Bonneville County Idaho Fairgrounds Events
The Bonneville County Fairgrounds serves residents of Idaho Falls and the surrounding communities in eastern Idaho. Located at 1542 East 73rd South, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404, the grounds provide space for agricultural education, youth competitions, community gatherings, exhibitions, and the annual Bonneville County Fair.
The present fairgrounds occupy approximately 50 acres, acquired by the Bonneville County Fair Board in 2017 after the previous property on Rollandet could no longer accommodate the county’s needs. Following years of fundraising, planning, and construction, the first 4-H fair at the new location took place in 2019.
The grounds are managed by a volunteer Fair Board appointed by the Bonneville County Commissioners. The University of Idaho Extension office also operates from the county’s Education Building, supporting community education and youth development.
Agriculture remains central to the fair’s purpose. Livestock projects, animal care, practical skills, and 4-H participation connect young residents with the region’s agricultural traditions. The facilities also serve people who attend craft markets, equine activities, car shows, and other gatherings outside fair week.
Upcoming Events at Bonneville County Fairgrounds
The annual county fair is the main event on the Bonneville County calendar, but the grounds remain active at other times of the year. Agricultural programs, indoor markets, horse-related activities, and community events provide reasons to visit beyond the summer fair.
Events throughout the year
Events and activities associated with the grounds include:
- County fair and youth livestock exhibitions: Animal showcases, 4-H projects, and educational activities.
- Rods & Rigs Car Show: The 2026 event featured classic cars, custom vehicles, big rigs, a Show & Shine competition, and food trucks.
- Craft fairs and seasonal markets: Local makers offer handmade products, clothing, decorations, gifts, and other goods.
- Equine activities: Horse stalls and arena facilities support horse-related uses, subject to availability and event arrangements.
- Community gatherings and educational programs: Meeting rooms, classrooms, and event buildings can accommodate different kinds of organized activities.
The timing of individual events varies. Craft markets and outside events may be announced separately from the main fair schedule. Visitors should confirm dates before traveling, particularly during the quieter months.
Upcoming events in 2026 and 2027
The 2026 Bonneville County Fair ran from July 30 through August 6, 2026. Its theme celebrated America’s 250th birthday, and the program included live animal showcases, ranch roping, a community 5K, Cowboy Church, vendors, and the Rods & Rigs Car Show.
The official fair information now points visitors toward the 2027 fair. Exact dates, daily schedules, ticket arrangements, and entertainment details should be confirmed when the next program is published.
A seasonal market called the Merry Makers Market has also been advertised for November 20–21, 2026, at the grounds. Because outside event details can change, check with the event organizer before making plans.
The Bonneville County Fair
Fair week: Late July to early August
The Bonneville County Fair takes place in the summer. The 2026 edition ran from July 30 to August 6, giving visitors a useful indication of its seasonal timing, but those dates should not be assumed for 2027.
The fair combines youth development, agricultural education, community entertainment, and opportunities for local vendors. Its program is different from that of the larger Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot, which serves a broader region.
Livestock shows and competitive exhibits
Livestock is an important part of the Bonneville County Fair. The fair’s livestock program has included beef cattle, dairy cattle, dairy goats, market goats, sheep, swine, rabbits, and poultry.
Young exhibitors learn to feed and care for their animals, maintain project records, prepare for weigh-ins, and present livestock to judges. These responsibilities make the fair an educational experience as well as a public exhibition.
Open-class exhibits provide opportunities for residents who want to enter eligible work outside the youth livestock program. Categories and rules can vary by year, so prospective entrants should obtain the current fairbook before preparing an entry.
Carnival, food, and entertainment
The fair’s atmosphere can include food trucks, vendor booths, animal exhibits, and scheduled community activities. However, a full traveling carnival, a particular number of rides, wristband offers, and nightly grandstand shows should not be assumed unless they appear in that year’s program.
The 2026 schedule included ranch roping, Cowboy Church, a 5K fun run, and a car show. These activities demonstrate the mix of agricultural, family, and community interests represented at the fair.
Food trucks and other vendors offer visitors places to buy refreshments and meals. Specific menus, prices, operating hours, and nonprofit food stands depend on the participating vendors.
Youth programs and junior exhibitors
Bonneville County 4-H gives young people opportunities to develop skills in animal husbandry, equine activities, archery, cooking, sewing, crafts, art, and STEM projects. The fair gives participants a place to demonstrate what they have learned.
Livestock sales and auction arrangements, where offered, depend on the current rules and schedule. Families should check the fairbook for registration, weigh-in, eligibility, and sale information rather than relying on an earlier year’s timetable.
Admission prices, senior or child discounts, carnival packages, and parking charges also require confirmation for each year’s fair.
Facilities and Grounds
The 50-acre site was developed to give Bonneville County more room for youth programs, livestock, and public events. Its buildings serve different purposes, from animal housing to indoor gatherings and educational activities.
Exhibition buildings and event spaces
The grounds include a Melaleuca Event Center, Activity Center, Beef Pavilion or Beef Barn, Farm Bureau Livestock Barn, Swine Barn, Carriage House, commercial kitchen, classroom, conference room, and picnic shelter. Bank of Commerce Arenas and Westmark horse stalls support equine and arena-related activities.
The Farm Bureau Livestock Barn has approximately 15,000 square feet of space and a listed occupancy of 500. Its features include a dirt floor, circulation fans, cement stalls, livestock panels, and large overhead doors. The Swine Barn has 96 stalls measuring 7 by 7 feet, making it suitable for smaller livestock such as swine, sheep, and goats.
Facility availability, seasonal restrictions, rental prices, and occupancy rules depend on the space and intended use.
Camping, parking, and accessibility
The grounds offer overnight horse boarding, but visitors should not assume that this means general RV or tent camping is available. Confirm camping arrangements directly with the fairgrounds before bringing a recreational vehicle.
Parking locations and capacity can vary with the event. Drivers should follow event-day signs and staff directions. Information about designated accessible parking, paved routes, restroom access, and other accommodations should be confirmed with the office if a visitor has specific mobility needs.
On-site amenities also vary by event. Ask the organizer about restrooms, concessions, first aid, cashless payment options, and other facilities before arrival.
Bonneville County Idaho Fairgrounds Events highlight local exhibitions, agricultural activities, and community celebrations in eastern Idaho. Readers interested in northern Idaho can continue with Bonner County Idaho Fairgrounds Events to research local fairs and regional community gatherings.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Commercial vendors
Local businesses, makers, and food vendors can inquire about participating in the county fair or renting space for other events. Applications generally require details about the business, merchandise or menu, requested space, equipment, and any utility requirements.
Vendor placement, setup times, fees, insurance requirements, and application deadlines are event-specific. Applicants should wait for confirmation from the fair office before assuming that space has been reserved.
Competitive exhibits and livestock entries
Residents interested in entering livestock or open-class exhibits should review the relevant year’s rules and premium book. Livestock participants may need to complete project registration before specified weigh-in dates. Animal health, identification, age, and handling requirements may also apply.
For current information, contact the fairgrounds office at (208) 520-9473 or email [email protected]. The county’s 4-H office can help with youth project participation and related educational programs.
Getting to Bonneville County Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds are located at 1542 East 73rd South, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404, in the southern part of the Idaho Falls area near the Sandy Downs vicinity.
Visitors traveling from downtown Idaho Falls should plan their route using East 73rd South and the surrounding local road network. The site is also accessible to residents coming from Ammon, Iona, and other communities in Bonneville County.
Because road approaches and traffic controls can change during major events, use a current navigation service to plan the drive. Allow extra time during fair week, when livestock trailers, vendors, and visitor traffic may increase congestion.
Public transportation and special fair shuttles should not be assumed to serve the entrance. Check with the event organizer for any announced shuttle service, designated rideshare drop-off points, or temporary parking arrangements.
4-H and FFA at Bonneville County Fairgrounds
Bonneville County 4-H and the University of Idaho Extension office play an important role in youth activities at the fairgrounds. The programs help participants build practical skills through supervised projects, competitions, educational sessions, and community involvement.
Livestock projects can teach young people animal care, feeding, recordkeeping, show preparation, and responsibility. Other 4-H activities include archery, crafts, sewing, cooking, STEM, art, and equine projects.
Future and current exhibitors should contact the Extension office to learn about enrollment, project requirements, and fair registration. FFA participation depends on eligible students, school chapters, and the applicable fair rules. A current list of participating chapters should be verified rather than assumed.
When a junior livestock auction is scheduled, buyers may have an opportunity to support youth exhibitors by purchasing animals or participating under the published sale rules. Sale dates, bidding procedures, payment arrangements, and how proceeds are handled should be confirmed with the livestock committee for that year.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
The fairgrounds can host a variety of events beyond its main summer celebration.
- Craft and holiday markets: Seasonal gatherings give local makers opportunities to sell handmade goods, gifts, clothing, and decorations.
- Car shows: The Rods & Rigs event brings vehicle enthusiasts together for displays and judging.
- Horse-related activities: Available horse stalls and arena spaces can support eligible equine events and boarding arrangements.
- Educational programs: The Extension office uses the site for community learning and other activities.
- Private and community functions: Meeting rooms, event centers, and other rentable facilities can accommodate suitable gatherings.
Gun shows, demolition derbies, motocross events, tractor pulls, and other specialized activities should not be treated as confirmed fixtures unless announced for a particular date. Event listings can change from year to year.
History of Bonneville County Fairgrounds
The current fairgrounds reflect the growth of Bonneville County and the need for more space for agricultural education and public activities.
The former fairgrounds occupied about five acres near Rollandet Street and Tautphaus Park in Idaho Falls. As the county’s programs expanded, the property became too small for growing 4-H participation, animal housing, parking, and larger gatherings.
The Fair Board acquired approximately 50 acres in 2017 and began developing the new site. After extensive fundraising and construction, the first 4-H fair at the new location took place in 2019. The larger property created room for additional facilities and more youth participation.
Today, the volunteer-led operation continues to support agricultural traditions while making space for community events throughout the year. Its history is largely one of local investment, volunteer work, and efforts to provide growing numbers of young people with educational opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bonneville County Fair in 2027?
The next fair is scheduled for 2027, but its exact dates should be confirmed through the fair’s current annual announcement. The 2026 fair ran from July 30 through August 6.
What time does Bonneville County Fairgrounds open?
Opening times depend on the event. Contact the fair office or check the applicable event schedule before visiting, as general facility hours may differ from public event hours.
Is there camping at Bonneville County Fairgrounds?
Do not assume general RV or tent camping is available. The grounds offer overnight horse boarding, but visitors should confirm recreational camping arrangements directly with the office.
How do I enter livestock in the Bonneville County Fair?
Start with Bonneville County 4-H or the fair’s livestock committee. Check the current fairbook for enrollment, registration deadlines, weigh-ins, animal health rules, and exhibitor eligibility.
Are dogs allowed at Bonneville County Fairgrounds?
Pet rules may vary by event and by whether animals are participating in an official activity. Confirm the current policy before bringing a dog. Do not assume that pets are permitted in livestock areas.
Where do I park at Bonneville County Fairgrounds?
Follow event-day signs and staff directions to the designated parking areas. Confirm accessible parking arrangements with the office if needed, and allow additional time during major events.
Who do I contact to rent Bonneville County Fairgrounds?
Contact the fairgrounds office at (208) 520-9473 or [email protected] to ask about availability, rental rates, occupancy limits, and reservation requirements.
How much does it cost to attend the Bonneville County Fair?
Admission and parking prices can change annually. Check the current fair announcement for ticket prices, discounts, special admission days, and any additional charges.
Can I rent a livestock barn outside fair week?
Yes, certain livestock facilities are available for seasonal rental, subject to availability and their individual terms. The Farm Bureau Livestock Barn and Swine Barn have published rental options for May through October; confirm current prices and restrictions before booking.
How can I become a vendor at the fair?
Ask the fair office for the current commercial vendor application. Confirm booth availability, fees, setup times, utility arrangements, and deadlines before making plans.
Are there events at the fairgrounds outside the summer fair?
Yes. The grounds host or accommodate activities such as craft markets, car shows, equine events, educational programs, and community gatherings. Individual dates and availability vary.
Is Bonneville County Fair the same as Eastern Idaho State Fair?
No. Bonneville County Fair is held at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds in Idaho Falls. The Eastern Idaho State Fair is a separate, regional fair held in Blackfoot.
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