What are the dates and times of the 2024 Waterford Fair?
October 4, 5 & 6, 10 am – 5 pm each day, early bird tickets are available Friday only.
How much are tickets?
There are several options:
- 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
- On Friday, there is an early bird option that grants access to demonstrating artisans and the old mill shop at 9 am. This ticket is $45
- Follow this link to purchase tickets: https://www.eventeny.com/dashboard/events/event/tickets/ticket/?id=9244
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 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.
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
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 this link for the tour and entertainment schedule
Is there a shuttle?
We offer a shuttle (with wheelchair lift) for our folks that have mobility issues. The shuttle runs continuously during Fair hours with 6 stops around the Village, including all three parking lots. During the busiest times of the day, your wait time may increase. Shuttle stops are show on the Fair map.
Is the Fair wheelchair accessible?
- The Waterford Fair takes place throughout the historic village of Waterford and its surrounding fields. With its hills and uneven roads and sidewalks, it is not easy for folks with mobility challenges to navigate. We offer accessible restroom facilities and parking at each entry gate.
- The shuttle does have a wheel chair lift.
- A designated ADA drop-off area is located at Waterford’s Catoctin Presbyterian Church (15565 High St.). After drop-off, please proceed to the Red Lot (15513 Loyalty Rd.) to park.
- There are marked accessible parking spaces near the ticket gate at each lot, just ask a parking flagger to direct you to the area.
- Most of the historic buildings and private homes on tour are not wheelchair accessible.
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: https://www.waterfordFairva.org/historic-homes-tour-2024/
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 or by clicking here.
- Many roaming and stationed old-tyme street performers and entertainers can be found in the village. Play with an old world clown, 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
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?
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
Can I drive my golf cart/ATV, motorcycle, bicycle or ride my horse?
- Golf carts, ATVs, bicycles and horses are not allowed within the Fair proper. The is a pedestrian only event and all streets are closed from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
- All vehicles will be directed to one of our designated lots.
- Follow our volunteer flaggers directions. They will guide you to the lot closest to the village entrance from the direction you arrive.
- You might see golf carts around the village, but these are used by our staff and Hamilton Fire/Rescue to help with Fair operations and emergencies.
Where is my car?
- There are 3 parking fields
- Schooley Mill Meadow (Green lot), closest address: 15611 Second St.
- Phillips Farm (Yellow lot), closest address: intersection of Milltown & Old Wheatland Rds.
- Water Street Meadow (Red lot, enter through the Waterford Elementary School main entrance), closest address: 15513 Loyalty Rd.
- Don’t forget to note the color of your parking lot when you leave the ticket gate area for the village (or drop a pin on your phone) so you can easily find your way back to your car.
- Follow this link to the Fair map
Do you have a lost and found?
Yes, lost and found is at the Welcome Tent in the village center. After the Fair, you can contact the Waterford Foundation office at 540-882-3018, ext. 0, to check for items
Can I canvas for a politician during the Fair?
- To ensure a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all attendees, we DO NOT permit political canvassing of any kind.
- Folks found to be canvassing will be asked to leave the Fair.
Where do the funds raised from Fair go?
The Fair is the largest fundraiser for the Waterford Foundation, whose mission is to preserve the national historic landmark of Waterford and education folks about rural life in Virginia. Over 86% of our funds go directly to support our programs, such as the Second Street School program for 4th graders, the 7th and 11th grades Reconstruction and Beyond Programs (US Post-1865), and the Waterford Craft School, which helps preservice fine craft through shared learning experiences. Learn more about the Foundation at waterfordfoundation.org.