The Western Idaho Fair is back for 10 days of carnival rides, fair food, concerts, animals and entertainment at Expo Idaho.The 2026 fair runs from Friday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 30, at Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenwood St. in Boi se.From the Flying Pig Races and high-diving shows to livestock competitions and five nights of Grandstand concerts, here is what you need to know before heading to the fair.Watch below for a look at the final preparations underway before the Western Idaho Fair opens on Friday The work before the fun: Western Idaho Fair prepares for opening day2026 Grandstand concertsFive concerts are scheduled during this year's fair, and general admission to each show is included with fair admission. Reserved seating and other upgraded options are available separately. Grandstand gates open at 6 p.m., with concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m.Monday, Aug. 24: Brantley GilbertTuesday, Aug. 25: SkilletWednesday, Aug. 26: Third Eye BlindThursday, Aug. 27: The Art of Rap featuring Ice-T with DJ Evil E, Sir Mix-A-Lot, DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell, hosted by Mick BenzoFriday, Aug. 28: Lee BriceGrandstand concert information and ticketsWhat you'll find throughout the fairButler Carnival and Cowtown are scheduled throughout all 10 days. The fair also has a packed rotation of free entertainment, including Aces Flying Pig Races, Dinos Dragons, Off Axis Stunt Show, Off Axis High Dive, Chris Mabrey the hypnotist, Fairly Bigfoot, Adam the Great, Violin on Fire and the Kid's Pedal Tractor Pull.Agriculture remains a major part of the fair, with 4-H and FFA competitions, horse shows, cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, llamas, alpacas and other exhibits scheduled throughout the 10 days.HoursThe fair opens at noon on weekdays and 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It closes at 11 p.m. each night except the final Sunday, when it closes at 10 p.m.Tickets and carnival ridesAdvance admission through Aug. 20 costs $10 for adults ages 12-61, $8 for children ages 6-11 and $9 for adults 62 and older. Children 5 and younger get in free. Advance unlimited carnival wristbands cost $35.Wristbands provide unlimited rides for one day at Butler Carnival, including the Skyride, but do not include carnival games.Western Idaho Fair ticketsDaily highlightsFriday, Aug. 21 Opening dayThe fair kicks off with 'Free Admission with Donation' Day.Entertainment includes Chris Mabrey at 1:30 p.m., Dinos Dragons at 1:30 p.m., the first Flying Pig Race at 3 p.m., Off Axis High Dive at 3:30 p.m. and additional performances throughout the afternoon and evening.Livestock events include rabbit, dog, cattle, sheep, swine, llama and alpaca competitions. A llama and alpaca costume contest is scheduled for 7 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 22Saturday brings a full slate of entertainment along with a Kids Market, livestock competitions, a tractor driving contest and Culinary 101 class.The 2026 Beer of the Year Tasting is scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by a Paint Sip at 6 p.m. and the Battle of the Boots Line Dance Competition at 6:30 p.m.Sunday, Aug. 23 Armed Forces DaySunday is Armed Forces Day at the fair. The morning begins with the Pancakes Peaches Fundraiser Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.The Idaho Liberty Bell Tour and Oscar Mayer Wienermobile are scheduled to arrive at 11 a.m. Other attractions include Flying Pig Races, Dinos Dragons, Off Axis High Dive and several livestock shows.Monday, Aug. 24 Pink Out Day and Brantley GilbertMonday is also Pink Out for Breast Cancer Prevention, presented by St. Alphonsus.Fair entertainment begins in the afternoon, with Flying Pig Races, Dinos Dragons, Off Axis shows and more.Country singer Brantley Gilbert takes the Grandstand stage at 7:30 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 25 $2 Tuesday and SkilletTuesday is $2 Tuesday, one of the fair's daily promotional events.The day also includes horse competitions, the 4-H/FFA Small Animal Round Robin and the 4-H/FFA Market Livestock Sale at 6 p.m.Rock band Skillet performs at 7:30 p.m.Wednesday, Aug. 26 Clock Out for Lunch Day and Third Eye BlindWednesday is Clock Out for Lunch Day, which included free admission from noon to 2 p.m.Entertainment includes the Flying Pig Races, Off Axis shows, Dinos Dragons, hypnotist Chris Mabrey and Dan Meyer, a sword swallower. Third Eye Blind performs at the Grandstand at 7:30 p.m.Idaho News 6 will also have a booth at the fair throughout the day Wednesday, so stop by and say hello to our team. Some of our reporters will also take part in a Fair Food Relay at noon.Thursday, Aug. 27 BOGO Thursday and The Art of RapThursday is BOGO Thursday, with a buy-one-get-one admission promotion.Events include Paint Sip, Flying Pig Races, high diving, a sword swallower, the Light Horse Drill Team Competition and dairy goat milking contests.At 7:30 p.m., The Art of Rap featuring Ice-T with DJ Evil E, Sir Mix-A-Lot, DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell, hosted by Mick Benzo takes over the Grandstand.Friday, Aug. 28 Student Savings Day and Lee BriceFriday is Student Savings Day.Agricultural events include sheep, horse, cattle, draft horse and dairy goat competitions. The evening lineup also includes the Mustang Challenge and Draft Horse Log Pulling.A Lee Brice pre-party begins at 5:30 p.m. before Lee Brice performs at 7:30 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 29 STEM DaySTEM Day presented by Micron begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The day's agricultural schedule includes dairy goats, sheep, dairy cattle, rabbits, draft horses and more.Later in the day, fairgoers can catch the Flying Pig Races, sword swallower Dan Meyer, Dinos Dragons and Off Axis shows. Sheep Dog Trials begin at 6 p.m., followed by a Swing Dance Competition at 6:30 p.m.Sunday, Aug. 30 Final dayThe final day starts with dairy goat and Sheep Dog competitions at 8 a.m., followed by horse, rabbit, and goat shows.Entertainment continues throughout the afternoon and evening with Flying Pig Races, the Kid's Pedal Tractor Pull, Dinos Dragons, Off Axis High Dive and Stunt Shows, Fairly Bigfoot, and more. The fair closes for the year at 10 p.m.See the complete Western Idaho Fair scheduleThis story has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. ...read more read less