What the Eastern Idaho State Fair Is
The Eastern Idaho State Fair is a nine-day fair in Blackfoot that started in 1902 as a livestock show and now draws more than 250,000 visitors. The 2026 fair, the 124th edition, ran September 4-12 under the theme "Red, White and Blue Jeans," tied to America's 250th anniversary. It mixes nightly grandstand shows, a pro rodeo, a carnival, more than 270 food and commercial vendors, and competitive exhibits in livestock, fine arts, baking and needlecraft. It opens the Friday before Labor Day, and the 2027 fair is set for September 3-11, the 125th year.
The 2026 fair counted 253,906 guests, the fifth straight year attendance topped 250,000. The fair also hosted the National Indian Relay Championships, with 23 teams racing over five days.
The Grandstand Lineup
| Night | Show |
|---|---|
| Fri., Sept. 4 | Flo Rida (opening night) |
| Sat., Sept. 5 | Bull Riding Championships |
| Sun., Sept. 6 | Western Truck and Tractor Pull |
| Mon.-Wed., Sept. 7-9 | Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo (three nights) |
| Thu., Sept. 10 | Gabriel Iglesias (comedy) |
| Fri., Sept. 11 | Nate Smith (country) |
| Sat., Sept. 12 | Demolition Derby (closing night) |
Tickets for the three concert and comedy nights started at $55. Each grandstand ticket includes free fair gate admission on the day of the show. Tickets are sold through etix.com or the fair's ticket office at 208-269-7023.
Ways to Enter as an Exhibitor
Entries are open to anyone unless a department says otherwise. Competitive departments include livestock (cattle, horses, and small stock such as pigeons, poultry and rabbits) and Home Arts: Agriculture and Horticulture, Antiques, Baking, Canning, Flowers, Hobbies and Crafts, Needlecraft, Native American, plus Fine Arts and Photography. Entry forms are at funatthefair.com under Join In, then Exhibitors. Use a separate form for each exhibitor and each department.
How It Works: The Timeline
- Livestock entries for the 2026 fair were due Friday, August 21 at 5:00 p.m. Late entries could carry a $10 fee each.
- Deliver animals on the date in each department's rules; no reminders are mailed. Feed and bedding must be unloaded, and vehicles out of the barn area, by 9:30 a.m. daily.
- Stalls must be cleaned by 8:00 a.m. daily and kept clean from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the fair.
- Livestock cannot be released before 6:00 p.m. on the last Saturday (September 12).
- Home Arts exhibits are picked up on the Sunday after the fair (September 13) from 10:00 a.m.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Livestock exhibitors must be the legal owners of their animals; transferring ownership to enter disqualifies the animal from premiums.
- Most livestock exhibitors (not pigeon, poultry or rabbit) must complete a W-9 before competing.
- Out-of-state livestock need a health certificate issued within 30 days of entry; out-of-state horses also need a negative Coggins test within six months of the fair opening.
- Junior divisions are limited to 12 entries per department per exhibitor.
- A class needs at least three entries from separate exhibitors to pay a premium, and no one can receive more than two premiums in a class.
- Cosmetic alteration of animals is prohibited; unauthorized drugs mean forfeited awards and a ban. Straw is not allowed in barns, and the fair supplies first bedding.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
Home Arts entries cost $1.00 each for the first four items, or $5.00 per page of 12 items per department. Livestock fees are listed in each department's special rules. Shavings are $12 per bag at the Livestock Office, and the protest deposit is $50. Ribbons run from a purple rosette for champion and lavender for reserve, through blue (first), red, white, pink, yellow, and two greens. Home Arts, pigeon, poultry and rabbit cash premiums are paid at the Premium Booth on Park Street, September 7-12 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with photo ID. Livestock premium checks are mailed by September 30 and must be cashed within 90 days.
Where
The fairgrounds main office is at 97 Park Street, Blackfoot, ID 83221, by Main Gate No. 1. Livestock trailers should enter the P4 lot through Gate No. 4 (US Highway 91 and Highland Drive) for 15-minute loading and unloading only; semis and trailers park on Royal Street west of Northwest Gate No. 6.
Questions
Who do I call?
The main office is 208-785-2480. The Livestock Office is 208-269-7027 (or 208-785-2480, extension 112).
What if I enter but do not show?
Exhibitors who enter and do not show forfeit the entry fee and exhibitor tickets, unless written notice is approved by the Fair Manager by 5:00 p.m. the day before.
Official Links
- 2026 General Rules (PDF)
- Idaho Falls Magazine: grandstand lineup
- East Idaho News: attendance and 2027 dates
- Idaho Falls Magazine: fair guide
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
- Western Truck and Tractor Pulls at the Eastern Idaho State Fair
Truck and tractor pull competition staged in Blackfoot as part of the Eastern Idaho State Fair grandstand lineup. Held each year; the most recent date was September 6, 2026.
Blackfoot, ID Official event details - Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo
Professional rodeo performance held during the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot. Held each year; the most recent date was September 7, 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.