What the Bannock County Fair and Rodeo Is
The Bannock County Fair and Rodeo is a six-day small-town fair at the Bannock County Fairgrounds in Downey, in Marsh Valley. In 2026 it runs Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8 under the theme "Wild West Round-up." The week combines 4-H and FFA exhibits and livestock competitions with rodeo, horse pulls, motocross, a community parade, a car show and family activities, and closes with the livestock auction on Saturday.
Ways to Take Part
| Event | What to know |
|---|---|
| 4-H and FFA livestock | Livestock competitions and exhibits through the week, ending with the auction and release of livestock and ribbon projects on Saturday |
| Kids Rodeo | Monday. A calf scramble at 7 p.m. for ages 13 to 17 is new in 2026; the winner keeps a calf valued at about $2,000 |
| Ranch rodeo | Tuesday, with 10 teams in 2026, up from five the year before |
| Rodeo | The annual rodeo |
| Contests | Past years have included an Ag Feud for teams of four, a Junior Horse Show, a surfboard contest, seashell art and coloring contests, and a scavenger hunt |
What Happens During the Week
- Monday, August 3: Skip Ewing performs at 5:30 p.m. and the Kids Rodeo includes the new calf scramble at 7 p.m.
- Tuesday: the ranch rodeo.
- Thursday: Keagan Park and Layne Bowen perform.
- Friday: Dawson Moon and the Aaron Ball Band play after the rodeo.
- Saturday, August 8: a new monster truck show, the car show and the livestock auction.
- Water games are planned throughout the week because of the heat.
How a Typical Fair Week Runs
The 2024 edition shows the rhythm. It opened with team penning, sorting and branding on Sunday, a free potato bar on Monday, the parade at 6:30 p.m. and mini monster trucks on Wednesday, and rodeo at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday with Mutton Bustin' at 7:00 p.m. Saturday started with an FFA breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., then the car show, the livestock auction, a trash car race at 6:00 p.m., and release of livestock and ribbon projects at 3:00 p.m. That year the Extreme Ranch Rodeo was for teams of four with a $500 entry fee, and the Junior Horse Show required pre-entry and charged $2 per class.
Fees
In 2024, tickets were $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 12, and free for ages 5 and under. The 2026 fair book on the Bannock County Fairgrounds page has the current entry details and prices.
Where
Bannock County Fairgrounds, Downey, Idaho. The fair office number is 208-317-5424. Motorcycles are not allowed on the grounds during fair week.
Questions
Is there a rodeo and when?
Yes. The rodeo is the headline event, with a ranch rodeo on Tuesday and the Kids Rodeo on Monday in 2026.
When is the livestock sale?
The livestock auction is held on the final Saturday of the fair.
When can I pick up my 4-H or ribbon projects?
In 2024, livestock and ribbon projects were released at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Official Links
- Bannock County Fairgrounds: fair book and event information
- East Idaho News: Bannock County Fair returns to Downey: 2026 attractions and entertainment
- 2024 Bannock County Fair info book: contests, fees, schedule
Idaho County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Idaho county fairs run from Lincoln County's July 20 to 25 fair to Nez Perce County's September 24 to 27 fair in 2026, with the Western Idaho Fair in Boise August 21 to 30, per RMAF listings. Dates may change.
Livestock shows
The Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot ran September 4 to 12, 2026, and hosts the state 4-H livestock judging contest, per the fair listing.
Ownership and entries
Statewide 4-H minimums are 70 days for lambs and goats, 100 for hogs and 150 for beef, per 4-H policies. The Western Idaho Fair's entries were due July 31, with a $50 late fee.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book, weigh-in dates and sale rules.
Weights, residency and sale rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Idaho County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Eastern Idaho Ag Expo
Winter agricultural trade show at the ICCU Dome on the Idaho State University campus, with more than 150 exhibiting companies and a potato industry focus on the final days. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 20-22, 2026.
- Idaho Potato Conference
Annual University of Idaho potato industry conference at the Pond Student Union on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello, held alongside the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 21-22, 2026.
- Nez Perce County Farm Bureau Annual Banquet
Evening banquet for Nez Perce County Farm Bureau members at a Lewiston steakhouse on November 11, 2026.
2305 Nez Perce Dr, Lewiston, ID 83501 | Organizer: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Official event details - Idaho County Farm Bureau Annual Banquet
Prairie farm and ranch families meet at the Cottonwood Community Hall for the Idaho County Farm Bureau banquet on November 12, 2026.
Cottonwood, ID | Organizer: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Official event details - Valley-Adams County Farm Bureau Board Meeting
Board meeting for the Valley-Adams County Farm Bureau at the McCall insurance office on November 12, 2026.
401 S 3rd St, McCall, ID 83638 | Organizer: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.