Date & Location
- October 2, 3 & 4
- 10 am – 5 pm each day
Tickets
- Individuals & Multi-car Groups: Tickets go on sale August 1st. (Multi-car groups of 20+ qualify for the discounted group rate!)
- Professional Tour & Large Bus Groups: Reservations are open now. Final headcount and payment are due by September 16, 2026.
- Kids (12 & under): Free admission with a paid Adult ticket!
- Waterford Foundation Members: Free admission as a benefit of your membership. Not a member? Click here to join!
- How much are tickets?
- A 3-day ticket is $55 in advance and $65 at the gate
- A single day senior (65+)/military/youth (13-21) ticket is $20 both in advance or at the gate
- A single day adult Ticket is $20 in advance and $25 at the gate
- Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult ticket
- Tickets are good any of the three days, no need to select a specific day.
- Do I need to buy my tickets in advance?
- No, but to help speed up your check-in you can purchase advance tickets online before arriving. Remember to print your online ticket or save the QR code to your phone for scanning at the ticket gate.
- You will exchange your online ticket for a “ticket of the day” which will give you access to Fair venues and tour properties.
- What is included with my ticket?
- Your ticket includes access to the Demonstrating Artisan areas, the Old Mill Shop, the Dried Flower Barn, Art at the Red Barn, Tour of Historic Homes and Gardens, all entertainment, living history exhibits, craft demonstrations, and hands-on activities for kids of all ages! Additional food, drink and artisans’ wares are not included and may be purchased separately.
- Follow these links for the tour and entertainment schedule
Need a place to stay?
- Here are our lodging partners for the 2026 Fair.
Where do I park?
There are 3 large parking fields at the Schooley Mill Meadow (Green lot), the Phillips Farm (Yellow lot) and the Water Street Meadow (Red lot). As you enter the village you will be directed by Fair traffic personnel. Don’t forget to note the color of your parking lot (or drop a pin on your phone) so you can easily find your way back to your car. Click here for the Fair Map
Accessibility & Shuttle Information
What to Expect
- Terrain: Waterford is a historic village with hills, uneven roads, and grassy fields. Navigating these surfaces can be challenging for those with mobility devices.
- Historic Buildings: Most private homes and historic structures on tour are not wheelchair accessible due to their age.
- Restrooms: Accessible portable restrooms are located at every ticket gate and at the Church drop-off.
Arrival & Parking
- ADA Drop-Off: A designated area is located at Catoctin Presbyterian Church (15565 High St). After drop-off, drivers should proceed to the Red Lot (15513 Loyalty Rd) to park.
- ADA Parking: Marked accessible spaces are available near the ticket gate at every lot. Please ask a traffic flagger to direct you upon arrival.
Shuttle Routes
- Purple Route (Vans): Continuous loop between the Red Lot, Village Center, Green Lot, and the Church. One van in this loop is equipped with a wheelchair lift.
- Orange Route (Golf Cart): This 6-seat shuttle services the Yellow Lot, Old Mill, Village Center, and Red Lot.
- On-Call Lift Service: If you need a wheelchair lift pickup from the Yellow Lot or Old Mill, please ask the staff at the ticket gate to radio for the Purple Van.
Note: Shuttles prioritize guests with mobility issues. We appreciate your patience during high-volume times.
What is the Home Tour schedule?
- Different homes, gardens and businesses are open each day of the Fair. In addition, the Second Street School and the Catoctin Presbyterian Church will be open all three days.
- Homes/properties will be marked in the Village, and will also be listed in the Fair Booklet that all attendees receive. Click here to find more information and the history of each property on tour.
Why should I attend a Tent Talk?
- To learn more about…history, perfume, growing beer in Loudoun!
- Talks are free but ticketed as seating is limited. Follow this link to learn more.
What is the schedule at the Main Stage on the Old School Lawn?
- Americana and old tyme musical artists perform all 3 days!
- View the schedule here
Do you have children’s activities?
- Yes! Many demonstrating artisans have a special children’s hands-on activity. You can see who does by looking for the small “hand” next to their name in the Fair booklet.
- Many roaming and stationed old-tyme street performers and entertainers can be found in the village. Play in a jug band, check out a working team of horses or watch an 18th illusionist’s show.
- There are two children’s play areas.
- At the Old School area, on the back lawn, kids can play “king of the mountain” on the large hay bale “mountain”
- Skip, hop, and balance on the brand new natural children’s play station in the Bond Street Barn Area
- Play is at your own risk
- This year kids can explore the village and solve the Waterford Explorer Cryptogram. Once they find all the locations, they fill out the cryptogram and take it to the information booth to get an explorer’s badge! Click here to download the cryptogram.
- Click here for more information about all of the kid’s activities at the Fair!
Do you allow pets?
We love them too…which is why we don’t allow pets at the Waterford Fair. Conditions are not comfortable for pets for several reasons, including lack of water, big crowds, heat, and no relief areas. We ask that you leave them home so you can both have a more enjoyable day. Service dogs are welcome.
How should I dress?
- Vibe: Casual and comfortable is the way to go. The Waterford Fair is rain or shine, so dress for the weather! In addition, during the Fair the Village is pedestrian only, so make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Weather: We are a rain or shine event—dress for the outdoors!
- Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be navigating hills, historic streets, and grassy fields.
Parking & Directions
General Parking Information
- Cost: Parking is FREE at all Waterford Fair lots.
- Surface: All parking is in meadows and pastures; terrain can be uneven.
- Navigation: Follow the color-coded signs as you approach the village. Our volunteer flaggers will guide you to the lot closest to the village entrance from the direction you arrive.
Know Your Lot (Where is my car?) Don’t forget to note your lot color when you head into the village—or drop a pin on your phone!
- Green Lot (Schooley Mill Meadow): Closest address is 15611 Second St.
- Yellow Lot (Phillips Farm): Located at the intersection of Milltown & Old Wheatland Rds.
- Red Lot (Water Street Meadow): Primary hub for ADA and Shuttles. Enter through the Waterford Elementary School main entrance (15513 Loyalty Rd).
Vehicle Restrictions
Can I drive my golf cart, ATV, motorcycle, bicycle, or ride my horse? The Fair is a pedestrian-only event. All village streets are closed to private vehicles from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. All visitors must park in designated lots. Please follow flagger directions to designated parking areas within the lots. These vehicles are not permitted inside the Fair boundaries.
Why do I see golf carts in the village? You will see carts in the village, but these are strictly for Fair staff, Volunteers, and Hamilton Fire/Rescue to assist with operations and emergencies.
Do you have a lost and found?
- After the Fair: If you’ve already left the village, please contact the Waterford Foundation office at 540-882-3018, ext. 0, or email [email protected].
- During the Fair: Visit the Information Tent located in the Village Center (near the Bond Street intersection).
Can I canvas for a politician/issue during the Fair?
To ensure a welcoming and heritage-focused environment for all guests, the Waterford Fair does not permit political canvassing, advocacy for local or national issues, or unauthorized solicitation of any kind.
- Policy: Handing out flyers, collecting signatures, or active campaigning is prohibited within Fair boundaries.
- Enforcement: Individuals found to be canvassing or soliciting will be asked to leave the Fair premises immediately.
Where do the funds raised from Fair go?
The Fair is the largest annual fundraiser for the Waterford Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your ticket purchase directly supports our mission to preserve the National Historic Landmark of Waterford and provide education about heritage and rural life.+1
Impact of Your Support:
- Historic Preservation: 86% of our funds go directly to the preservation of the National Historic Landmark village of Waterford, VA, and our year-round educational programs.
- Student Programs: We host the Second Street School (one-room schoolhouse experience) for 4th graders, as well as Reconstruction and Beyond programs for 7th and 11th-grade students.
- Waterford Craft School: We help preserve traditional fine crafts through hands-on, shared learning experiences. Check out our classes here!
To learn more about our work and how you can get involved, visit waterfordfoundation.org.