30 through August 2, 2026, at Frying Pan Farm Park. Carnival hours are 10 AM to 8 PM Thursday, 10 AM to 10 PM Friday and Saturday, and 10 AM to 7 PM Sunday. Parking is $10 Friday through Sunday; rides cost extra.
Four-day Fairfax County fair with carnival rides, farm animals, 4-H activities, Friday Big Truck Night, food, and paid ride options.
- Hours
- Thursday, Jul 30, 10 AM to 8 PM
- Admission
- No separate admission price listed; $10 parking Friday-Sunday; rides, food, and extras cost extra
- Parking
- $10 per vehicle Friday-Sunday; no Thursday parking fee is listed; cash and credit accepted
- Reservations
- No general registration listed; $25 ride-wristband presale ends Thursday, July 30, at 10 AM
- Stroller friendly
- No
- Good for
- Ages 0 to 1, Ages 1 to 3, Ages 4 to 6, Ages 7 to 10 · Herndon, VA
- Address
- 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171
Before you go
Daily hours and what changes
Thursday is carnival rides and games from 10 AM to 8 PM. Friday runs 10 AM to 10 PM and adds Big Truck Night from 5 PM to 7 PM. Saturday runs 10 AM to 10 PM with the 4-H Fair opening ceremony at 10 AM. Sunday runs 10 AM to 7 PM with 4-H exhibits, activities, and farm demonstrations planned for the weekend.
Parking and admission boundary
The official page lists a $10 parking fee Friday through Sunday and accepts cash and credit. It does not list a Thursday parking fee or a separate general-admission price. Carnival rides, food, and other purchases cost extra, so a family should budget beyond parking.
Ride wristbands and individual credits
Unlimited ride wristbands work only Thursday or Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM. The presale price is $25 through Thursday, July 30, at 10 AM; after that, online and onsite wristbands cost $30. Individual credits are sold onsite from $1 for one credit to $100 for 125 credits, and most rides use four to eight credits.
The simplest family plan
Choose Thursday morning for the longest wristband window and the lightest published schedule. Choose Friday evening for Big Truck Night, or Saturday and Sunday when the 4-H exhibits and farm activities are the main reason to go. Confirm last-minute weather or schedule changes on the official page before leaving.
What parents are saying
Choose Thursday morning for the longest wristband window, Friday evening for Big Truck Night, or the weekend for 4-H exhibits and farm activities. Parking costs $10 Friday through Sunday, and rides cost extra.
Parent questions
When is the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair in 2026?
It runs Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2, at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon.
What are the 2026 fair hours?
Hours are 10 AM to 8 PM Thursday, 10 AM to 10 PM Friday and Saturday, and 10 AM to 7 PM Sunday.
How much is parking?
Parking is $10 per vehicle Friday through Sunday, with cash and credit accepted. The official page does not list a Thursday parking fee.
How much are ride wristbands?
Unlimited wristbands are $25 in presale through July 30 at 10 AM, then $30 online or onsite. They work only Thursday or Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Can families buy individual ride tickets?
Yes. Individual credits are sold onsite. Most rides require four to eight credits.
When is Big Truck Night?
Big Truck Night is Friday, July 31, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Which days have 4-H activities?
The official schedule places the 4-H opening ceremony, exhibits, activities, and farm demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday, with some times still listed as to be determined.