2026 Waterford Fair
A Celebration of Americana
October 2-4 | Waterford, Virginia
A Fall Celebration of American Arts and History Since 1944
The Waterford Fair is the mid-Atlantic’s quintessential fall festival with demonstrating fine heritage & contemporary craft artisans, living historians, a juried art show, historic properties tour, local libations, and entertainment for all ages.
Located in the National Historic Landmark of Waterford (f. 1733), this unique village is situated in Western Loudoun County, Virginia. Noted as “DC’s Wine Country”, we are only 55 minutes from the District of Columbia.
Event proceeds support the preservation and education efforts of the Waterford Foundation, a 501(c)(3).
2026 Waterford Fair News & Updates
What You’ll Find at the Waterford Fair…
Juried Artisans
Artisans who demonstrate at the Waterford Fair are juried by professionals in their field. Their work must be made with traditional methods and display the highest quality of their craft. You can watch these artisans and interact with them throughout the village during the Fair as they demonstrate their craft. Many artisans have special activities for children.
Historic Home Tours
Homes on tour during the Waterford Fair will be marked with signs in the Village. Locations can be found in the Fair booklet, which will be available on-site.
Exhibits & Demonstrations
The Waterford Fair values the preservation of traditional skills and historic methods, which is why demonstrations, talks, and exhibits are an important part of every Fair.
Music & Entertainment
Enjoy local favorites as they play traditional American music on the Main Stage at the Old School.
Historical interpreters will delight you as you walk the historic village throughout the weekend. You will be entertained and educated as musicians, illusionist, soldiers, perfumer, and more display their traditional talents!
Food & Libations
Delicious foods are available throughout the village so you can have meals, indulge in treats and buy home-made and artisan goods to take home.
The fair always features local beer and wine offerings for you to enjoy with your meals or while enjoying great American music and entertainment.
Kids Unplugged
The Waterford Fair is a great place to bring kids for a day of unplugged fun.
Children 12 and under are FREE with an adult ticket purchase!
Check back here for updates on children’s activities at the Fair!
Waterford Art Awards & Judges
2026 Cover Art
Colleen Regan’s “Walking Up to the Waterford Schoolhouse” Named 82nd Waterford Fair Cover Art
2026 Fine Art Judge Deborah Maklowski
We are pleased to welcome Deborah Maklowski as the judge for this year’s Fine Arts entries at the Waterford Fair.
An award winning artist and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Deborah Maklowski works in acrylic, colored pencil, and mixed media. She has juried national and international exhibitions and has been featured in Artists Magazine, Strokes of Genius: Best of Drawing, and PleinAir Magazine.
We can’t wait to see you at the Fair!