State Fair of Virginia

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Cultural & TraditionalDoswell
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsFew American state fairs can trace an
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

State Fair of Virginia in Doswell

The State Fair of Virginia runs each late September into October at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, a former farm now devoted to the fair and other large gatherings. Inaugurated in 1854, it combines livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, midway rides, and live entertainment across roughly ten days, drawing visitors from across the Commonwealth to celebrate Virginia's farming traditions.

The State Fair of Virginia was inaugurated in 1854, making it one of the oldest continuously recognized state fairs in the country, born in an era when agricultural societies used fairs to spread new farming techniques and celebrate the harvest across a still-rural Commonwealth.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few American state fairs can trace an unbroken lineage back to 1854, making Virginia's among the oldest agricultural fairs in the country

02

The mystery stays covered

Its setting adds another layer of distinction: the Meadow Event Park was once The Meadow, the working farm that bred Triple Crown winner Secretariat, so the fairgrounds themselves carry a documented piece of American sporting history alongside the fair's own

03

The city starts moving

The event blends serious agricultural competition, judged livestock, crop exhibits, and 4-H showcases, with the populist pleasures of a classic American fair, midway rides, fried food, and a nightly concert series, giving it a dual identity as both a working agricultural showcase and a ten-day carnival for a broad statewide audience

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Judged livestock and agricultural competitions dating to the fair's earliest years remain the core of the event

Water and renewal

Living ritual

alongside 4-H and FFA youth showcases that connect each generation of Virginia farm families to the fairgrounds

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

For State Fair of Virginia, plan transport around the exact Doswell venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes suited to walking on fairground gravel and grass; a layer for cool early-autumn evenings is worth packing.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For State Fair of Virginia, stay near the part of Doswell you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map37.86 N, 77.46 WOpen in Google Maps

Doswell, VA

Nearest airportRIC — Richmond
TransportFor State Fair of Virginia, plan transport around the exact Doswell venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor State Fair of Virginia, stay near the part of Doswell you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Doswell via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Doswell, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes suited to walking on fairground gravel and grass; a layer for cool early-autumn evenings is worth packing.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is State Fair of Virginia?

State Fair of Virginia is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does State Fair of Virginia take place?

The festival is listed in Doswell, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Doswell, VA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLstatefairva.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusOfficial source linked
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