News

All Applications Now Open for the 82nd Waterford Fair!

It’s that time of year again. Even as the winter chill lingers, our thoughts are already turning toward October—to the sound of laughter as families enjoy the Landmark, the vibrant colors in the Fine Art barn, old-time music on the main stage, and the incredible talent that fills every corner of our historic village during the Fair.

The 82nd Annual Waterford Fair is officially beginning its application process for all of the Fair venues, and we are looking for the makers, bakers, speakers, living historians, artists, chefs, and more, who make this event the quintessential Loudoun County fall festival.

Whether you’ve been with us for decades or you’re a new artisan looking for your first home in the village, we want to see what you’re creating. The Fair isn’t just about selling; it’s about the preservation of craft and the community that grows around it.

Because the Fair is such a diverse tapestry, our application process is handled specifically by venue. Please note that application deadlines vary depending on where you fit within the Fair.

To find the specific deadline and requirements for your area, please visit our Exhibitor Information Page.

Each year, we are humbled by the incredible quality of what is shared here, from masterfully crafted heritage goods and fine art to the local harvests and culinary treats that define our region. It is your collective talent and hard work that allow the Waterford Foundation to continue its mission of preservation and education. We can’t wait to see what the 82nd year brings to our tables, tents, and barns!

The heart of the Waterford Fair is captured in its imagery. Each year, we look for a signature “Waterford Scene”—a work of art that anchors our visual identity and inspires every visitor who joins us. We are now officially searching for the piece that will define the 2026 Waterford Fair.

Whether it’s a quiet corner of a stone cottage, a sweeping view of the hills, or the energy of Fair day, we want to see your vision of our historic village.

What We’re Looking For

The selected artwork (or a featured portion) will serve as the face of the 2026 Fair, showcased on the booklet cover and across all our promotional materials, from print ads to social media.

The Details:

• Media: We are looking for traditional media—paintings, drawings, and mixed media. Please note: we are not accepting digital work for the cover, and color images are preferred.
• Eligibility: To keep our imagery fresh, entries must have been produced after August 2024.
• Quantity: You can submit up to four (4) pieces for consideration.
• Format: Low-resolution images are fine for the initial application. If your work is selected, we’ll need a hi-res image. If you don’t have one, we can take it. We would just need the piece brought to Waterford so we can take it.

Why Submit?

Beyond having your work seen by tens of thousands of Fair fans, the selected artist receives full credit across all platforms. We also feature the winner in a press release and a social media spotlight to share your artistic background with our community.

Important Dates & Info

• Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Selection Notice: April 10, 2026
• Quick Tip for the App: When you’re filling out the form, if you don’t have a registered business name, just enter “N/A” in the Business field.

APPLY HERE

Example of how the image may be use:

Questions?

We’re happy to help! Reach out to the office at [email protected] or give us a call at 540-882-3018 x 7.

Click on image below or scan QR code to apply or nominate a speaker or historian.

We so appreciate your interest and consideration!

If you have any questions please email us at [email protected] or call 540-882-3018 x 4 or 7.

The 81st Waterford Fair was truly buzzing! Attendees—both locals and guests from further afield—had an incredible time exploring everything the weekend had to offer. The streets were vibrant with amazing arts and crafts, historical interpretations, old-time music, and delicious food.

There was something for everyone to enjoy: touring a historic home, learning to cast a candle, singing along with the troubadours, sampling the Fair Pale Ale, or attending a ‘tent talk’ hosted by the Waterford Craft School. Visitors were fully immersed in the unique atmosphere that makes Waterford so special.

A special thank you to Landmark Artisan Kristin Helberg for donating a hand-painted early American document box for our raffle. Congratulations to our lucky winner, Lani Walker!

With over 230 artisans showcasing their work throughout the village and inside the Foundation’s historic properties, fairgoers had the unique opportunity to engage directly with the artisans. This interaction—learning about the techniques and inspiration behind the beautiful handmade jewelry, stunning pottery, intricate textiles, hand-built furniture, and fine art—made for a genuinely enriching experience.

Many exhibiting artisans were thrilled with their sales and thankful for the chance to share their passion with such an enthusiastic audience! As the Fair wrapped up, participants and visitors alike left with great memories.

The Waterford Fair continues to be a beloved event that celebrates creativity, history, and traditions, solidifying its reputation as a cherished event in Loudoun County. Thank you to the local civic groups, businesses, sponsors, and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who supported our efforts and helped us reach our fundraising goal!

We hope you experienced a touch of ‘Fair magic’ and created joyful memories to cherish until we meet again next year.

Pencil the dates in your calendar now for the 82nd Fair, which will be held on October 2-4, 2026 (the first full weekend of the month).

We can’t wait to celebrate ALL of our volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Party on November 14^th! If you have not seen an invitation in your inbox please contact the office at [email protected] and we will make sure you get it.

Thank you to our incredible Fair Sponsors! Follow this link to check them out and show them some love.