Western Idaho Fair
The action is non-stop at the Western Idaho Fair. Lovers of magic, music, and family fun can camp and attend every day for an unforgettable experience.
Event information
Magic and mystery abound at Western Idaho Fair. The fair hosts several intriguing artists who will mesmerize from start to finish and have you questioning the reality of it all. From exceptional card trickery to hypnotic wonders, the family will be spellbound and awestruck as they watch the acts.
Rappers, country music stars, and tribute bands grace the stage as fan favorites. Not to be missed are the aerialists who thrill with their bravery and skill. Lovers of comedy can experience side-splitting laughter at the shows in Garden City, Idaho. If you enjoy friendly competition, visit the exhibition arena to look for the biggest pumpkin and the tastiest pie.
The large and colorful midway has rides for all ages, from crazy roller coasters for the teens to a hilarious cartoon funhouse for the little ones. Don’t forget the delicious fried fair food; it’s part of a perfect day.
In the evening, retreat to your oasis on wheels for a peaceful night under the stars where you can rejuvenate to attend the fair again to see what you missed the day before. Enjoy the comfort of your home on wheels and take it wherever you go in the state as you explore and drive.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online and offer a variety of options depending on how often you want to attend and what you would like to do at the Western Idaho Fair. Ranging in price from $5 to $110, choose a single-day pass for a child, a family package, or a gate and carnival combo. Visit www.idahofair.com to select the deal that is best for your gang.
Explore Western Idaho Fair RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Wherever you are coming from, set the coordinates for fun. Your route may lead you on I-84, or you may take one of several connecting highways skirting the edges of National Forest lands. Traffic may be heavy and bottlenecked near the fairgrounds, so set the GPS and have a helpful navigator in the passenger seat. Once you approach the Western Idaho Fair, you cannot miss it. Look out for the Expo Idaho sign and head for the parking entrance.
Parking areas
Western Idaho Fair staff can direct you to the fairground parking lots. Hop on the RMT equipment tram which runs from the parking lots with several pick up and drop off locations. Take advantage and save your feet the extra mileage.
Public Transportation
Direct transport is not a viable option. The recommended way to get there if you are not driving is to take a bus to the nearest stop and then taxi or rideshare to the fairgrounds. Traffic is congested in the area on a busy fair day; it is best to take a safe method of travel and not walk on the connecting roads.
Where to stay
Onsite
There is no opportunity to camp on site at Western Idaho Fair. RVers can program the coordinates for campgrounds dotting the Garden City and Boise areas to find plenty of ideal locations for setting up camp. A week of tranquility will pair well with the excitement of the event.
Nearby
Nearby to the Western Idaho Fair, travelers can find pull-through sites to accommodate large rigs and full hookups for home away from home convenience, all within a ten to twenty-minute drive of the fair’s shopping and entertainment. If you are looking for a week in the wilderness or prefer a lakeside retreat, you may want to venture out about an hour’s drive to a neighboring forest or remote camping option.
Getting around
No vehicles of any kind, other than wheelchairs and strollers, are permitted within the fairgrounds. Bikes, scooters, roller blades, and similar modes of transport are not safe in a busy venue like the Western Idaho Fair. Wear your comfiest walking shoes.
What to pack
Clothing
Have every family member bring along a second pair of shoes to avoid tired, aching feet. A full and floppy hat that adequately covers the ears and neck is ideal for sun protection. Shorts and t-shirts will round out the fair apparel, and a light sweater should be included on the daily clothing list as well.
Gear
A water bottle that can be refilled is always a must. Sunglasses and a camera are all that you will need in addition to the water bottle. Keep it simple for the little ones so that they can manage their backpack on their own. Coolers can be left back at camp. Instead, sample the delicious fare on site.
Health & Safety
A wristband for children is available upon registration at the Found Kids booth. Instruct them to stay close to you, but in case of distraction that involves wandering off, a wristband will offer a sense of safety. Hand washing stations are found throughout the fair; use them every time you come in contact with animals or livestock.
Where to eat
Cooking
Western Idaho Fair is an event made for building appetites. Start the day with pancakes and sausages, grilled to perfection. Stock the camper with healthy snack food like fruit, yogurt, cheese, and crackers. An ideal meal after a long day at the fair includes veggie skewers, steaks, and roasted potatoes. Have plenty of foil on hand for easy foil packet dinners. Make sure the propane tank is full, and obey all campground rules when using open flames if allowed. Never leave the fire unattended.
Restaurants
Lovers of food will find many nationalities represented in Garden City and Boise restaurants. Thai, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, and Italian are just a few of the choices. Enjoy a hearty plate of spaghetti while the kids sample cheese pizza. Another evening, try spicy shrimp or a fondue.
Vendors
No fair is complete without fried fair food. French fries and chicken sticks are a family favorite, but if you’d rather try something new, don’t pass up the fried bread and maple bacon. Support local vendors when you buy traditional fair novelties like key chains and jewelry. ATMs are on site if you require extra cash.
Safety
Security
The Ada County Sheriff’s Department will ensure that the fair is a safe place to be. Anyone found to be disrupting the event will be promptly removed from the grounds. The Western Idaho Fair is a family-oriented event where rough behavior and public intoxication will not be tolerated.
Weather
August weather is ideal for fair-time fun. The temperatures can climb during the day, making a cool drink and a spot of shade an important necessity a few times a day. If a rain shower passes through, take shelter in one of the many exhibit barns and arenas. Check out the herb gardens, say hello to the horses, or watch the action in the show ring.
Medical
Service animals will need accompanying certification to enter the gates. The event is wheelchair-friendly, although they do not have any to rent. Emergency medical services are available; check the location on your fairgrounds map to familiarize yourself with how to get there quickly if needed.
