Community Corner

D.C., Maryland Summer Festivals

Spend some time this summer at a few of Maryland and D.C.'s summer festivals and fairs.

Whether you’re a fan of festivals, fairs or barbecues, summertime typically brings out the best in each. Check out our list to see what Maryland and D.C. have in store for you this summer.

The Safeway Barbeque Battle

If you love to barbecue (or just love to eat it), don’t miss D.C.’s 20th Annual Safeway Barbeque Battle on Saturday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The battle occurs on Pennsylvania Avenue where you can take your kids on rides, check out one of the 30 bands scheduled to perform or just hang out and eat delicious barbecue. Admission is $12 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for children under 5. 

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Smithsonian Folklife Festival

If you happen to be on the National Mall between the Smithsonian museums between June 27 and July 1 or from July 4 through July 8, you’ll find yourself in the midst of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Featuring live music, entertainment, arts and crafts, food and much more, you’ll have the chance to explore different cultural traditions and lifestyles throughout the ages. Admission is free for the event.

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The Great American Festival

Start your Independence Day celebrations early at the Great American Festival. Head to the National Harbor Waterfront on Saturday, June 30 between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. for music, entertainment, food and drinks and of course, fireworks. Grab a sitter for this 21+ event and don’t forget to get your tickets ahead of time

Baltimore/Washington Caribbean One Carnival

If you’re interested in Caribbean culture, spend your weekend exploring it in Baltimore. On July 14 from noon to 10 p.m. and July 15 from noon to 9 p.m. check out a parade, arts and crafts vendors, live music and Caribbean foods at the Baltimore/Washington Caribbean One Carnival. The festival will start with the parade on Saturday near Lake Clifton Park in Baltimore; bring $10 for admission on Saturday and $15 on Sunday. 

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Featuring over 40 rides, all your favorite carnival foods (think fried Oreos) and tons of contests and exhibits, the annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair has something for everyone. The fair will take place on Chestnut Street in Gaithersburg from Aug. 10-18 and tickets are $10, but if you happen to be 11 years old or younger admission is free.

FestAfrica

Check out the 10th Annual African Festival for the State of Maryland from Aug. 11-12 in downtown Silver Spring. From 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Veterans Plaza you can explore African culture through a variety of cultural foods, music and dance, vendors, games and exhibits. Admission is free for the event.

Chesapeake Crab and Beer Fest

On Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. on the National Harbor Waterfront you get an all you can eat and drink experience with crabs, beer, live music, arts and crafts and other entertainment. The Crab and Beer Festival a pricier event (the cheapest packages run from $35-89, while the most expensive ones cost up to $1,600), so come hungry (and thirsty) for a day of crabs, beer and outdoor fun. 

Maryland State Fair

Head to Timonium, Md. between Aug. 24 and Sept. 3 for the Maryland State Fair. You’ll get all your typical fair events (rides, games, food and entertainment), as well as something you don’t find at every state fair: horse racing. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for children ages 6 to 11 and free for ages 5 and under.

Prince George’s County Fair

Where can you go to see a beautiful baby contest, a chain saw artist and pig and duck races all in the same place? The Prince George’s County Fair features all these events, along with plenty more from Sept. 6-9. Admission is $6 for ages 12 and over, $5 for ages 6 to 11 and free for ages 5 and under.



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