While many families assume county fairs are just carnival rides and cotton candy, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair offers something genuinely educational for all to enjoy over 9 days starting this Friday, August 8th through Saturday, August 16th.

This 76th annual event combines authentic agricultural experiences like livestock auctions, live births in the Moo-ternity Ward, and hands-on farming demonstrations with quality entertainment that actually engages both kids and adults.

Plus this year debuts the King Arthur Baking Contest featuring separate Coffee Cake Challenge for adults and Bar Cookie Showdown for youth (read how you can complete here).

It's an unexpectedly valuable family outing where children can witness real farming operations and parents can appreciate the agricultural heritage that still thrives in our backyard, complete with new demolition derby rules and that spectacular 8-foot wok firing up fresh chicken stir fry, alongside genuinely good community spirit.

Read the Potomac Loop’s comprehensive guide to the Fair here.

🚒 Local family rescued last week from flood waters near Bradley Boulevard and Holly Mercy Lane donated $10,000 to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services in gratitude. Read More (MyMCMedia)

🌳 Montgomery County's Reforest Montgomery offers free shade trees to eligible properties in priority funding areas, with spring applications accepted until this Friday (8/8). Check your eligibility and apply here.

🎨 Glen Echo Park Fall/Winter class registration for visual arts, dance, and music classes for all ages opens today (8/6) at 10am. Check out the catalog and register here.

🧠 Quincy's "Miguel Cairo School of Management" team qualified for BP Trivia's Season IX Championship in October, as Potomac teams dominate (5 of 8 recent champions). Find local venues here to join the fun.

Craft Your Room Mini-Camp. 10am-3pm @ Locally Crafted Workshop
One-day creative camp for ages 9-15 on designing personalized room decor including garlands, wall hangings, and custom posters. Register in link 🎨

Popsicle Palooza. 11am-1pm @ Lafayette Federal Credit Union Cabin John Village
Free community celebration featuring complimentary frozen treats, giveaways, Starbucks gift card drawings, and some friendly financial guidance. Open to all ages & families ☀️

Ask the Baker. 11am-2pm @ King Arthur Baking
Expert bakers answer questions, share tips, and swap stories at the new King Arthur pop-up, perfect for aspiring home bakers seeking professional guidance. 👩‍🍳

Jenn’s Uncommon Critters. 11am-12pm @ Potomac Library
Interactive educational program featuring unique animal ambassadors including reptiles, invertebrates, and small mammals in a show-tell-and-touch experience. 🦎

Six Pillars of Brain Health: Tips to Stay Sharp. 12-1pm @ Virtual
AARP Maryland presents evidence-based strategies for cognitive wellness covering nutrition, social connections, stress management, sleep quality, exercise, and mental engagement. Register in link 🧠

Manna Food Center Bingo Happy Hour Fundraiser. 5-8pm @ Pinstripes North Bethesda
Local real estate and mortgage professionals host an evening of bingo games and networking to support Manna Food Center's mission. $20+ donation to play 🎯

Book Launch: Songs for Other People’s Weddings. 7pm @ Politics & Prose, Conn Ave.
Acclaimed YA novelist David Levithan teams with Swedish singer-songwriter Jens Lekman for their collaborative novel about a wedding singer navigating love, featuring live musical performance by Lekman himself. First come, first serve seating + livestream 📚

Movies in the Parks: Inside Out 2. 8pm @ Montrose Park
Rockville's free outdoor movie series continues with Pixar's latest emotional journey projected under the stars, complete with Too Sweet Popcorn concessions. Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks 🍿

Complimentary Reading Screening. 9:30am-12pm @ McLean School in Potomac
Free Academic Reading assessment for kindergarten through grade 3 students to identify those needing early reading intervention, conducted by expert educators. Register for 1 of 10 remaining times in link 📖

Frolics & Diversions: Field Day on the Canal. August 8-9 @ Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
The C&O Canal's beloved annual celebration returns with family crafts, ranger-led historical tableaux, live music, and launch boat tours showcasing the waterway that defines our backyard heritage. Free event, runs 10am-3pm both days 🚤

The Magic of Gary the Great. August 8-9 @ Wolf Trap Theatre-in-the-Woods
This high-energy magic extravaganza features "organized chaos" with audience participation, comedy, and juggling designed to make children feel they control the magic themselves. Shows at 10:30am both days, tickets in link 🎩

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. 3pm-midnight @ Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds
Day 1 of a 9-day celebration featuring carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, demolition derby, monster trucks, live entertainment, and traditional fair food from local vendors. Tickets in link 🎡

Fun Fridays Outdoors on the Green. 5-7pm @ Cabin John Village
My Gym Potomac brings structured play and games to the grassy lawn behind Cabin John Village for family outdoor fitness fun. Free, register in advance in link 🤸‍♀️

Sunflower Spectacular. August 9-17 @ Butler's Orchard
Stroll through five acres of sunflowers with Instagram-worthy photo props, plus farm park fun, pick-your-own produce, and extended evening hours on select Saturdays. 8:30am-6pm standard hours, advanced reservations recommended 🌻

2025 Great Falls Kayak Race & Potomac Festival Picnic. August 9-10 @ Great Falls
Expert kayakers tackle Class V+ rapids across Virginia and Maryland lines over two days, with water levels determining which spectacular course they'll navigate, followed by the celebration picnic. 10am starts both days, watch from overlooks on either side of river 🛶

Learn & Craft: Climate Change. 10:30am-12:30pm @ Potomac Library
Local high school climate activists lead elementary-aged children in creating eco-themed bookmarks and activity sheets while learning simple ways to help the planet. Free, best for ages 5-10 🌱

Montgomery County Children's Business Fair. 11am-2pm @ Rockville Town Center
Young entrepreneurs ages 6-16 launch their own businesses for one day, developing everything from product creation to marketing strategy in this inspiring marketplace experience. Open to the public 💼

Shopping is My Cardio: Fit4Mom Body Boost HIIT. 10-11am @ Westfield Montgomery Mall
Monthly fitness series continues with high-intensity interval training from Fit4Mom MoCo, followed by retailer deals including Lancôme facials at Macy's and free samples at Nordstrom. Meet on Level 1 in front of Lilly Pulitzer 💪

Summer Smarts: Smithsonian Insect Experience. 11am @ Westfield Montgomery Mall
Smithsonian scientists bring live ant colonies and interactive learning to Center Court, featuring ant puppet storytelling, teamwork relay games, and a scavenger hunt passport through participating stores. Meet at Center Court 🐜

Now go share this with that neighbor who has never indulged on a deep-fried twinkie.

-Potomac Loop Team