Great American State Fair: Street closures, parking restrictions and what to know

WASHINGTON - The 16‑day Great American State Fair, marking the nation’s 1776 founding with themed days celebrating the military, health initiatives, patriotism and Independence Day, began Wednesday as the country starts its celebrations.

READ MORE: Trump headlining Great American State Fair kickoff celebration on National Mall

Running from June 25 through July 10, the fair spans the National Mall from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument and features a 110‑foot Ferris wheel, the refurbished Smithsonian National Carousel, hands‑on activations, live music and state and territory experiences.

Officials say the event will bring a series of street closures and parking restrictions.

Street Closures & Parking Restrictions

The following streets were previously closed for the buildout of the Great American State Fair and will remain closed after the Fair concludes on Friday, July 10, 2026, to allow for event demobilization. The organizers have been in communication with all entities requiring access to these streets during this period.

• Madison Drive from 3rd Street to 14th Street, NW
• Jefferson Drive from 3rd Street to 14th Street, SW
• 12th Street from Madison Drive to Constitution Avenue, NW
• 12th Street from Jefferson Drive to Independence Avenue, SW

From Wednesday, June 24, 2026, through Sunday, July 11, 2026, the following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking:

• 7th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
• 4th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
• Constitution Avenue from 14th Street to 3rd Street, NW
• Independence Avenue from 14th Street to 3rd Street, SW

From Wednesday, June 24, 2026, through Sunday, July 11, 2026, the following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic. Pedestrian traffic may move north and south but will be required to undergo security screening. Members of the public who wish to travel from one side of the National Mall to the other without entering the security perimeter should use 3rd Street or 14th Street.

• 7th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
• 4th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, through Friday, July 10, 2026, the following streets may be closed intermittently for public safety:

• 14th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
• Constitution Avenue from 14th Street to 3rd Street, NW
• Independence Avenue from 14th Street to 3rd Street, SW

For timely traffic information, please visit x.com/DCPoliceTraffic.

Operating Dates & Hours

 June 25–July 10, 2026 (daily)

• Sunday–Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Thursday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• July 4th: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Tickets & Admission 

The Great American State Fair will be free and open to the public. Advance guest pre-registration will be encouraged; walk-ups are welcome. 

Register here.

Event Location & Entry Points

 The Great American State Fair will take place on the National Mall in Washington, DC, between 14th Street and 4th Street.

Attendees can enter the fairgrounds at the following entry points:

• 12th Street at Jefferson Drive SW and Madison Drive NW
• 7th Street at Jefferson Drive SW and Madison Drive NW

Daily Schedule Themes

• Thursday, June 25 — The American Canon: Opening Day
• Friday, June 26 — Land & Prosperity
• Saturday, June 27 — The American Canvas
• Sunday, June 28 — Military & Veterans Appreciation Day
• Monday, June 29 — Everyday Health and Well Being | MAHA Monday
• Tuesday, June 30— Future of America | Innovation, Technology & Progress
• Wednesday, July 1 — Faith, Values, and Inspiration
• Thursday, July 2 — Horsepower of America
• Friday, July 3 — Wings of Freedom
• Saturday, July 4 — Independence Day Celebration
• Sunday, July 5 — Heritage & Legacy
• Monday, July 6 — Longevity, Innovation & the Future of Health | MAHA Monday
• Tuesday, July 7 — Future of America | Education and Opportunity
• Wednesday, July 8 —Family Life and Community Support Celebrate
• Thursday, July 9 —Engines of Enterprise
• Friday, July 10 — The Next 250 | Innovation

READ MORE: Great American State Fair coming to DC: Everything you need to know

Security & Bag Policy

Visitors will be screened at all entrance points to the National Mall.

To enhance security screening and expedite entry into the event venue, all attendees will be required to follow the Clear Bag Policy outlined below.

Approved Bags Each guest may bring one (1) clear, see-through bag that does not exceed:

• 12" x 6" x 12" (approximately the size of one large freezer/gallon-size bag)

Alternatively, guests may carry:

• One (1) small clutch or purse not exceeding 10" x 6" x 2"

One (1) Diaper Bag is allowed when accompanying a child 6 or under.

All bags are subject to inspection upon entry.

Storage & Surrendered Items The United States Secret Service does not provide on-site storage or check-in accommodations for prohibited or oversized items. Any items left behind or voluntarily surrendered at security checkpoints will be discarded or turned over for destruction.

Guests are strongly encouraged to review all policies prior to arrival to ensure a smooth entry experience.

Parking & Transportation 

Guests are strongly encouraged to use rideshare or public transit, including metro.

We strongly recommend taking public transportation to the event. 

Plan your trip using the WMATA Trip Planner

Food & Drink

A variety of food, beverages, and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase throughout the fairgrounds at designated vendors and concession locations.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited inside the event grounds:

• Aerosols
• Ammunition
• Animals other than service/guide animals
• Backpacks and bags exceeding size restrictions
• Pocket Knives
• Food / Water Bottles
• Umbrellas
• Balls / Frisbees
• Bull Horns / Noise makers
• Skateboards / Scooters
• Lighters
• Bug Spray (aerosol)
• Drink Tumblers
• Balloons
• Bicycles
• Coolers
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• Explosives
• Firearms
• Flammable liquids
• Glass, thermal, or metal containers
• Laser pointers
• Mace/Pepper spray
• Packages
• Range Finders
• Raspberry-Pi Enagbled Devices
• Recreational motorized mobility devices
• Selfie sticks
• Structures
• Supports for signs and placards
• Toy guns
• Weapons of any kind. Firearms are strictly prohibited on the National Mall.

Drone Policy

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft (drones) on National Park Service property is strictly prohibited.

Re-Entry

Re-entry is permitted, however guests must go through security screening again.

More information can be found online.

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