The DC State Fair is just over a week away, but today is our 17th birthday! And what a long way we’ve come since the first fair on August 28, 2010. We’ve grown from one table at a small community event, to a full-fledged day-long celebration of community pride, DC traditions, and the talents of Washingtonians. Throughout the years many things about the event have changed, but the DC State Fair has always been - and will always be - a celebration of the talent, creativity, and diversity that makes DC unique.

Whenever I meet someone who hasn’t heard about the DC State Fair before, their first comment is usually the same, “But DC’s not a state!” My reply is always “Not yet! But when we become one, we’ll already have a State Fair.” Our lack of statehood might mean we can’t keep federal troops off our streets and Congress out of local matters, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve a day to celebrate the District we love, to share our talents, and to spread joy.

As we celebrate the Fair’s birthday and get ready for the big event next week, we’re asking for your help to keep the DC State Fair free to attend for every neighbor and visitor. Your donations help us produce the Fair while staying true to our values: supporting small DC businesses, promoting sustainability, and paying our performers.

The DC State Fair is an all-volunteer operation, so every dollar donated goes directly to making this event happen.

Your birthday gift makes an immediate difference:

• $50 helps us buy contest ribbons

• $100 helps us offer composting and print posters

• $500 helps us rent performance stages

• $1000 helps us pay musical performers

Please join me in celebrating 17 years by giving today. Your donation, no matter the size, directly supports a community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving.

With gratitude,
Maggie Downing
President, DC State Fair

Donate Today

P.S. Not able to give right now? You can still help - share this email, follow us on Instagram, or start planning what you’ll bring to next year’s Fair. Every bit of support keeps this tradition alive.

Main Stage Line-up Announced!

The 17th Annual DC State Fair is Sunday, September 6th, 2026, at Anthem Row, in partnership with the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID).

Check out the full line-up with performers and demonstration details at the bottom of our Eventbrite, including the main stage headliner, SOROCHE.

RSVP to let us know we can look forward to seeing you at the fair!

RSVP & Stage line-up

Last Call: Pre-Order before midnight tonight, Friday August 28th

Chosen by you! You can pre-order the official 2026 DC State Fair T-shirt, designed by local artist Susan Lefler and made by Bailiwick Clothing Company.

Congrats again to our Design Contest winners Susan Lefler & Tian Buzbee. Their designs will be available on t-shirts and totes at the Fair on September 6th through the DC State Fair merch partner, Bailiwick.

Thank you again to everyone who voted for their favorite design, and thank you to the talented artists who submitted their creative, unique DC designs this year.

Ordering ahead means you’ll receive your shirt before the Fair, and if you can’t join us in person this year, it’s the perfect way to bring a piece of the Fair home with you.
Proceeds from the sales of this shirt will continue the mission of the DC State Fair.

T-Shirt Pre-order

For the first time, you can also pre-order a DC State Fair tote, featuring art from our second place winner in the Design Contest, Tian Buzbee!

Tote Pre-order

Call for Volunteers: Get Involved!

We welcome volunteers from around the DMV area:

• Assist local businesses and nonprofits with load-out after the Fair.

• Support the Main Stage and Education Stage presentations.

• Keep the Fair clean and green at our zero waste stations.

To sign up to volunteer for the 2026 DC State Fair, visit our SignUpGenius at the button below to choose one or more shifts. We plan to hold a virtual volunteer orientation on Tuesday, September 1st at 7pm.

For questions, contact us at membership@dcstatefair.org

Sign Up to Volunteer

*If you are interested in volunteering on contest day tomorrow (August 29th), email Willa@DCStateFair.org

The DC State Fair recently moved to Substack for newsletter updates.

To change what notifications you receive, visit the “Manage your Subscription” page. To receive the annual call for vendors updates and other vendor-specific emails, toggle on the “Vendor” section. For media-specific updates like press releases, you can toggle on the “Media” section.

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

Subscribe now

Copyright © 2026 DC State Fair. All rights reserved.

Pre-orders now open

Chosen by you! You can pre-order the official 2026 DC State Fair T-shirt, designed by local artist Susan Lefler and made by Bailiwick Clothing Company.

Pre-orders are only open Monday, August 24th through Friday, August 28th.

Ordering ahead means you’ll receive your shirt before the Fair, and if you can’t join us in person this year, it’s the perfect way to bring a piece of the Fair home with you.

Don’t wait - this is a limited-time opportunity to celebrate DC’s community tradition in style. Proceeds from the sales of this shirt will continue the mission of the DC State Fair.

We look forward to seeing you at the fair!

T-Shirt Pre-Order

For the first time, you can also pre-order a DC State Fair tote, featuring art from our second place winner in the Design Contest, Tian Buzbee!

Tote Pre-Order

Congrats again to our T-Shirt Design Contest winners Susan Lefler & Tian Buzbee!

Susan Lefler’s first place winning design is featured on the 2026 official DC State Fair t-shirt, and Tian Buzbee’s second place winning design is featured on the official DC State Fair tote bag!

These designs will be available at the Fair on September 6th through the DC State Fair merch partner, Bailiwick.

Thank you again to everyone who voted for their favorite design, and thank you to the talented artists who submitted their creative, unique DC designs this year.

Main Stage Line-up Announced!

Check out the full line-up with performers and demonstration details at the bottom of our Eventbrite, including the main stage headliner, SOROCHE.

RSVP to let us know that we'll see you at the fair!

RSVP & Stage Line-up

Get Involved

Call for Volunteers:

Help make DC State Fair magic happen! We are an all-volunteer operation and we need your help. Join us for a couple of hours on fair day and be a part of the team of DC-loving community members who keep this event going.

• Assist local businesses and nonprofits with morning load-in.

• Support the Main Stage and Education Stage presentations.

• Keep the Fair clean and green at our zero waste stations.

To sign up to volunteer for the 2026 DC State Fair, visit our SignUpGenius at the button below to choose one or more shifts. We plan to hold a virtual volunteer orientation on Tuesday, September 1st at 7pm.

*If you are interested in volunteering on contest day (August 29th), email Willa@DCStateFair.org

For questions, contact us at membership@dcstatefair.org

Sign Up to Volunteer

Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees.

Donate

The DC State Fair moved to Substack for newsletter updates.

To change what notifications you receive, visit the “Manage your Subscription” page. To receive the annual call for vendors updates and other vendor-specific emails, toggle on the “Vendor” section. For media-specific updates like press releases, you can toggle on the “Media” section.

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

Subscribe now

Copyright © 2026 DC State Fair. All rights reserved.

The 17th Annual DC State Fair is Sunday, September 6th, 2026, at Anthem Row in Downtown DC

Are you growing a garden haul, or composting your kitchen scraps? Either way, we have contests for you! There are many opportunities to win a blue ribbon, with culinary contests including Best Pickle, Best Cornbread, Best Mumbo Sauce and Best Salsa! For beekeepers, we have Best Honey Contests. For creatives, register to share your Best Poem, Needlepoint and Quilt! For homebrewers, we have Best Hoppy, Malty, Roasty, and Fruity, in addition to Best Dry and Sweet Cider.

With specific kids contests from Best Drawing, to Best Slime, and live contests like Flower Arranging and Pie Eating, there is something for all ages!

On the day of the Fair, we will judge just a handful of contests: Best Outfit, Pie Eating, Flower Arranging, Black Jar Honey, Best Mac and Cheese, and Best Chili. We still ask that you register ahead of time.

Some contests fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute!

Most contests will be judged before the fair, so make sure you (or someone on your behalf) be in town Saturday, August 29th to drop off your entry at MLK Jr. Memorial Library.

*Best Homebrew/Cider can be dropped off the week leading up to August 30th at metrobar during their open hours.

All winners will be announced at the fair on Sunday, September 6th at Anthem Row in Downtown DC.

Make sure to read the full contest rules for details and register before the deadline of 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21st.

Register for Contests

Congrats to our T-Shirt Design Contest winners Susan Lefler & Tian Buzbee!

Susan Lefler’s first place winning design will be featured on the 2026 official DC State Fair t-shirt, and Tian Buzbee’s second place winning design will be featured on the official DC State Fair tote bag! Pre-order information coming soon, stay tuned!

The winning designs will be available at this year’s Fair through DC State Fair merch partner, Bailiwick.

Thank you everyone who voted for their favorite design, and thank you to the talented artists who submitted their creative, unique DC designs this year.

Check out the full agenda with performers and demonstration details on Eventbrite.

RSVP to let us know that we'll see you at the fair!

RSVP & Agenda

Get Involved!

Call for Volunteers:

Help make DC State Fair magic happen! We are an all-volunteer operation and we need your help. Join us for a couple of hours on fair day and be a part of the team of DC-loving community members who keep this event going.

• Assist local businesses and nonprofits with morning load-in.

• Support the Main Stage and Education Stage presentations.

• Keep the Fair clean and green at our zero waste stations.

To sign up to volunteer for the 2026 DC State Fair, visit our SignUpGenius at the button below to choose one or more shifts. We plan to hold a virtual volunteer orientation on Tuesday, September 1st at 7pm.

*If you are interested in volunteering on contest day (August 29th), email Willa@DCStateFair.org

For questions, contact us at membership@dcstatefair.org

Sign Up to Volunteer

Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees.

Donate

The DC State Fair moved to Substack for newsletter updates.

To change what notifications you receive, visit the “Manage your Subscription” page. To receive the annual call for vendors updates and other vendor-specific emails, toggle on the “Vendor” section. For media-specific updates like press releases, you can toggle on the “Media” section.

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

Subscribe now

Copyright © 2026 DC State Fair. All rights reserved.

We are excited to announce our headliner musical act for our main stage!

SOROCHE incorporates traditional Colombian percussion like the tambora (the heartbeat of cumbia) along with poetic lyrics and multi-instrumental melodies, proudly wearing their cultural roots on their sleeves. SOROCHE seeks to represent the immigrant experience by transmogrifying modern and traditional sounds into a danceable alchemy that crosses cultural borders and dancefloors.

Check out the full agenda with performers and education demonstration details on the bottom of our Eventbrite. RSVP to let us know that we'll see you at the fair!

RSVP & Agenda

Main Stage agenda

11:05 AM - 11:35 AM

Pocket Threes

11:40 AM - 12:10 PM

Jump DC

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Agriculture and Art Contest Winners Announced

12:50 PM - 01:10 PM

Best Outfit Contest

01:15 PM - 01:45 PM

National Hand Dance Association

01:50 PM - 02:10 PM

Flower Arranging Contest

02:15 PM - 02:45 PM

Culinary Contest Winners Announced

03:25 PM - 03:55 PM

Pie Eating (Kids contest and Adults contest)

04:00 PM - 04:30 PM

Talent Show performance

04:35 PM - 05:05 PM

Elijah Jamal Balbed featuring JoGo

05:10 PM - 06:00 PM

SOROCHE

Get Involved!

Last Call for Judges Today:

We welcome volunteer judges from around the DMV area, and we especially need judges for the agricultural contests and art contests this year.

• Remember, you cannot judge any contest that you’ve entered. For full contest rules, see our Contest Guide.

• Most contest judging will happen on Saturday, August 29th, which is one week before the fair, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library at 901 G St NW.

• Some contests are judged virtually so you can review from the comfort of your own couch!

Sign Up to Judge Contests

Call for Volunteers:

Help make DC State Fair magic happen! We are an all-volunteer operation and we need your help. Join us for a couple of hours on fair day and be a part of the team of DC-loving community members who keep this event going.

• Assist local businesses and nonprofits with morning load-in.

• Support the Main Stage and Education Stage presentations.

• Keep the Fair clean and green at our zero waste stations.

To sign up to volunteer for the 2026 DC State Fair, visit our SignUpGenius at the button below to choose one or more shifts. We plan to hold a virtual volunteer orientation on Tuesday, September 1st at 7pm.

*If you are interested in volunteering on contest day (August 29th), email Willa@DCStateFair.org

For questions, contact us at membership@dcstatefair.org

Sign Up to Volunteer

The DC State Fair recently moved to Substack for newsletter updates.

To change what notifications you receive, visit the “Manage your Subscription” page. To receive the annual call for vendors updates and other vendor-specific emails, toggle on the “Vendor” section. For media-specific updates like press releases, you can toggle on the “Media” section.

Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees.

Donate

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

Subscribe now

Copyright © 2026 DC State Fair. All rights reserved.

We will need your help to choose the winning design! Voting will end at 11pm on Sunday, August 16th.

The winning designs will be available at this year’s Fair. The first place design will be sold as a t-shirt, and the second place design will be sold as a tote bag. The winning designer will receive their very own t-shirt/tote bag and a mentorship session with the CEO of the local apparel brand and official DC State Fair merch partner, Bailiwick.

The first and second place winners will be announced on Instagram on Monday, August 17th!

Vote for your favorite T-Shirt design

Time is running out to sign up for DC State Fair contests!

The 17th Annual DC State Fair is Sunday, September 6th, 2026, at Anthem Row in Downtown DC

Are you growing a garden haul, or just one pepper plant in a pot? Either way, we have contests for you! There are many opportunities to win a blue ribbon, with culinary contests including Best Pickle, Best Savory Pie/Galette and Best Salsa, to agriculture contests like Best Heirloom Tomato and Best Compost!

We have new contest categories this year like Best Outfit and Best Hot Pepper. With specific kids contests from Best Drawing, to Best Slime, and live contests like Flower Arranging and Pie Eating, there is something for all ages!

Some contests fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute! Most contests will be judged before the fair, so make sure you (or someone on your behalf) be in town August 29th and/or the week leading up to August 30th (Best Homebrew/Cider) to drop off your entry. All winners will be announced at the fair on Sunday, September 6th at Anthem Row in Downtown DC.

Make sure to read the full contest rules for details and register before the deadline of 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21st.

Register for Contests

Get Involved!

Call for Volunteers:

Help make DC State Fair magic happen! We are an all-volunteer operation and we need your help. Join us for a couple of hours on fair day and be a part of the team of DC-loving community members who keep this event going.

• Assist local businesses and nonprofits with morning load-in.

• Support the Main Stage and Education Stage presentations.

• Keep the Fair clean and green at our zero waste stations.

To sign up to volunteer for the 2026 DC State Fair, visit our SignUpGenius at the button below to choose one or more shifts. We plan to hold a virtual volunteer orientation on Tuesday, September 1st at 7pm.

*If you are interested in volunteering on contest day (August 29th), email Willa@DCStateFair.org

For questions, contact us at membership@dcstatefair.org

Sign Up to Volunteer

Call for Judges:

We welcome volunteer judges from around the DMV area, and we especially need judges for the agricultural contests and art contests this year.

• Remember, you cannot judge any contest that you’ve entered. For full contest rules, see our Contest Guide.

• Most contest judging will happen on Saturday, August 29th, which is one week before the fair, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library at 901 G St NW.

• Some contests are judged virtually so you can review from the comfort of your own couch!

Sign Up to Judge Contests

The DC State Fair recently moved to Substack for newsletter updates.

To change what notifications you receive, visit the “Manage your Subscription” page. To receive the annual call for vendors updates and other vendor-specific emails, toggle on the “Vendor” section. For media-specific updates like press releases, you can toggle on the “Media” section.

Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees.

DONATE

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

Subscribe now

Copyright © 2026 DC State Fair. All rights reserved.

The winning design will be sold exclusively at this year’s Fair as both a t-shirt AND a tote bag. The winning designer will receive their very own t-shirt/tote bag and a mentorship session with the CEO of the local apparel brand and official DC State Fair merch partner, Bailiwick.

We will need your help in choosing the winning design!

Public voting will end at 11pm on Sunday, August 16th.

Vote for your favorite T-Shirt design

From left to right: designs by Camryn Anderson, Susan Lefler, Kevin Rushton, Nick RisCassi, Tian Buzbee

The winning design will be announced on Instagram on Monday, August 17th!

Register for remaining contests before they fill up!

The 17th Annual DC State Fair is Sunday, September 6th, 2026, at Anthem Row in Downtown DC

Are you growing a garden haul, or just one pepper plant in a pot? Either way, we have contests for you! There are many opportunities to win a blue ribbon, with culinary contests including Best Pickle, Best Savory Pie/Galette and Best Salsa, to agriculture contests like Best Heirloom Tomato and Best Compost!

We have new contest categories this year like Best Outfit and Best Hot Pepper. With specific kids contests from Best Drawing, to Best Slime, and live contests like Flower Arranging and Pie Eating, there is something for all ages!

Some contests fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute! Most contests will be judged before the fair, so make sure you’ll be in town August 29th and/or August 30th (Best Homebrew/Cider) to drop off your entry. All winners will be announced at the fair on Sunday, September 6th at Anthem Row in Downtown DC.

Make sure to read the full contest rules for details and register before the deadline of 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21st.

Register for Contests

Call for Volunteers: Get Involved!

We welcome volunteers from around the DMV area:

• Assist local businesses and nonprofits with morning load-in.

• Support the Main Stage and Education Stage presentations.

• Keep the Fair clean and green at our zero waste stations.

To sign up to volunteer for the 2026 DC State Fair, visit our SignUpGenius at the button below to choose one or more shifts. We plan to hold a virtual volunteer orientation on Tuesday, September 1st at 7pm.

For questions, contact us at membership@dcstatefair.org

Sign Up to Volunteer

*If you are interested in volunteering on contest day (August 29th), email Willa@DCStateFair.org

The DC State Fair recently moved to Substack for newsletter updates.

To change what notifications you receive, visit the “Manage your Subscription” page. To receive the annual call for vendors updates and other vendor-specific emails, toggle on the “Vendor” section. For media-specific updates like press releases, you can toggle on the “Media” section.

Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees.

DONATE

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

Subscribe now

Copyright © 2026 DC State Fair. All rights reserved.

We are extending the deadline to midnight on Saturday, August 1st. We are excited to see your creative designs!

The winner will receive a free t-shirt/tote bag featuring the design, which will be sold at the Fair. The winner will also receive a mentorship session with the CEO of the local apparel brand Bailiwick.

Visit our website for full details, or see the post on Instagram.

Not the artsy type? We will need your help in choosing the winning design! Public voting will run from August 3rd - 16th through our t-shirt contest website.

The winning design will be announced on Instagram on August 17th!

Register for remaining contests before they fill up!

The 17th Annual DC State Fair is Sunday, September 6th, 2026 at Anthem Row in Downtown DC

Are you growing a garden haul, or just one pepper plant in a pot? Either way, we have contests for you! There are many opportunities to win a blue ribbon, including new contest categories this year like Best Outfit and Best Hot Pepper. With specific kids contests from Best Drawing, to Best Slime, and live contests like Flower Arranging and Pie Eating, there is something for all ages!

Some contests fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute! Most contests will be judged before the fair, so make sure you’ll be in town August 29th and/or August 30th (Best Homebrew/Cider) to drop off your entry. All winners will be announced at the fair on Sunday, September 6th at Anthem Row in Downtown DC. See contest rules for details on how to submit entries.

Make sure to read the full contest rules and register before the deadline of 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21st.

Let’s celebrate the wealth of talent Washingtonians have to offer!

Register for Contests

Call for Volunteers: Get Involved!

We welcome volunteers from around the DMV area:

• Keep the Fair clean and green at our zero waste stations.

• Ensure local businesses have a positive experience as vendors for the event.

• Bring out your inner child at the kids zone so everyone has a fun and safe day.

• Much, much more!

To sign up to volunteer for the 2026 DC State Fair, visit our SignUpGenius to select one or more shifts. For questions, contact us at membership@dcstatefair.org

*If you are interested in volunteering on contest day (August 29th), email Willa@DCStateFair.org

The DC State Fair recently moved to Substack for newsletter updates.

To change what DC State Far Substack notifications you receive, visit the “Manage your Subscription” page. To receive the annual call for vendors updates and other vendor-specific emails, toggle on the “Vendor” section. For media-specific updates like press releases, you can toggle on the “Media” section.

Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees

DONATE

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

Subscribe now

Copyright © 2026 DC State Fair. All rights reserved.

The DC State Fair T-Shirt Design contest is back this year. Sketch, design and let your imagination shine. We can’t wait to see how you showcase DC’s spirit and creativity.

This popular pre-Fair contest is open through July 30th, just a few days away!

The winner will receive a free t-shirt/tote bag featuring the design, which will be sold at the Fair. The winner will also receive a mentorship session with the CEO of the local apparel brand Bailiwick.

Visit our website for full details, or see the post on Instagram.

Not the artsy type? We still need your help in choosing the winning design. Public voting is August 3rd - 16th through our t-shirt contest website.

The winning design will be announced on our Instagram on August 17th!

Register for remaining contests before they fill up!

Are you planning to pickle this summer? Are you an expert on composting? We have contests waiting for you! There are many opportunities to win a DC State Fair ribbon, including new contest categories this year like best hot pepper and best outfit. With specific kids contests for art and poetry, and live contests like flower arranging and pie-eating, there is something for all ages!

Some contests fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute! Most contests will be judged before the fair, so make sure you’ll be in town August 29th and/or August 30th to drop off your entry. All winners will be announced at the fair on Sunday, September 6th at Anthem Row in Downtown DC. See contest rules for details on how to submit entries.

Make sure to read the full contest rules and register before the deadline of 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21st.

Let’s celebrate the wealth of talent Washingtonians have to offer!

Register for Contests

Call for Volunteers: Get Involved!

We welcome volunteers from around the DMV area:

• Keep the Fair clean and green at our zero waste stations.

• Ensure local businesses have a positive experience as vendors for the event.

• Bring out your inner child at the kids zone so everyone has a fun and safe day.

• Much, much more!

To sign up to volunteer for the 2026 DC State Fair, visit our SignUpGenius to select one or more shifts. For questions, contact us at membership@dcstatefair.org

*If you are interested in volunteering on contest day (August 29th), email Willa@DCStateFair.org

The DC State Fair recently moved to Substack for newsletter updates.

To change what DC State Far Substack notifications you receive, visit the “Manage your Subscription” page. To receive the annual call for vendors updates and other vendor-specific emails, toggle on the “Vendor” section. For media-specific updates like press releases, you can toggle on the “Media” section.

Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees

DONATE

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

Subscribe now

Copyright © 2026 DC State Fair. All rights reserved.

Make sure to read the full contest rules and register before the deadline of 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21. Some contests fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute! Most contests will be judged before the fair, so make sure you’ll be in town August 29-30th to drop off your entry. All winners will be announced at the fair on Sunday, September 6 at Anthem Row in downtown DC. See contest rules for details on how to submit entries.

Let’s celebrate the wealth of talent Washingtonians have to offer!

Register for Contests

2026 T-Shirt Design Contest

Also, we are excited to announce our second annual Official 2026 DC State Fair T-Shirt design contest! This popular pre-Fair contest will open on July 16th and designs will be accepted through July 30th. The winner will receive a free t-shirt/tote bag featuring the design, which will be sold at the Fair! The winner will also receive a mentorship session with the CEO of the local apparel brand Bailiwick.

Visit our website for full details, or see the post on Instagram.

Upcoming events:

Want to learn more about this year's contests and what else we have planned for the fair? Come say hello at an upcoming event

FRESHFARM Farmer’s Market:

• Sunday July 19th at Union Market from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The DC State Fair recently moved to Substack for newsletter updates.

To change what DC State Far Substack notifications you receive, visit the “Manage your Subscription” page. To receive the annual call for vendors updates and other vendor-specific emails, toggle on the “Vendor” section. For media-specific updates like press releases, you can toggle on the “Media” section.

Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees

DONATE

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

Subscribe now

Copyright © 2026 DC State Fair. All rights reserved.

The list of contests is available on our website at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2026-contests. Check out the lineup - filled with classics like best pie and best mumbo sauce, and newcomers like best hot pepper and best outfit! You can start preparing now. We plan to open registration in early July.

Keep an eye on our website, Instagram and this newsletter for announcements.

Upcoming events:

Want to learn more about this year's contests and what else we have planned for the fair? Come say hello at one of these upcoming events

District Creates Festival on June 28th, presented by The DC Makers’ Guild!

DC State Fair Board members will also attend Farmer’s Markets in July:

• Saturday, July 11th at THEARC from 10:00 - 2:00

• Sunday July 19th at Union Market from 10:00-2:00

Are you a DC-based small business owner? Apply now if you are interested in joining us as a vendor this year!

Please share our call for vendors with local businesses you love.

Apply now!

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Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees

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The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and delicious foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.

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Save the Date: The 17th Annual DC State Fair is Sunday, September 6th

Mark your calendars: the 2026 DC State Fair will take place on Sunday, September 6th in downtown DC.

It's the 17th year of the DC State Fair and the 250th year of America, so we are bringing you a bigger-and-better-than-ever experience this year.

In celebration of this major milestone, this year’s fair is moving to Labor Day weekend! Be sure to mark your calendars now because the fair will take place earlier than it has in the past. We’re excited to share more soon about the partnerships and special plans we have in store for this year’s event. Stay tuned for details!

Key Dates:
May: Vendor/Exhibitor Application Opens
June: 2026 Contests Announced
July: Contest Registration Opens & T-Shirt Design Contest 
August: Performer Lineup Announced

Until then, keep working on perfecting your BBQ sauce, tending your tomatoes, and creating your incredible crafts. And help spread the word about the fair with your friends, neighbors and favorite small businesses - forward this email to the best DC based baker, crafter, or gardener in your contact list! 

We can't wait to see you at the fair!

The DC State Fair Board

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Your donation — no matter the size — directly supports a joyful, community-powered tradition in the heart of DC. Thank you for helping us keep the Fair thriving and free for attendees.

The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s agricultural and creative talents and a celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and deep-fried foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. Learn more at dcstatefair.org.