Arlington County Fair

The details: A 41-year-old “urban fair” whose theme this year is “Let’s Play!,” celebrating childlike joy and fun. Competitive exhibits include flower arranging and photography.
Food: Traditional fare plus food trucks with doughnut holes, vegetarian curry tamales, a peanut-butter-banana-and Nutella grilled sandwich, and more.

Kid stuff: Face-painting, bounce houses.

Oddest activity: A jam-and-jelly competition in which goods are judged on taste, color, consistency, and the jar’s seal.