Rappahannock
← Events
Featured Event

Waterford Fair

An 82-year tradition of heritage crafts, historic homes tours, and Americana in a National Historic Landmark village

When
Friday, October 2, 2026 · 10:00 AM
Dates
October 2–4, 2026 (82nd fair)
Hours
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Where
Village of Waterford, western Loudoun County
Tickets
On sale August 1; kids 12 & under free
Includes
Craft artisans, historic-home tour, live music
For 82 years the Waterford Fair has turned the entire National Historic Landmark village of Waterford into an autumn celebration of American craft and history. Held the first weekend of October, the juried fair brings together demonstrating heritage and contemporary artisans, living historians, a juried art show, and tours of the village's historic homes and properties. Visitors wander gravel lanes between 18th- and 19th-century houses, watching blacksmiths, weavers, potters, and other makers at work, catching Americana and old-time music on the main stage, sampling local libations, and joining Waterford Craft School talks and workshops. Proceeds support the Waterford Foundation's preservation of the village and its landscape. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. each day.

Highlights

Demonstrating heritage & contemporary artisans

Juried makers demonstrating throughout the village, many with hands-on children's activities.

Historic homes & properties tour

Your 'ticket of the day' grants access to tour the village's 18th- and 19th-century homes and sites.

Living history & Americana music

Living historians in period dress and old-time, folk, and Americana artists on the main stage all three days.

Waterford Craft School

Talks and workshops alongside the juried art show and local libations.

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes for gravel village lanes
  • Layers for a fall day (10 AM–5 PM)
  • Cash for artisans and vendors
  • A tote for craft purchases
  • Rain gear — the fair is rain or shine

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2026 Waterford Fair?

The 82nd Waterford Fair runs October 2–4, 2026 (the first weekend of October), 10 AM–5 PM each day, in the village of Waterford, VA.

How much are Waterford Fair tickets and when do they go on sale?

Tickets go on sale August 1 at waterfordfairva.org. Single-day and 3-day passes are available, with discounts for seniors, military, and youth; children 12 and under are free. Group and multi-car rates are offered.

Does the ticket include the historic homes tour?

Yes. You exchange your online ticket for a 'ticket of the day' that grants access to the fair venues and the historic tour properties.

Where is the Waterford Fair held?

In the National Historic Landmark village of Waterford in western Loudoun County, Virginia — the whole village becomes the fairgrounds.

Plan your visit with the Rappahannock app

Live updates, nearby wineries, farms & restaurants, and everything happening across Virginia's hunt and wine country — free.

Get the app