What the State Fair of Virginia Is
The State Fair of Virginia is a ten-day fall fair at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, near Doswell. It draws more than 200,000 fairgoers and pairs midway fun with Virginia agriculture, livestock and equine shows, arts and culinary contests, and a scholarship program for young people. The most recent fair ran September 25 to October 4, 2026, under the theme "Best of Show." The next fair is scheduled for September 24 to October 3, 2027.
What You Will Find
- Main stage concerts, presented by Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance, plus free entertainment
- Amusement rides and fair food
- The famous racing pigs
- Animals and livestock, and livestock and equine shows
- Heritage Village, the Natural Resources Area, Meadow Pavilion and the Farm Bureau Center, with creative arts demonstrations
- An Artisan Market and official State Fair apparel
- The Giant Vegetable Weigh-Off and the Chainsaw Auction
- For 2026, the VA250 "Give Me Liberty" exhibition in Meadow Hall all ten days, and the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum from September 30 through October 4
Competitions and Ways to Enter
The fair runs competitions in culinary and creative arts, horticulture and field crops, equine, livestock, 4-H and FFA, and the Virginia Lumber Cup, and it holds a Sale of Champions. Results from the 2026 quilt, creative and culinary arts, and horticulture and field crops competitions are posted on the fair website. Youth livestock shows for beef, sheep, swine and meat goats take place on the second weekend, and 4-H and FFA contests including Junior Dairymen, Small Engines and Veterinary Science run during the fair week. The fair's General Rules and Guidelines govern all entries.
Scholarships
The fair funds the State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program, earned through scholarship competitions, and raises scholarship money through its own events. Awards are held by the fair until the recipient enrolls in an accredited college, university or trade program, and then paid directly to the institution. Funds not claimed before the recipient's 24th birthday revert to the fair's scholarship fund. The fair also offers an Educational Expo, school field trips and a School Travel Grant Program.
Veteran Farmer Recognition Award
The State Fair and Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance sponsor this award, now in its second year, for Virginia veterans who are currently farming, including those who took up farming after service or returned to it. Family, friends, community members or the veterans themselves could nominate by September 1. The 2026 ceremony was Thursday, October 1, in the main stage tent. Veteran support organizations could promote their services in the tent from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at no fee, receiving a parking pass and admission for two.
Where
The Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, VA 23047. The main phone is 804-994-2800. Executive director Marlene Jolliffe is at 804-994-2802.
Tickets
Admission and ride prices vary, and passes are available. Tickets are sold through the Tickets and Deals page on the fair website, which also links hours, directions, parking and group sales.
Questions
When is the next fair?
September 24 through October 3, 2027.
Can my child compete?
Yes, through the fair's 4-H and FFA competitions and youth livestock shows. Youth livestock nomination and entry deadlines fall in the summer, well before the fair.
Who do I call?
The State Fair of Virginia office at 804-994-2800.
Official Links
- State Fair of Virginia press release
- Ticket information and hours
- Livestock competitions
- 2026 dates and theme announcement: WTVR coverage
- State Fair of Virginia 2026: Richmond Magazine
Virginia County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Virginia county fairs run from late June into the fall. In 2026, fairs on one roundup ran from Orange County on June 24 to 27 to Shenandoah County on August 28 to September 5, per a fairs roundup. Dates may change.
State fair
The 2026 State Fair of Virginia ran September 25 to October 4 at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, per the fair press page. The youth beef, sheep, swine and meat goat shows were October 1 to 4, per the nomination letter.
Nomination and tags
Market animals needed nomination and DNA by July 1, and entries closed August 17 in 2026. Sheep and goats needed a scrapie tag, and cattle and hogs an 840 EID tag.
County rules
Shenandoah County required 4-H or FFA enrollment by February 1 and set ownership dates in March and June, per its 2025 rules.
2027 dates
A fair listing shows the Loudoun County Fair July 20 to 24, 2027, and the Prince William County Fair August 13 to 21, 2027. The State Fair of Virginia lists September 24 to October 3, 2027.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office or FFA advisor for the show book and tagging dates.
Weights and entry rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Virginia County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Virginia State Fair Junior Dairymen's Contest
Dairy knowledge and judging contest for youth during the first day of the State Fair of Virginia, run in the First Bank Show Ring. Held each year; the most recent date was Sept. 25, 2026.
Doswell, VA | Organizer: Virginia FFA Association Official event details - Virginia State Fair FFA Small Engines Contest
FFA-only small engines contest held in the Best in Show Tent on opening day of the State Fair of Virginia. Held each year; the most recent date was Sept. 25, 2026.
Doswell, VA | Organizer: Virginia FFA Association Official event details - Virginia State Fair Veterinary Science Contest
Veterinary science contest for Virginia students held in the Livestock Tent during State Fair week. Held each year; the most recent date was Sept. 28, 2026.
Doswell, VA | Organizer: Virginia FFA Association Official event details - Virginia State Fair Junior Forester's Contest
Forestry skills contest for young Virginians, staged at the Farm Credit Pavilion on the State Fair grounds. Held each year; the most recent date was Sept. 29, 2026.
Doswell, VA | Organizer: Virginia FFA Association Official event details - State Fair of Virginia Youth Livestock Shows
Culminating Virginia youth livestock show for cattle, sheep, meat goat and swine projects, with showmanship classes, at The Meadow Event Park. Held each year; the most recent dates were Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.