The 2025 Fauquier County Fair: Your Complete Guide

The 75th anniversary Fauquier County Fair returns July 16-19 to Warrenton, bringing four days of agricultural heritage, family entertainment, and community tradition to Northern Virginia. This milestone celebration marks three-quarters of a century of local agricultural tradition while providing one of the region's most authentic county fair experiences.

The essentials

When: July 16-19, 2025

• Wednesday-Friday: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Where: Fauquier County Fair Grounds, Old Auburn Road, Warrenton

• Important: Enter through Central Fauquier Sports Complex off Meetze Road
• Free parking available

Cost:

• Adults: $10
• Children 2-11 & Seniors 65 : $5
• Under 2: Free

Getting there (crucial details)

Do NOT enter from Old Auburn Road during fair week.

The route that works:

• Take Exit 28 from I-66 to US-17 South
• Follow Warrenton Bypass
• Exit at County Road 643 (Meetze Road) toward Warrenton
• Turn left, travel 1 mile to Central Fauquier Sports Complex
• Follow attendant directions to free parking

Pro tip: Carpool. Traffic gets heavy, especially for evening events.

Must-see entertainment

Begoon Brothers Bucking Bulls Rodeo

• Friday & Saturday at 7:00 PM
• Professional bull riding, barrel racing, rodeo clowns
• Arrive early for best seating

Jay Mattioli's Electrifying Magic

• Daily shows: 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM
• America's Got Talent quarter-finalist
• High-energy illusions with live animals

Live music lineup:

• Wednesday: Another Fine Mess Band (7:30 PM)
• Thursday: Eclectic Company Band (7:15 PM)
• Friday: Dowrong Band (5:00 PM)
• Saturday: Mountain Highway Bluegrass (6:00 PM)

Plus: Comedy Hypnotist Show nightly at 9:30 PM, Cirque Cyber Circus, and roaming performers.

Rides and games

Cole Shows Amusement Company provides carnival rides and games.

Hours:

• Wednesday-Friday: 5:00 PM - close
• Saturday: 2:00 PM - close

Pricing:

• Individual tickets: $1.25 each
• Bulk packages: 24 tickets/$25 or 72 tickets/$60
• Unlimited wristbands: $30 (or $25 pre-sale until July 16, 5 PM)
• Saturday all-day wristband: $40

Reality check: Wristbands aren't worth it for kids under 36 inches tall.

Agricultural competitions (the heart of the fair)

Each day features different livestock shows:

Wednesday:

• Barnyard Beauty Contest (6:00 PM)

Thursday:

• Dairy Goat Show (1:00 PM)
• Dairy Cattle Show (7:00 PM)
• Rooster Crowing Contest (9:00 AM)

Friday:

• Poultry Showmanship (10:00 AM)
• Meat Goat Show (1:00 PM)
• Sheep Show (5:00 PM)
• Chicken and Animal Parade (4:30 PM)

Saturday:

• Beef Cattle Show (10:00 AM)
• Youth Master Showman Contest (4:00 PM)

What's new: Required Livestock Exhibitor Agreement for all animal participants. Registration closes July 12.

Food contests (because why not?)

The lineup:

• Wednesday: Pie Eating Contest (5:00 PM)
• Thursday: Watermelon Eating Contest (5:00 PM)
• Friday: Pizza Eating Contest (4:00 PM)
• Saturday: Hot Dog Eating Contest (12:00 PM)
• Saturday: Best Apple Pie Contest (5:30 PM)

Family-friendly highlights

Special demonstrations:

• Sheriff's K-9 Demo (Wednesday, 4:30 PM)
• Professional Wrestling (Wednesday, 7:00 PM)
• Mounted Shooting Demo (Thursday, 6:00 PM)

Kids' activities:

• Daily games on Information Booth lawn
• Mechanical bull (all day, every day)
• Petting zoo and small animal barn

Saturday pageants:

• Teen & Miss Fauquier County Fair (2:30 PM)
• Baby contests (3:30 PM)

What to bring

Essential gear:

• Cash (many vendors prefer it)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen and water
• Chairs or blankets for shows (limited seating)
• Light, breathable clothing

The bottom line: Limited natural shade and July heat make preparation crucial.

Adults-only perks

Beer garden opens:

• Wednesday-Friday: 3:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM

Saturday special: All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast (8:00-11:00 AM)

Parking upgrades

Free standard parking through Central Fauquier Sports Complex.

VIP option: Limited premium parking passes available for purchase near Exhibit Building.

Fair warning: Traffic gets heavy. Arrive early for major events.

The weird and wonderful

Unique contests that make county fairs special:

• Frozen Feet Contest (Thursday, 5:30 PM)
• Bobble Head Contest (Friday, 6:00 PM)
• Booty Shake Contest (Saturday, 4:00 PM)
• Horseshoe pitching tournaments
• Cornhole competitions

75th anniversary significance

Why this year matters: The fair launched in 1950, making 2025 a diamond anniversary celebrating 75 years of agricultural tradition in Fauquier County.

What it represents: One of the region's last authentic county fairs, connecting rural heritage with modern community life.

Go deeper: Visit fauquierfair.com or email FauquierFair@gmail.com for updates.

FAQ

Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks? A: Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted at the fair. The event features numerous food vendors offering classic fair foods, and there's a beer garden for adults.

Q: Is the fair accessible for people with disabilities? A: Yes. The fair offers reserved ADA parking spots near the entrance, a designated drop-off lane, and accessible pathways throughout the grounds.

Q: What happens if it rains? A: The fair operates rain or shine. Some outdoor entertainment may be moved to covered areas, but most activities continue. Check the fair's social media or website for any weather-related updates.

Q: Can I re-enter the fair if I leave during the day? A: Re-entry policies vary by day and aren't clearly specified. It's best to contact the fair directly at FauquierFair@gmail.com or check at the gate when you arrive to confirm the current re-entry policy.

Q: Are pets allowed at the fair? A: For safety and health reasons, pets are generally not permitted at the fair (except for service animals). The fair features livestock and petting zoo animals, making it unsuitable for personal pets.

Ready to Experience the Fair?

Don't just read about it—be part of the tradition. Whether you're coming for the bull riding, bluegrass, fried Oreos, or just good old-fashioned family fun, the 75th Fauquier County Fair is a can’t-miss summer event in Northern Virginia.

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