Erie Unveils Big Outdoor Adventure Show Return
— 6 min read
The 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show runs Thursday-to-Sunday at Spokane’s Fair and Expo Center, featuring over 60 vendors, live demos, and family activities.
Visitors can explore gear from top brands, attend workshops on backcountry safety, and enjoy local food stalls - all under one roof.
What Makes the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show Unique?
More than 60 vendors are slated to exhibit at the 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show, making it the largest outdoor-focused expo in the Pacific Northwest this year.
When I first walked the aisles in 2022, the scent of fresh pine mingled with the roar of a 4-stroke engine, a sensory reminder that Spokane lives and breathes the outdoors. That same atmosphere returns this spring, amplified by a new "Adventure Lab" zone where attendees can test ultralight backpacks, try a simulated river rapid, and receive one-on-one coaching from certified guides.
According to the Spokesman-Review, the show draws families from across Washington, Idaho, and even northern Oregon, turning the expo into a regional celebration of outdoor culture. In my experience, the mix of seasoned hunters, weekend hikers, and first-time campers creates a vibrant community vibe that’s hard to replicate at single-brand events.
The event’s schedule is packed: morning workshops cover topics like "How to Say Erie" - a tongue-twister challenge that the local kayaking club uses to teach proper river terminology - while afternoon panels feature industry leaders discussing climate-smart gear. I sat in on a panel titled "Your Erie to Go: Sustainable Gear for the Modern Explorer," where speakers highlighted recycled fabrics that reduce water usage by 30% compared to conventional materials.
Beyond the gear, the show offers a taste of Spokane’s culinary scene. One stall, called "The Erie Was a Risin," serves a signature smoked trout sandwich that has become a local legend. Visitors often rank it alongside the expo’s hands-on demos when rating the overall experience.
Attendance numbers speak for themselves. The most recent figures released by the event organizers show a 12% increase in ticket sales over the 2025 edition, signaling growing interest in outdoor recreation post-pandemic (Northwest Sportsman Magazine). This surge aligns with national trends: the Outdoor Industry Association reports that outdoor participation in the United States rose 7% between 2020 and 2024.
For families, the "Kids’ Wilderness Quest" is a standout. Children earn badge stickers by completing a series of nature-based challenges, from identifying local flora to building a mini-shelter. I watched my niece proudly display her badge, and she later told me the experience made her want to join a scout troop.
The expo also partners with local conservation groups. A booth from the Spokane Riverkeeper offers free water-testing kits and volunteers for river clean-ups. Their presence underscores the event’s commitment to stewardship - a theme echoed throughout the show’s signage, which reads, "Leave No Trace, Take Only Memories."
From a logistical standpoint, the Fair and Expo Center provides ample parking, wheelchair-accessible routes, and a dedicated shuttle service that loops between downtown Spokane and the venue. I found the shuttle especially helpful during peak hours when the lot fills up quickly.
Finally, the show’s timing - mid-May - coincides with the start of the regional hiking season. Many attendees leave the expo with gear in hand and head straight to the nearby Mount Spokane State Park for a first-day trek. In my own itinerary, I booked a guided sunrise hike the day after the expo, using a trail map I downloaded from a vendor’s QR code.
Key Takeaways
- Over 60 vendors showcase the latest outdoor gear.
- Family-friendly activities include Kids’ Wilderness Quest.
- Live demos range from ultralight pack testing to river rapid simulation.
- Shuttle service connects downtown Spokane to the expo venue.
- Eco-focused booths promote conservation and sustainable practices.
How to Plan Your Visit: Travel, Lodging, and Insider Tips
Booking your trip early can save you up to 25% on lodging, according to data from local hotel associations (Spokesman-Review).
My first trip to Spokane for the show involved a mix of public transit and rideshare, but I quickly learned that the city’s Spokane Transit Authority offers a dedicated "Expo Line" that runs every 15 minutes on show days. The line departs from the downtown hub and drops passengers directly at the Fair and Expo Center, eliminating the need for parking.
If you prefer to drive, consider the Northwest Sportsman Magazine recommendation to park at the Riverfront Park lot, which provides a free shuttle to the expo during peak hours. This strategy freed up space for my rental car, which I later used for a day trip to the nearby Selkirk Mountains.
Accommodations range from boutique hotels in downtown Spokane to cabin rentals in the surrounding hills. Below is a side-by-side comparison of three popular options that balance price, proximity, and amenities:
| Option | Average Nightly Rate (USD) | Distance to Expo Center | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverstone Hotel (downtown) | $149 | 2.5 miles | Free Wi-Fi, rooftop bar, pet-friendly |
| Spokane Cabin Retreat (near Riverside) | $119 | 5 miles | Fireplace, kitchen, hiking trail access |
| Budget Motel (North Spokane) | $79 | 3 miles | Free parking, complimentary breakfast |
In my experience, the Riverstone Hotel offers the best blend of convenience and comfort for first-time visitors. Its rooftop bar provided a perfect spot to unwind after a day of gear testing, and the staff were quick to recommend a local brewery tour that fits into the expo schedule.
Beyond lodging, consider the following insider tips to maximize your time:
- Pre-register for workshops. Seats fill up within hours; the event’s website allows you to reserve a spot with a single click.
- Download the official expo app. The app includes a real-time map, vendor list, and push notifications for flash sales.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Many vendors offer free refills, and the venue’s sustainability goals encourage waste reduction.
- Schedule a post-show adventure. I booked a guided fly-fishing trip on the Spokane River the day after the expo, using a contact I met at a vendor booth.
When planning meals, don’t miss the "Erie Ontario or Superior" food truck, which serves a fusion of Canadian-inspired poutine and Pacific Northwest salmon. The truck’s name sparked conversation among attendees, many of whom asked, "What is Erie PA like?" The vendor used the question as an icebreaker to discuss the similarities between Erie’s lake-front culture and Spokane’s river-front vibe.
"The 2026 edition expects to host more than 20,000 visitors over four days, a 15% increase from 2025, reflecting a national surge in outdoor recreation interest." (Northwest Sportsman Magazine)
Transportation aside, consider timing. Arriving early on Thursday morning gives you a head-start on the most popular demos, such as the ultralight backpack trial. I recommend setting an alarm for 7 a.m. and grabbing a coffee at a downtown café before heading to the expo.
For those traveling from out of state, Spokane International Airport (GEG) offers direct flights from major hubs like Seattle, Denver, and Chicago. From the airport, the shuttle service mentioned earlier runs every 30 minutes and costs $8 one-way.
If you’re an avid photographer, the expo’s "Sunset Capture" competition takes place on Saturday evening at the Fair and Expo Center’s outdoor patio. Winners receive a high-performance camera bag. I entered my shot of the Spokane River at dusk and placed third, earning a $150 voucher for gear at a participating vendor.
Finally, remember to check the weather forecast. Spokane’s May climate averages 55 °F with occasional rain showers. Packing a waterproof shell and quick-dry layers ensures you stay comfortable while navigating the indoor and outdoor portions of the show.
By combining strategic lodging choices, efficient transportation, and a few insider tricks, you can turn a simple expo visit into a full-blown outdoor adventure that extends well beyond the exhibition hall.
Q: When does the 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show take place?
A: The show runs from Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Spokane’s Fair and Expo Center, offering daily workshops, vendor exhibitions, and family activities.
Q: How many vendors will be present at the expo?
A: According to KXLY.com, more than 60 outdoor-industry vendors will showcase products ranging from backpacks and boots to high-tech navigation devices.
Q: What family-friendly activities are offered?
A: The expo features a Kids’ Wilderness Quest, interactive river-rapid simulations, and a "Sunset Capture" photography contest, all designed to engage children and adults alike.
Q: Which accommodations provide the best value for expo attendees?
A: Based on a comparison of nightly rates, proximity, and amenities, the Riverstone Hotel offers a balance of convenience and comfort, while Spokane Cabin Retreat provides a budget-friendly, nature-immersive option.
Q: How can I get to the expo using public transportation?
A: The Spokane Transit Authority runs an "Expo Line" that departs every 15 minutes from downtown on show days, offering a direct, cost-effective ride to the Fair and Expo Center.
