Your weekend plans have never looked better.
This weekend is all about the fair. From the Maryland State Fair to Ren Fest, get outdoors while summer's still hot with these must-see events!
Here's what's happening Friday, August 23, to Sunday, August 25.
Maryland State Fair | Maryland State Fairgrounds | 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD | Ongoing
From August 22 to September 2, experience over 100 acres of fair fun with carnival rides, food, 4-H exhibits, and live music from Hanson and Night Ranger. Get your drink on in the beer garden and watch livestock shows including thoroughbred horses and dogs! View the schedule here! Admission is $5-$10 (kids under 5 are free). Check it out here!
Maryland Renaissance Festival | 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD | Ongoing
Renfest is back! Beginning on Saturday, arrive in your finest Medieval garb and immerse yourself in the crowds of artists, knights, and wenches. Tour the grounds for artisanal vendors, roving musicians, and Shakespearean plays. The festival begins August 24 and runs through October 20. Adult admission starts at $20. Find out more here!
Chesapeake Crab, Wine, and Beer Festival | Southpointe at National Harbor | 802 National Harbor Boulevard, National Harbor, MD | Saturday
This food festival combines the best parts of a Mid-Atlantic summer! Feast on Maryland's famous blue crabs, sample local beer and wine, and take a load off with some live music. If you haven't been to a summer festival yet, now's your chance! Tickets are $30-$125. Buy them here!
The Beach Boys | Wolf Trap | Sunday
The penultimate California band is surfing through Wolf Trap! Bop along to the memorable harmonies of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "Good Vibrations" and experience the sound of eternal summer. Gates open at 1:30 p.m., and tickets start at $35. Buy them here!
St. Elizabeth Summer Carnival | St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church | 2700 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore | Saturday
Give summer a proper send-off with this all-ages celebration! Ride a zipline, drink some beer, and watch a pie-eating contest from 1 to 7 p.m. in Patterson Park. Find out more here. Wanna lend a hand? They need volunteers! You can sign up here.
17th Street Festival | 17th Street, P Street to R Street, NW, Washington, D.C. | Saturday
Explore Historic Dupont's thriving local scene with 100+ craft vendors featuring local businesses, nonprofits, and area politicians. Enjoy live music and dance performed right on the street! People from all walks will find something to love! Festival admission is free. Find out more here!
Sing-A-Long Sound of Music | Wolf Trap | Saturday
Ever wanted to be Julie Andrews, even just for a night? Wolf Trap is hosting a special interactive screening of everyone's favorite musical, Sound of Music! Sing your heart out to "The Hills Are Alive" and "My Favorite Things," and put on your best frock or lederhosen for the costume contest happening before the show! Tickets start at $25. Reserve them here!
Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes | 9:30 Club | Friday-Saturday
The Alabama Shakes frontwoman is claiming the stage for two nights in support of her debut solo album Jaime. Hear her powerful vocals on new tracks "History Repeats" and "Stay High." Tickets are $55 and include a copy of her new album. Buy them here!
Dear Evan Hansen | Kennedy Center | Ongoing
The winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen explores themes around mental illness with sensitivity and care. It's a "profoundly contemporary musical about life" that you won't want to miss! Admission starts at $79. Check it out here!
Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow | Belmont Farm Distillery | 13490 Cedar Run Road, Culpeper | Saturday
Love fine spirits? Take a shot! (no, literally). Between 12 and 5 p.m., sample 11 different Virginian distilleries, including Richmond's Belle Isle Moonshine and Belmont Farm! Live music by Steel Grey & Friends and BBQ will take your day to the next level. Tickets are $20-$35 and are for visitors 21+. You can find out more here!
What are your weekend plans? Let's hear them in the comments—we want to hear from you!
