Get in the driver's seat at Big Truck Night, taking place the night before the 64th Annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Farm Show at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Va. At this fair preview night from 5 to 10 p.m. August 3, you'll score free parking, beat the carnival crowds and get a sneak peek at some of the fair's offerings. Children of all ages will enjoy sitting in big trucks, tractors and more. Stick around after dark for an outdoor screening of Cars II. Return to the park Aug. 4 – 5 for old-fashioned country fun and 4-H exhibitors. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fryingpanpark

Get in free! The Arlington County Fair, scheduled for August 8 – 12 at Thomas Jefferson Community Park in Arlington, Va., is one of the largest free events on the East Coast, according to its website. There's tons of kids' entertainment to get little ones excited; head to the Kids' Court for free face painting, inflatables, a monster mural and games. Then, purchase ride tickets and take advantage of popular rides, including the Zipper, the Heart Flip and the Rainbow. arlingtoncountyfair.us

Enter a cheese-carving contest at the Montgomery County Fair in Gaithersburg, Md. This year's fair runs Aug. 10 – 18 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds with the theme “Sew It, Grow It, Show It.” You'll find all the county fair staples—parades, 4-H demonstrations, pig races and carnival rides—plus lots of quirky happenings: hermit crab races, a toilet decorating contest and yes, even a cheese-carving contest. mcagfair.com

Cheer at a monster truck show or one of the other nightly grandstand performances set to take place at the Prince William County Fair, set for August 10 – 18 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas, Va. This county fair has it all: rides, exhibits, show-barn performances, a demolition derby, tractor pulls and lots more. Go on Aug. 14 for Two Dollar Day or Aug. 12 for Half Price Day. pwcfair.com

See Victoria Justice and lots of other impressive performers at the Maryland State Fair, set for Aug. 24 to Sept. 3 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Justice, star of Nickelodeon series Victorious, will perform on Aug. 31 at the Racetrack Infield. While you're there, be sure to check out the extensive selection of carnival rides, live pumpkin carving and chainsaw sculptors, plus agricultural fair tours. Note: Tickets to concerts are not included in fair admission. marylandstatefair.com