The annual Bonner County Fair returns to Sandpoint next week, bringing five days of livestock competitions, carnival-style fun, and rodeo events to the fairgrounds at 4203 North Boyer Rd. from Tuesday, Aug. 18 through Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
Admission to the fair is free, making it one of North Idaho’s most accessible community events of the summer. Gates open at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with the fairgrounds open until 10 p.m. each evening.
Something for Every Age
Families can expect a full slate of traditional fair activities, including bounce houses, hay bale mazes, caricature artists, and a mix of educational booths and vendors. Food options will be available throughout the week alongside quirky crowd-pleasing contests — including a tractor-driving competition, an ice cream-eating contest, and a beard, mustache, and mullet competition.
4-H members and local farmers will be on hand to present and sell animals, including cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits — a reminder of the agricultural roots that have long defined Bonner County’s identity. Local community radio station KRFY 88.5 FM will broadcast live from the fairgrounds throughout the week.
For visitors interested in a community story of a different kind, the North Idaho Teen who completed an Eagle Scout Project honoring his sister’s memory reflects the same spirit of local pride and service that events like the county fair have long celebrated.
Nightly Events and Rodeo Action
The fair’s evening schedule features a strong lineup of equestrian and livestock competitions, most of them free to attend.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 kicks things off with Stock Dog Fun Day at 6 p.m. — a free event showcasing working dogs herding livestock. Wednesday, Aug. 19 brings barrel racing at 7 p.m., also free. On Thursday, Aug. 20, ranch sorting begins at 5:30 p.m. at no charge.
The weekend events require tickets at $26 each. Friday, Aug. 21 features Ranch Bronc Riding at 7 p.m., and the fair closes out Saturday, Aug. 22 with the always-popular Bonner County Brawl Demolition Derby, also at 7 p.m. Tickets for both events are available at bonnercountyfair.com.
If you’re looking for more summer entertainment in the area, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Game Show at Circle Moon Theater is also running for a second summer season.
What Comes Next
The Bonner County Fair runs Aug. 18 through Aug. 22 at the fairgrounds on North Boyer Road in Sandpoint. Most activities and evening events are free; ticketed shows are $26 per person. Residents planning to attend the demolition derby or ranch bronc riding are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at bonnercountyfair.com before they sell out.