Spokane County Interstate Fair: Plan a Full Family Trip in One Weekend
Published September 1, 2026
Read time: 5 min
The Spokane County Interstate Fair runs September 11–20, 2026, with 10 days of concerts, carnival rides, livestock shows, and Grandstand spectacles. Rather than racing from barn to bumper cars before bedtime, build a full family weekend around the festivities. The fairgrounds sit right off I-90, just five minutes from most Spokane Valley hotels, giving your crew a comfortable, convenient place to rest between rodeos, rides, and repeat visits.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN 2026
This year’s fair celebrates its 75th anniversary, bringing an assortment of milestone moments and time-tested traditions together.
The schedule spans eight nights of Grandstand entertainment, including concerts, PRCA Rodeo performances, tractor pulls, and demolition derbies. Throughout the fair, families can also explore exhibitor halls, competitive displays, livestock barns, carnival attractions, and free performances on the North Stage.
You could squeeze the highlights into one hurried visit, but a two-day trip lets your family choose different Grandstand events, revisit favorite rides, and explore the agricultural exhibits without constantly checking the clock.
COUNTRY STARS & ROCK FAVORITES
Three consecutive concert nights bring a varied lineup to the Grandstand, giving parents and older kids plenty of reasons to stay past sunset.
On September 15, Gretchen Wilson and The Band Perry share the stage. Wilson brings the bold country sound behind “Redneck Woman,” while The Band Perry returns with new music and a catalog that includes the diamond-certified hit “If I Die Young.”
Daughtry takes over September 16. Fronted by Chris Daughtry, the Grammy-nominated rock band blends newer material with the radio-ready songs that have filled playlists since the mid-2000s. For parents who grew up with the group—and teens discovering them now—it promises a memorable night under the open sky.
Nate Smith closes the concert run on September 17. The fast-rising country artist pairs emotional storytelling with rock-driven energy, including the multi-platinum breakout single “Whiskey on You.”
All three concerts begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are sold separately from daily fair admission and range from $50–$85. Purchasing by September 10 can save you $2–$5 per ticket.
RODEOS, TRACTOR PULLS & DEMOLITION DERBIES
Opening weekend brings the PRCA Rodeo on September 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. each night. Barrel racing, bull riding, and roping events deliver fast-paced family entertainment—especially for children experiencing professional rodeo for the first time.
On September 18, trucks and tractors trade horsepower for pulling power. The final weekend then finishes with demolition derbies on September 19 and 20, filling the fairgrounds with crushing collisions and roaring crowds.
Tickets for the rodeo, tractor pull, and demolition derbies range from $10–$17, depending on the seating tier. Discounted pre-fair pricing is available through September 10.
MUTTON BUSTIN’, MIDWAY RIDES & LIVESTOCK
Some fair favorites require no spotlight.
Mutton Bustin’ runs throughout all 10 days and is included with fair admission. Young riders in helmets and protective vests hold tight as sheep sprint across the arena.
The Butler Amusements midway adds spinning rides, bright lights, and Kiddie Land attractions. Kiddie Land opens daily at noon, while the main carnival opens at 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon on weekends.
Families planning a ride-heavy day can purchase an unlimited ride bracelet in advance through participating Wheatland Bank branches. A $40 option includes fair admission, while a $35 bracelet covers rides only.
Beyond the midway, livestock exhibits showcase regional agriculture through 4-H and WSU Extension entries. Families can wander among cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, poultry, and horses while learning how local farms feed and shape the Inland Northwest.
Then comes the fair fare. Corn dogs, curly fries, funnel cakes, elephant ears, and other fried favorites make menu planning part of the tradition. The only real challenge is deciding which treat to share—and which one deserves its own order.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Daily gate admission costs $15 per adult Monday through Thursday and $17 Friday through Sunday. Children 6 and younger enter free, while youth ages 7–13 and seniors 65 and older pay $12.
Discounted tickets purchased by September 10 reduce adult admission to $11 and youth or senior admission to $9. Families can also watch for the 4-for-$40 bundle, available through September 10.
On-site parking costs $10 per vehicle per day. You can also park free at your Spokane Valley hotel and take the STA Shuttle for $5 off gate admission.
Planning on reentry? Get a hand stamp before leaving, return to your Spokane Valley hotel for naps or pool time, then head back for an evening concert or Grandstand event. On Fridays and Saturdays, the fair remains open until 10:30 p.m., leaving plenty of time for a refreshed return.
Special admission days include:
- September 11: Heroes Day, with free admission for military members, law enforcement officers, firefighters, hospital staff, and first responders with identification
- September 14: Free admission for guests 55 and older, plus $5 parking
- September 15: Sensory Day
- September 20: Free admission for school employees
MORE TO DO ACROSS THE INLAND NORTHWEST
A Spokane Valley stay places your family between downtown Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, creating countless ways to complement the fair.
About 15 minutes west, Riverfront Park offers open lawns, river views, and all-ages attractions. Float above Spokane Falls aboard the Numerica SkyRide, ride the hand-carved Looff Carrousel, or explore the Pavilion.
Green Bluff also reaches harvest season during September. Families can spend a relaxed morning picking apples or pears, visiting farm stands, and sampling seasonal sweets.
Closer to your hotel, the Spokane River Centennial Trail follows the river through Spokane Valley and into Idaho. Choose a short stroller-friendly stretch, rent bikes for a longer ride, or simply enjoy a quiet morning walk before the fair gates open.
Thirty minutes east, Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers narrated scenic trips through October. A calm cruise past waterfront landmarks and mountain scenery provides a peaceful counterpoint to the carnival’s constant motion.
MAKE SPOKANE VALLEY YOUR HOME BASE
Staying in Spokane Valley turns the 2026 Spokane County Interstate Fair into a relaxed getaway rather than a rushed day trip. Hotels sit along I-90, with free parking and easy access to attractions across the Inland Northwest.
Whether your family prefers a familiar national hotel, a spacious suite, or a comfortable independent stay, Spokane Valley offers lodging options for varied budgets and travel styles. Settle in for two or three nights, schedule the Grandstand events your crew cares about most, and leave room for riverside walks, regional day trips, and well-earned midday breaks.
