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 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.
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!
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
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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